Filter by
City Of Sydney
Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Wael Shawky, Drama 1882

Museum of Contemporary Art
Museum of Contemporary Art
140 George Street , The Rocks NSW 2000
Level 1: Macgregor Gallery
When
  • Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays to Sundays, 10am to 5pm
  • Thursdays, 10am to 9pm
  • Wednesday 4 March to Monday 29 June
Cost

Adult: $20Concession: $16Child: FreeMCA Members: Free

History becomes opera in Wael Shawky’s globally acclaimed work Drama 1882.

Blending fact, speculation and fiction, globally acclaimed artist Wael Shawky retells a pivotal moment in modern Egyptian history in eight mesmerising scenes.   

With spectacular costumes and vibrant painterly sets, Drama 1882 recounts a pivotal moment in modern Egyptian history, known as the ‘Urabi Revolt (1879–1882). This mesmerising 45-minute opera portrays key events in the uprising that marked the beginning of British colonial rule in the region.

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

Immerse yourself now and see history as opera, only at the MCA Australia.

Contact event organiser

Museum of Contemporary Art Australia

Advertisement

Other events at Museum of Contemporary Art

Art adventure

Art adventure

Journey through the MCA with this activity trail designed for kids and their families.
Today 10am to 6pm
Data Dreams: Art and AI

Data Dreams: Art and AI

First of its kind in a major Australian museum and is presented as part of the Sydney International Art Series 2025–26.
Today 10am to 5pm
Yasmin Smith: Elemental Life

Yasmin Smith: Elemental Life

A solo presentation of significant ceramic installations by Yasmin Smith.
Today 10am to 5pm
'Ancient Feelings' by Thomas J Price

'Ancient Feelings' by Thomas J Price

A monumental new public sculpture in Circular Quay for the inaugural Neil Balnaves Tallawoladah Lawn Commission
Today 12am to 11.59pm
Film screenings: Behind the work

Film screenings: Behind the work

A series of short films taking you behind the works on display at the MCA Australia.
19 Mar 2026