What's on this week: 15 March

The Odyssey is known for its length. The title of Homer’s magnum opus has even entered the pop lexicon as shorthand for any extended journey. KVS director Michael De Cock has embraced this fact in his marathon 24-hour stage production of the ancient epic poem. Although the text is adapted to metered but colloquial Dutch, De Cock’s Odysseus, A Wanderer Comes Home makes no concessions to brevity. It stars a tag-team cast of 24 actors as protagonist Odysseus, whose journey home from the Trojan War is frustrated by obstacles of every stripe. (In Dutch, no surtitles) 24 March, 19.00
KVS, Brussels

America’s most famous drag queen, RuPaul, hits the road with her reality TV sensation Drag Race for a 16-date world tour starring everyone’s favourite queens. The live extravaganza is hosted by Drag Race lauraeates Bianca Del Rio, Michelle Visage and Shangela and features performances by series alumni Alaska Thunderfuck, Alyssa Edwards, Detox, Latrice Royale and Willam as well as newcomers from the show’s ninth season. Shangela touts the cast as “the most outrageous and talented collection of queens that have ever toured together”. Antwerp is the tour’s only Belgian stop. 15 June, 20.00, Stadsschouwburg, Antwerp

Saint Patrick’s Day is upon us, and that can only mean one thing: a grand parade. Brussels’ annual procession, organised by the Irish in Europe Association, has become a local tradition among expats and natives alike. This year’s parade is led by the Brussels Caledonian Corneymusers pipe band and boasts delegations from loads of cultural and sports organisations. A Irish breakfast precedes the event at the Old Oak pub. For those who want to celebrate on the day itself, the association also hosts a lunchtime concert by vocalist Keith Paton and pianist Dénes Dosztán on 17 March at wine bar Gourmand. 19 March, 13.00, Jubelpark, Brussels

Euphony: Pop, jazz and gospel music by the vocal group, featuring pianist Anne Wolf, with proceeds going to Refugees Are Not Alone to help fund integration efforts. 18 March 20.00-22.00, Hotel Communale, Paul Hymanslaan 2, Brussels

Springtij: Free cultural festival for kids featuring theatre, exhibitions, workshops, readings, beach sports, an Easter egg hunt and more. 1-17 April 11.00-19.00, Achturenplein, Ostend

The Way She Dies: A co-production between Flemish theatre group Stan and Portugal’s Teatro Nacional about how a book like Anna Karenina has the power to change lives, for better or for worse. (In English and French with surtitles in Dutch and French) 20-22 April 20.30, Kaaitheater, Sainctelettesquare 20, Brussels

Ontroerend Goed trilogy: Ghent’s renowned youth theatre company celebrates its 15th anniversary with a unique trilogy, starting with A History of Everything, in collaboration with the Sydney Theatre Company. (In English) 21-23 March, KVS, Arduinkaai 7, Brussels

The Art of Listening: Series of talks featuring musicologists, philosophers, artists, psychologists and neuroscientists, who take turns exploring what it means to listen and how we listen. (Two in English, one in French). Until 18 May 12.30-13.30, Muntpunt, Munt 6, Brussels

Contour: Biennial of the Moving Image: Mechelen’s biennial art parcour is back, showcasing international installation artists in unique settings across the city. Italian curator Nicola Setari invited artists to reflect on legends and famous historical figures from Mechelen’s past. Until 21 May, across Mechelen