A family story shaped by exile is at the centre of Longings, Returns, a free performance by artist Sim Chi Yin in Sharjah on 22 November 2026. It takes place at Khalid Bin Mohammed School from 8:30 to 9:10 pm.
A family history told through art
According to Sharjah Art Foundation, the work grows out of Sim’s research into her grandfather’s exile from British-ruled Malaya to China and the silence surrounding his story at home. She combines performance with a multimedia installation to explore family memory and forced migration.
For anyone interested in how artists work with personal history, this offers a chance to see that research become a live performance. The focus is on how one family’s experience connects with a wider history of displacement.
Book ahead and arrive early
The official booking page lists free admission with advance booking required. The performance is in English with Arabic subtitles. Doors close at 8:30 pm, and late arrivals will not be admitted, so allow time to reach the venue before the start.
Sim is also leading a separate family-photo art workshop on 20 November. That session offers a hands-on way to explore family stories before the performance two days later.
