Wael Shawky on Egyptian Pavilion at Venice Biennale and Drama 1882

Egyptian artist Wael Shawky discusses his dual presentations at the 60th Venice Biennale: the Egyptian Pavilion's Drama 1882 and I Am Hymns of the New Temples at Museo di Palazzo Grimani (ended 30 June). After a 2011 decision not to show in Egypt, Shawky accepted the pavilion role following discussions with trusted curators, given full control and sponsor support within a tight five-month timeline. Drama 1882, titled after the Urabi uprising of 1879–82 against British imperial influence, is a 45-minute film composed as a single song in classical Arabic, performed by 130 participants at Alexandria's Mohamed Abdel Wahab Theatre. Shawky, who usually works with children or marionettes to avoid drama, here uses adults for the first time, instructing them not to act. The work connects to I Am Hymns, which critiques the worship of power through Greek mythology, reflecting contemporary political climates in Egypt and Gaza. Shawky sees history as a human creation with gaps between fact and myth, allowing artistic analysis. The Biennale runs until 24 November 2024.