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Culture

La Sylphide

The Hong Kong Ballet Group's annual major production is the tale of a Scotsman who falls in love with a woodland fairy. Acclaimed 1830s dancer August Bournonville first choreographed this ballet, which became a classic of the Romantic period. The performance features National Ballet Of China's principal dancer and ballet master, Xu Gang, and Singapore Dance Theatre principal dancer Tasha Wong. Today, 2.30pm. Tuen Mun Town Hall, Tuen Mun. $80-$140. Inquiries: 2268 7323. Urbtix

Heading West

This absurd black comedy is the most recent collaboration between Ho Yingfung, the artistic director of Theatre Fanatico, and composer John Chen. The play explores the rapidly developing Western regions of China and follows in the footsteps of a traveller who takes the route the monk Sanzang followed in the ancient Chinese classic The Journey To The West. Along the way the traveller meets three investors who want to develop their own 'nirvana' in the region. The cast includes Chan Ming-long, Yeung Sze-man and Priscilla Leung, with live music by the Omnibus Group and some of Hong Kong's leading names forming the production team. In Cantonese and Putonghua. 3pm and 8pm. Studio Theatre, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Inquiries: 2268 7323. $160 Urbtix

Shanghai Charm

From today, Gallery On Old Bailey aims to capture the mix of East and West in Shanghai with its exhibition of three leading contemporary artists from the city. Wang Yuhong has a distinctly Chinese approach to her still-life paintings; Weng Jijun rejuvenates a traditionally Chinese craft into modern art with his lacquer paintings, while Yu Zhongbao depicts scenes of daily life in Shanghai with vivid realism. Today 12pm-5pm, Monday-Saturday 10.30am-7pm. Gallery On Old Bailey, G/F and Basement, 17 Old Bailey Street, Central. Tel: 2869 7122 or visit www.galleryonoldbailey.com

1NiteStand

Two Aussies and a Brit headline at Stix for the 1NiteStand Comedy Club. Gina Yashere, who was recently voted best female stand-up at the Black International Comedy Awards, has hosted 21 editions of Up Late With Gina Yashere on BBC Choice and writes for The Richard Blackwood Show. After a white, middle-class upbringing, Australian comic Chris Wainhouse 'turned out an arty-trendy sort of try-hard, and a magnet for dominant women' who has performed in some of Australia's premier comedy venues. Melbourne-born Phil Davey moved to England to pursue a career as a butler to the English aristocracy - working at functions for Prince Charles, Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. In 1991, he 'unbuttoned his lip, threw away the

morning suit and launched himself on to the comedy circuit'. Today, 7pm-9.30pm. Stix, Upper Basement, 310 Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay. For inquiries go to www.the1nitestand.com. $200-$240 Ticketek

Smarten Up

Size Matters

Discover the difference a wine glass can make on the taste of fine vintages with the Riedel 'glass tasting' at the Ritz-Carlton's Toscana restaurant on September 13. Participants will taste six wines in a range of Riedel glasses, then compare the same wines when tasted in other glasses. The tasting wines include Opus One 1998 and Robert Mondavi's Fume Blanc Reserve 1999, Chardonnay Reserve 1998 and Cabernet Sauvingon Reserve 1998. The

$588 price includes a gift set of Riedel Sommelier glasses. After the tasting, guests can stay for the Robert Mondavi wine dinner, with the menu created by Toscana chef Umberto Bombana. The dinner costs $988 plus 10 per cent. Ritz-Carlton hotel, 3 Connaught Road, Central. Tel: 2877 6666

Marchesi Di Fescobaldi

Learn how to match Japanese food with fine Italian wines as Wan Chai's hip Star Street restaurant, Kokage, hosts an Italian Wine Dinner with Giuseppe A Pariana of the Marchesi Di Fescobaldi Winery. The Italian wines will be matched by a five-course modern Japanese meal, crafted to compliment the various wines. September 14. $688 per person. Reservations: 2529 6138

Part Time Arts Courses

The Academy for Performing Arts' Extension and Continuing Education For Life Unit is launching more than 70 courses this month for all ages and interests. There are photography workshops for teens, singing groups, comic-art workshops, fashion courses, speech-training classes, play translation and more. For course information visit www.hkapa.edu or call 2584 8721.

Course registration can be completed online at www.ticketek.com.hk or telephone 3128 8288

Pottery

The Pottery Workshop announces the start of its Autumn term next week. With nine types of courses to choose from, the school caters for beginners, advanced potters and children. Applications for Spring courses are also underway. The Pottery Workshop, The Fringe, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. Tel: 2525 7949 or visit www.ceramics.com.hk

Belly Dancing Workshops

'Discover the goddess within,' suggests May Jen Stage productions, which this month launches Middle Eastern and Belly Dancing lessons at the Jean Wong School of Ballet in Central and Studio Artistique in Wan Chai. The authentic music and dances of the Middle East and Maghreb will be matched with comprehensive instruction, lectures and video screenings. $200 for one lesson, $600 for four, $880 for eight. For schedules and information call 2522 6698 or e-mail bellydanceHK@yahoo.com

The Philosophy Of Ayn Rand

On September 11, the Hong Kong Objective Philosophy Of Ayn Rand Study Club will begin a discussion of Objectivism: The Philosophy Of Ayn Rand. For more information contact Tom Caldwell at 9409 2584 or e-mail laoeh@hkstar.com

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

TicketNet: 2312 9998

Ticketek: 3128 8288

For a complete listings service visit totallyhk.scmp.com



The Planner