What’s on this week: 2 November
Immersive photography exhibition, US Election comedy and tickets for a December show you don't want to miss
VISUAL ARTS: Breathing Holes
Noting the structural similarities between the massive geologic formations and our very own internal respiratory networks, she conceived an exhibition in which scale is nothing and space is everything. Breathing Holes is an immersive experience. In between the large-format photos are three-dimensional installations, linking the works and creating an environment for Matyn to stage periodic in-situ performances further exploring the links between humans and the natural world. Until 5 February, M HKA, Antwerp
EVENT: US Election Extravaganza
An international cast of stand-up comedians convene to offer their thoughts on a campaign season fraught with absurdity. British-born, Antwerp-based performer Nigel Williams shares the view from Europe, while sitcom writer Lois Bromfeld represents her native Canada, and American comic Andy Valvur regales us with stories from the belly of the beast. In addition to jokes, there’s live music by expat folk singer Matt Watts and art by Texan sculptor Tim Stokes. Live coverage of poll results continues throughout the night. The party doesn’t stop until a winner is announced. 8 November, 20.00, Arenberg, Antwerp
PERFORMANCE: De moed om te doden (Courage to Kill)
Guy Cassiers gets back to basics with his latest work. The contemporary Flemish theatre-maker is known for his bold use of video and technology, but in De moed om te doden (Courage to Kill), he puts down his toys and presents raw human drama. The production is based on Swedish playwright Lars Norén’s family drama Modet att Döda, which revolves around a long-simmering conflict between a father and son. The scenography is bleak and fractured, featuring little besides a few half-pieces of furniture bisected by a black wall. Cassiers describes the approach as “naked”. (In Dutch) 5-13 November, Bourla, Antwerp
GET TICKETS NOW: Hooverphonic
Flemish pop luminaries Hooverphonic are set to inaugurate Antwerp’s newly renovated Elisabeth Centre – formerly the Elisabethzaal – and they’re bringing a few dozen friends with them. The state-of-the-art concert venue will host the band’s core songwriting duo Alex Callier and Raymond Geerts as well as their chanteuse of the moment and a sprawling 42-piece orchestra. Their 2012 concert DVD, drily titled Hooverphonic with Orchestra Live, was recorded in the very same space, so this show is going under “Hooverphonic with Orchestra II”. Tickets for the original single date were selling so quickly, a second date has been added. 21 & 22 December, 20.00, Elisabeth Centre, Antwerp
More events that deserve your attention
Adam Green: Screening of the American singer/actor/filmmaker’s absurd feature Aladdin, followed by a performance by his indie folk group. 8 November 20.00, Botanique, Koningsstraat 236, Brussels
Freedom o(r) speech: A cantata by Dutch composer Louis Andriessen and merry marching music by Argentinian-German composer Mauricio Kagel demonstrate the political power of music, with a new text by Flemish author Dimitri Verhulst, performed by actor Jan Decleir (in Dutch). 4 November 20.00, Concertgebouw, Bruges; 5 November 20.00, De Bijloke, Ghent
Ensembles: Architecture and Craft: The Flanders Architecture Institute presents various European projects and archive material that specifically highlight the beauty that can arise from the collaboration between designer and builder. Until 15 January, deSingel, Desguinlei 25, Antwerp
Visions: Series of hypnotic, interactive light and sound installations inside a domed theatre, for the viewing pleasure of spectators of all ages. Until 5 November, De Hallen van Schaarbeek, Koninklijke Sinte-Mariastraat 22, Brussels
Rode Hond (Red Dog): Annual arts festival for families with children (3+), with opening party featuring Flanders’ famous goose parade, followed by a weekend filled with fun hands-on activities, concerts and performances. 3-6 November, across Leuven
A-Tower Winter Edition: Festive re-opening of one of Antwerp’s tallest skyscrapers as a party location, featuring the cosy winter-themed bar Nagloed, Klub Goud nightclub and fine dining with a view over the city in the top-floor restaurant Noorderlicht. 4 November 19.00-6.00, A-Tower, De Keyserlei 5, Antwerp
Photo: Wim Daneels
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