This autumn, europalia dedicates an arts festival to Georgia. The starting point for this edition is the country’s fascinating culture and the art scene of its bustling capital, Tbilisi, alongside that of lesser-known regions of this country located in the Southern Caucasus. Starting 4 October 2023, visitors can enjoy a rich programme of exhibitions, performances, literature, concerts, film and dance and theatre productions
across Belgium.
The tradition of polyphony or multi-voice singing – very different from Western polyphony – is the first major theme running through the programme. Renowned Georgian choirs will be heard in numerous projects and at various venues. In the broader sense of polyphony, europalia gives a voice to, among others, Georgian women and youngsters, and to lesser-known traditions, regions and artists. The programme is also inspired by supras – gatherings around richly filled tables, accompanied by chants and speeches from toastmasters – and contemporary artists are challenged to critically explore this living tradition in interdisciplinary creations.
The second major theme is remembrance. How do you, as a society and as an individual, deal with memories of the Soviet era or recent and ongoing conflicts? Europalia brings artists into dialogue to discuss these topics, including the practice of commemoration. Georgians have a unique approach to loss and grief, as seen in their various traditions.
The programme runs until January 14th, 2024 and features more than 50 events, including many new, interdisciplinary creations.
