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Wael Shawky

WAEL SHAWKY

Drama 1882 Museum of Contemporary Art Australia | MCA 4 March–29 June 2026 Sydney
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Press Release

History as opera in this extraordinary filmic installation has its Australian premiere at the MCA. Drama 1882 recounts a pivotal moment in modern Egyptian history, known as the ‘Urabi Revolt (1879–1882). Unfolding in eight scenes, this mesmerising 45-minute opera portrays key events in the uprising that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in the region. The work is a spectacular retelling of history from a local perspective.

Directed, choreographed and composed by Wael Shawky (b. 1971, Alexandria, Egypt), Drama 1882 features a cast of Egyptian performers who sing in classical Arabic.

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About the Artist

Wael Shawky is a leading contemporary artist whose inventive films, performances, and installations have redefined how history is told through art. Internationally acclaimed for his epic Cabaret Crusades trilogy and his representation of Egypt at the 2024 Venice Biennale, Shawky’s practice transforms complex narratives of religion, identity, and myth into visually striking, thought-provoking artworks.

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About the Gallery

Located on one of the world’s most spectacular sites on the edge of Sydney Harbour, the Museum of Contemporary Art opened its doors to the public in November 1991. Established through a bequest by Australian expatriate artist John Power (1881-1943), who left his personal fortune to the University of Sydney to inform and educate Australians about international contemporary visual art, the MCA is dedicated to exhibiting, collecting and interpreting contemporary art.

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Address
140 George Street
The Rocks
Sydney
Australia
Opening Hours
Monday – Wednesday
10am – 5pm

Thursday
10am – 9pm

Friday – Sunday
10am – 5pm
(1)
Sydney 140 George Street, The Rocks
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia MCA contemporary art institution in Sydney Australia
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia | MCA
140 George Street, The Rocks, Sydney, Australia
+61 2 9245 2400
http://www.mca.com.au

Opening hours
Monday – Wednesday
10am – 5pm

Thursday
10am – 9pm

Friday – Sunday
10am – 5pm
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