Drama 1882 is the biggest eyecatcher of the 60th Venice Biennale and is first on show at Bonnefanten from 7 January.

Between history and current affaires

Drama 1882 explores a pivotal moment in Egyptian history: the nationalist Urabi Revolution, during which the military rebelled against European influence (1879–82) in Egypt. The year 1882 saw the suppression of this uprising by British forces, leading to Egypt’s occupation until 1956.

The film Drama 1882 simultaneously serves as a historical narrative and a commentary on current global political dynamics. As Shawky explains: “This is a moment of global political urgency and revolutionary change. It seemed paramount to represent my country with a strong message at this time. Reflecting on the historic occupation in Egypt felt timely, pressing, and important.” Ultimately, the work delves into themes of power—who has the authority to label individuals or groups as terrorists, resistance fighters, or heroes?

Multiple layers of “Drama”

Performed in classical Arabic by professional singers, Shawky’s work plays with the concept of "drama" in various forms. There is the performative aspect linked to entertainment, such as theatre, but also the notion of catastrophe and the inherent uncertainty of historical narratives. This complexity is reflected in the scenography: the background moves in slow layers, giving the work the feel of a dynamic painting, where performers and the soundtrack are integral to the composition. The piece takes on the character of an opera, with Shawky composing the music and writing the lyrics himself.

About Wael Shawky

Wael Shawky (b. 1971, Alexandria) spent his early years in Mecca before studying in the United States. He gained international recognition with his film trilogy Cabaret Crusades (2010–2015), which uses puppets to depict the Christian Crusades of the 11th and 12th centuries from an Arab perspective. Shawky's work often explores themes related to societal change, offering alternative narratives on migration and justice.

Shawky has exhibited at prominent institutions including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Louvre in Paris, the Hammer Museum in Los Angeles, the Sharjah Art Foundation, MACBA in Barcelona, Tate Modern in London, and the Daegu Art Museum. His work is held in the collections of many of these institutions. However, Drama 1882 marks his first presentation in the Netherlands and his introduction to Dutch museum collections.

Header:  Wael Shawky, Drama 1882, 2024, 4K Video (colour, sound), VFX, Arabic with English subtitles. Courtesy the artist and Sfeir-Semler Gallery Beirut/Hamburg