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In all honesty, arts events are a bit thin on the ground in Marrakech. The city’s dreamy fashionistas entertain at home, and a high percentage of the population is far too close to the breadline to be thinking about cultural events. However, there are hints of change. In addition to the annual film-fest, the city now has a major theatre – chiefly used for comedies in Moroccan Arabic. The Institut français has a small open-air amphitheatre, and austerely restored private palaces host literary events and the odd cultural happening. Otherwise, it’s a stroll round ‘la Place’ to see what the musicians are up to. However, for a change from Jemaâ el Fna’s manic troubadors and their rasta colours, there is the razzamatazz option of the sound and light show at the Menara Gardens or even a full kischo-Arabian Nights experience Chez Ali. This aside, it remains frustrating that there is no big venue for local live music. Best get invited to a big wedding if you want to see Moroccans in entertainment mode. And children will of course be delighted by the various goings-on in ‘La Place’.
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