Let's meet at The Yard

The multipurpose outdoor event space is a place for creative minds to gather

By Purva Grover

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Published: Fri 20 Dec 2019, 3:14 PM

What kind of space encourages art to grow? A free one, right? An informal one, too, perhaps. Most writers, actors, poets and painters wish to work in a space where thoughts flow freely. Picture this place with super comfy bean bags, strings of fairy lights and rugs in earthy hues along with a bunch of individuals sipping tea as they indulge in never-ending conversations. A reader is curled up in a corner with a book, an actor is rehearsing his dialogues, a painter is planning her next work on a canvas, or in her head, while a few dancers are practising their moves. All of this happening at one place. Yes, it is for real. The Yard, Alserkal Avenue, is all this and more.

If you've spent enough time getting to know the art and cultural hub, then you probably know that The Yard has no one specific utilisation. Located in the heart of Alserkal, this multipurpose outdoor event space has, over time, been home to concerts, film screenings, talks, theatrical productions, yoga sessions and a lot more. In November, the space saw a hip hop battle, Inn Yard, which brought together a bunch of up and coming music makers.

 "I love the vibe. It has a community feel," says Khufu, a local artist-singer-poet. This month, The Yard Sessions hosted by The Fridge presented some electrifying music by a line-up of local musicians. Delicious food was served, too. Cactus Flower by Hala El Koussy, was the closing film of the outdoor Yard Films series. This was in April, just before the sun turned harsher and brighter; and was a free-to-attend event. During the same month, local director Chandni Varma staged Edward Albee's The Zoo Story in the open air as well.

The space is not just about events, but also about what happens when it's empty. It then turns into a spot where the community gathers and grows.
"It's my go-to-spot for rehearsals. Nestled in between warehouses, the space smells of freedom," says local choreographer Sudha Bhatia.

Some great things happen over interactions at The Yard. In April, a handful of local theatre enthusiasts sat down here to discuss ideas on how to fill the gap of acts in Hindustani languages. And so was born Udaan, a theatre repertoire dedicated to Hindi, Urdu or 'Hinglish' theatrical productions under the umbrella of The Junction.
With the days and nights wearing a chill, I'd say hop over to the spot to find out what's cooking. You never know what you'll discover.  
purva@khaleejtimes.com


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