At the initiative of Stijn Huijts, director of the Bonnefanten, the Bonnefanten Maastricht, Centraal Museum Utrecht, and Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam have collectively acquired Drama 1882, the acclaimed video installation by Egyptian artist Wael Shawky. This groundbreaking work is one of the biggest eyecatchers of the 60th Venice Biennale and will remain on display at the Egyptian Pavilion until November 24. Many media outlets have lauded it as the Biennale’s standout entry. This joint acquisition also marks Wael Shawky’s debut in the Netherlands’ national collection (Collectie Nederland). Starting January 7, the Bonnefanten will be the first to present Drama 1882 to the Dutch public.
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 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.
Drama 1882 in the Dutch National Collection
With Drama 1882, the Netherlands adds a seminal work by an internationally renowned artist to its cultural repertoire. The piece is not only artistically compelling but also addresses urgent themes relevant to both the current international and Dutch art scenes. The installation critiques historical narratives surrounding colonialism. Who has the authority to define figures as agitators, terrorists, or freedom fighters? Most often, it is determined by the victors. Shawky sheds new light on history, traditionally told from European perspectives, resonating with similar conversations in Dutch contemporary art.
Directors of the collaborating museums highlight the work’s significance:
Stijn Huijts (Bonnefanten): “The Bonnefanten is always looking for alternative (art) histories. This work pushes the boundaries between visual and performing arts, retells history from a fresh perspective, and is created by a major artist who has been underrepresented in the Netherlands. This makes it a vital addition to our collection.”
Bart Rutten (Centraal Museum Utrecht): “The Centraal Museum’s collection has a strong historical focus. In this context, Drama 1882 thrives uniquely alongside our historical pieces, offering new perspectives on our old art collection. We are thrilled to include this collaborative acquisition in our collection.”
Rein Wolfs (Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam): “The strength of Drama 1882 lies in its ability to depict a specific historical moment while offering universal reflections on cycles of power and identity. The installation bridges past and present, showing how power dynamics shape our understanding of history and justice. This makes the work both urgent and timeless in its message.”
The press about Wael Shawky: Drama 1882:
The New York Times: "An Egyptian Artist Mesmerizes in Venice With an Opera and a Donkey".
ARTNET: "Shawky’s exquisite film, shot in a historic open-air theater in Alexandria, weaves together fact and fantasy with mesmerizing melodies sung in Classical Arabic."
