What's On Scotland 3-10 Jul: Wael Shawky at Talbot Rice Gallery & more
A new exhibition opens at Talbot Rice Gallery, spotlighting acclaimed Egyptian artist Wael Shawky. Elsewhere, Ballet Nights comes to Glasgow and Ayo Adenekan previews his Fringe show at Monkey Barrel
Egyptian artist Wael Shawky's moving image pieces explore the historical movements and narratives that have shaped our contemporary world, offering a piercing insight into the formation of culture and knowledge. His solo show, brought to the Talbot Rice Gallery on the occasion of its 50th anniversary, runs until 28th September, bringing together work from across his career.
His Cabaret Crusades series draws on the writing of Arab historians Usama Ibn Munqidh, Ibn al-Qalanisi and Ibn al-Athīr to offer a counternarrative to the Western understanding of the Crusades, told through marionette puppetry. His recent Drama 1882, meanwhile, created for the Egyptian Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale, is an epic rendition of Egypt’s nationalist Urabi revolution against imperial rule. Head to the Talbot Rice Gallery for a rare chance to see these works in the UK – entry is free.
Ballet Nights
Theatre Royal, Glasgow. 4 Jul, 7:30pm
Ballet Nights makes its Scottish debut, celebrating icons of the ballet scene with a programme of new and classic choreography, including work created and inspired by the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Max Richter, and Amy Sherman-Palladino’s ballet show Étoile. Image: Deborah Jaffe.
Miwa Nagato-Apthorp
The Hug and Pint, Glasgow. 9 Jul, 7:30pm
Part of The Hug and Pint’s Endless Summer, Hawick musician Miwa Nagato-Apthorp draws on folk and trad practices to explore understandings of climate, history and gender, with support from experimental composer Mara Simpson and Americana artist Grace Honeywell. Image: Sanne Gault.
Billie Eilish
The OVO Hydro, Glasgow. 7-8 Jul, 6pm
Superstar Billie Eilish is touring her third album Hit Me Hard and Soft, a widely acclaimed alt pop record offering a simultaneous exploration of heartbreak and new queer love. Find her kicking off the UK/Ireland leg with two dates in Glasgow, with support from Syd. Image: Petros Studio.
Ayo Adenekan: Black Mediocrity
Monkey Barrel Comedy Club, Edinburgh. 5 Jul, 6pm
In the run-up to his highly anticipated Fringe debut, rising star comic Ayo Adenekan does a work in progress preview of the show, a hilarious and heartfelt consideration of growing up in Scotland, exploring identity, belonging and the awkward moments in between. Image: Beth Moar.
↪ KISMET
Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. 3-5 Jul, various times
A collaboration between Capital Theatres and dance company Rambert, KISMET is a double bill of choreographic work, including the world premiere of Gallery of Consequence, a reflection of the moments that shape our lives.
→ Jo-Hann & Calzo FM present: Break-Away
Stereo, Glasgow. 5 Jul, 11pm
Glasgow DJs Calzo FM and Jo-Hann bring Break-Away, a night dedicated to all things breakbeat, bass, electro, dubstep and techno, with all profits dedicated to Medical Aid for Palestinians.
→ Hot Mess
Sneaky Pete's, Edinburgh. 4 Jul, 11pm
Sexy queer club night Hot Mess returns to Sneaky Pete's this weekend: except the usual sleazy and sweaty disco and house and trance-y techno from beloved Glasgow-based DJ Simonotron.