Us by Maria Hassabi at Perform Sharjah 2026

About Us by Maria Hassabi

Perform Sharjah, Sharjah Art Foundation’s programme of contemporary performance, presents Us (2026) by the artist and choreographer Maria Hassabi at the Cultural Palace in Sharjah. It is a striking, quietly intense piece of live art, and a wonderful opportunity to experience contemporary dance in one of the emirate’s grand cultural venues, free of charge.

What to expect

According to Sharjah Art Foundation, the work features five dancers who hold staged poses on a long bench stretched across the front of the stage. They face the audience directly and interact in real time, both with the people watching and with each other.

That simple description hints at what makes this kind of performance so absorbing. Rather than a fast-moving spectacle, it invites you to slow down and pay close attention: to stillness, small shifts, and the strange, charged relationship between performer and audience when everyone is looking at everyone else. As a tip, go in with an open mind and let the piece unfold at its own pace.

The performance starts at 8:30pm. The official listing does not state an end time, so we would suggest allowing your whole evening, or checking with the box office for the running time.

Who it is for

This is a must for fans of contemporary dance and performance art, and for anyone who enjoys the work Sharjah Art Foundation brings to the city. It would also suit curious culture lovers who want to try something different from a conventional theatre show. Because the piece engages directly with its audience, it can feel very personal, which many people find memorable.

How to book

The Perform Sharjah listing shows the performance as free. Booking is through Sharjah Art Foundation’s ticketing website, linked on this listing. We would recommend reserving a place in advance, as free performances can fill up, and capacity for staged works is often limited.

Good to know

• The performance begins at 8:30pm on Saturday 31 October.
• Entry is free according to the Perform Sharjah listing, with booking through the Sharjah Art Foundation ticketing site.
• The end time is not published on the official page.
• The Cultural Palace is in Al Falaj, in the Al Riqa suburb of Sharjah.
• As a tip, arrive early to find parking and settle in before the start. Late entry to live performances is often restricted.
• As a general tip, modest dress is appreciated at cultural venues in Sharjah.