The Planner

Published: 12:00am, 7 May 2006

Exhibitions

Just Myself

Gianluca Miniaci's paintings of the female form portray the sexuality of youth. Today, noon-6pm, tomorrow, 10.30am-7pm, Connoisseur Art Gallery, Shop G3, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2868 5358. Ends tomorrow

Artist Herve Sbarberi and Sculptor Nicola Rosini di Santi

Herve Sbarberi paints realistic still lifes. Nicola Rosini di Santi combines furniture with artful creations in simple bronzes. Today, 11.30am-7.30pm, tomorrow-Wed, 10.30am-7.30pm, Opera Gallery, Shop 20, Pacific House, 20 Queen's Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2810 1208. Ends Wed

Beyond the Canvas

Commissioned paintings by five artists (Chen Wenbo, Chen Yu, Feng Zhengjie, Liu Ye and Yu Chen) who incorporate Shanghai Tang trademark items. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-6.30pm, Schoeni Art Gallery, 21-31 Old Bailey St, Central. Inquiries: 2869 8802. Ends May 17

Le French May

Selection of traditional and contemporary art by French artists or Chinese artists who have lived in France, including the following three exhibitions. Various venues and opening hours. Inquiries: www.frenchmay.com. Ends Jul 16

(Im)mortality of a Soul/City

By Lo Yin-shan - a Photo/Video/Sound Installation

Photograph and video stills of encounters with strangers in Paris. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm, Sat-Sun and public holidays, noon-7pm, Kapok, G/F, 9 Dragon Rd, Tin Hau Temple Rd, Tin Hau. Inquiries: www.ka-pok.com. Ends May 19

Entrelacs/Interlace by Nicole Dufour

Black and red threads interlaced into a weaved sculpture and painting. Mon-Fri, 11am-7pm, Sat, 11.30am-6pm, 10 Chancery Lane Gallery, 10 Chancery Lane, Central. Inquiries: www.10chancerylane-gallery.com. Ends May 27

Jet Lag in Hong Kong by Barthelemy Toguo

Watercolours and sculptural works exploring political geography and personal boundaries. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7pm, Art Statements Gallery, 5 Mee Lun St, Central. Inquiries: 2122 9657. Ends May 30

Neon Tigers by Peter Bialobrzeski

Photographs of Asian megacities - Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Bangkok and Singapore in their neon light form. Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm, Sat, 2pm-6pm, Goethe-Institut Hongkong, 14/F, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: www.goethe.de/hongkong. Ends May 19

Dao Hai Phong

The Vietnamese artist portrays expressionistic landscapes and fishing villages with vibrant colours. Daily, 10am-7pm, hkfineart.com gallery, 15/F, 60 Wyndham St, Central. Inquiries: 2537 7322.

Ends May 20

Tian Haibo

Landscape paintings of the countryside in Shandong Province. Mon-Sat, 10am-7pm, Sun, noon-6.30pm, Galerie du Monde, 328 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty. Inquiries: 2525 0529. Ends May 31

The Art of Mark Rothko: Selections from the National Gallery of Art, Washington

Exhibits from different phases of the abstract expressionist's career, from his early figurative representations and surrealist compositions to mature works of monumental size and colour. Daily, 10am-6pm (closed on Thu), HK Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $5, $10. Inquiries: 2721 0116. Ends Jun 4

Early 20th-Century Guangdong Painting

Featuring early 20th-century Guangdong paintings by artists including Gao Jianfu, Huang Shaomei, Huang Bore, Zhang Guchu, Zhao Haogong and Lu Zhenhuan. Daily, 10am-6pm, (closed Thu), HK Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $5, $10. Inquiries: 2721 0116. Ends Jul 30

Performing Arts

The Joyous Dance Festive

Drum and Lantern

Anhui Song and Dance Ensemble Festive Drum and Lantern Folk Art Troupe present a lavish song and dance show with decorated fans and umbrellas and folk tunes. Today, 8pm, Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $90-$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Broadway Hits in Concert

Guest conductor Elizabeth Schulze leads the HK Philharmonic Orchestra and West End and Broadway singers Anne Runolfsson (Giudacelli in Phantom of the Opera), mezzo-soprano Andrea McArdle (the original Annie) and baritone Michael Maguire (Enjolras in Les Miserables). The programme includes music from The Wizard of Oz, My Fair Lady and Mamma Mia! Today, 8pm, (Sun also at 3pm), City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $100-$250 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2721 2030

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

The Discovery Bay International School perform an Andrew Lloyd Webber musical about Joseph and his adventures in a fantasyland. Today, 5.30pm, Discovery Bay International School, Lantau, $60, $120. Inquiries: 9729 4529

Le French May

A seven-week festival of French-related performances, visual arts, cinema and cultural events (including the following three performances). Ends Jun 21, various venues and times. Inquiries: www.frenchmay.com

Nah Youn-sun Quintet

Paris-based Korean Nah Youn-sun leads pianist Benjamin Moussay, bassist Yoni Zelnik, vibraphonist David Neerman and drummer David Georgelet in contemporary jazz with oriental elements. Tomorrow, 8pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 5/F, Sheung Wan Municipal Services Bldg, 345 Queen's Rd, Central, $150-$280 Urbtix. Inquiries: www.hkja.org

My Father's Sword

(Le Sabre de Mon Pere)

Jean-Christian Grinevald directs a three-act play by Roger Vitrac about a small town in the south of France where all the residents are jealously in love. In Cantonese with English and French surtitles. Wed-Sat, 7.30pm, (Sat also at 2.30pm), HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, $65, $100 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288

Carmen

Opera Hong Kong present Bizet's opera about a military man in Spain who falls in love with a gypsy named Carmen. Starring mezzo-sopranos Annie Vavrille (France) and Hermine May (Romania), accompanied by the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra. In French with Cantonese and English surtitles. May 18-20, 7.30pm, May 21, 2.30pm, HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $150-$880 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2234 0303

Paul Badura-Skoda

Pianist Paul Badura-Skoda from Vienna celebrates the 250th anniversary of Mozart's birth with a repertoire including Fantasy in D Minor, Adagio in B Minor and Sonata in D. Tomorrow, 8pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. Inquiries: $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Emotional Baggage

The American Community Theatre presents a series of short plays written by contemporary modern US writers, exploring themes such as the unspoken truths behind words and dissatisfaction with life. Tue-Sat, 8pm (Sat also at 4pm), HK Arts Centre, McAulay Studio, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, $200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

Peking Opera Gala

The Peking Opera Theatre of Beijing and a cast of Peking opera virtuosi including Meng Guanglu, Du Zhenjie, Yuan Huiqin and Zhang Huifang present opera excerpts. Tue: Subduing the Five Powers, and Picking Up the Jade Bangle and Famen Temple. Wed: The Incident at White Water Beach and A Chance Meeting with the Empress. Thu: Beating Yan Song and Yao Qi. All shows start at 7.30pm. In Putonghua with English surtitles. Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, NT, $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Swing Time

The Hong Kong Women's Choir present a charity concert of 1930s-60s jazz with Nova, the Grace Notes and HK International School's The Upper Primary School Choir. The performance's proceeds go to the Samaritans. Wed, 7.30pm-9.30pm, HK City Hall, Theatre, Edinburgh Place, Central, $100-$250 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9122 1050

Paul Anka Live in Hong Kong

Veteran singer-songwriter Paul Anka performs his hits, including Diana, My Way and Puppy Love. Fri, 8pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, $480-$980 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288

The Sleeping Beauty

Hong Kong Ballet's interpretation of Petipa-Tchaikovsky's classical ballet about a princess who is awakened from a deep sleep with a kiss from a prince. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, May 14, 2.30pm, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun, $80-$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2105 9724

Eifman Ballet of St Petersburg

The award-winning director and choreographer Boris Eifman leads the Russian ballet troupe. Jun 9-10: Russian Hamlet deals with the true, tragic story of Tsarevich Paul, the son of Catherine the Great. Jun 11: Moliere and Don Juan tell the story of one of France's best-known dramatists and the lead character in one of his plays. All shows at 7.30pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $120-$360 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Extra-curricular

India Property 2006

Property fair featuring 200 residential and commercial properties. Today, 10am-8pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, Hall 1C, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, free. Inquiries: 6019 0621

May Fung

The English-Speaking Union hosts May Fung, the Hong Kong Institute of Contemporary Culture's project director, in a talk about what a creative economy is and its significance to Hong Kong. Tomorrow, 6.45pm-8pm, Room G04, The Center, 99 Queen's Rd, Central, $25-$75. Inquiries: 2186 8449

Glass in the Qing Dynasty

The Oriental Ceramic Society of Hong Kong hosts a talk with architect Andrew Lee and Chinese snuff-bottle collector Humphrey Hui on the development of glass during the Qing Dynasty. Tomorrow, 6.30pm-8pm, HK Museum of Art, Lecture Hall, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, free (members), $100. Inquiries: 2527 0696

Options for Getting Into Your Next Business

The Entrepreneurs' Club holds a discussion with speakers including Craig Jo of HK Radio Frequency Identification, Anthony Solimini of Sandler Sales Institute in Asia and architect Colin Davidson. Tue, 7.15pm, 9pm, Venue, 15-19 Luard Rd, Wan Chai, free (registration required). Inquiries: [email protected]

Integrative Philosophy

The Hong Kong Philosophy Cafe hosts a discussion on the marriage between the rational and the spiritual. In English. Tue, 7.30pm, Fringe Club, Fotogalerie, 2/F, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central, free. Inquiries: 9314 8193

The Miao Minority: Tradition and Change

Gina Corrigan talks about the people in the remote mountains of southwestern China who are known for rich textile traditions and using hemp and ramie. Wed, 6.30pm (drinks), 7pm (talk), the Helena May, 35 Garden Rd, Central, $50, $100. Inquiries: [email protected]

Reflections of Canadian Women

Discussion and book signing with author Gina Valle of Our Grandmothers Ourselves: Reflections of Canadian Women, about stories of grandmothers. Wed, 9am-10.30am, Fringe Club, Fotogalerie, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, $80 (members), $120, includes breakfast. Inquiries: 2110 8700

Art and Culture of the Song Dynasty

Asian Art History Courses present 12 lectures by experts covering topics including Song poetry, ceramics, calligraphy, paintings and textiles. Lecturers include Anne Farrer, programme director at Sotheby's Institute London; James Spencer, curator of the Chang Foundation, Taipei; and Bret Hinsch, professor at the National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan. Lectures start on Fri, 9.30am-1pm, Crown Wine Cellars, 18 Deep Water Bay Rd, Shouson Hill Rd, $4,300. Inquiries: 9831 5353

Film

Master of Genres: Nakagawa Nobuo

A showcase of films by Japanese director Nakagawa Nobuo, known for his horror classics (including the following film) whose long list of credits span from the 1930s-80s. Various venues and times, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: www.hkiff.org.hk. Ends May 14

Hell (Jigoku)

A horror classic about two students who are involved in a hit-and-run. In one surreal night, their lives spiral downward into a virtual hell. Today, 6pm, HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

The Art of Movement from Centre Pompidou

Collection of avant-garde films from 1921 to the present day (including the following two films) from the Musee National d'Art Moderne at the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris. Various venues and times, $50 Urbtix. Ends Sat. Inquiries: 2734 9009

Cinema Dada

Shorts with a Dadaist art theme of randomness and irrationality, including Rhythmus 21 (Hans Richter, 1921-24) and Return to Reason (Man Ray 1923). Today, 2pm, HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

New American Cinema II

Shorts including Stan Brakhage's The Way to Shadow Garden (1954) about a blind man, Flaming Creatures (1963) about S&M and orgies; and Ron Rice's bizarre dream in Chumlum (1963-64). Sat, 2.30pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

Mystery of the Nile

A trip along one of the world's deadliest rivers among crocodiles and hippos. Daily, 1.30pm, 5pm, 8.30pm, Omnimax Space Theatre, HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. $24, $32 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2721 0226. Ends Jul 31

MACAU

Bennett Pang and Friends

Singer and guitarist Bennett Pang performs with six friends and a Macau group (with Alan Chan, Chiu Fun-man and Anthony Hui). Today, 5.30pm-7pm, Avenida da Praia, Taipa Island, free. Inquiries: www.iacm.gov.mo

Woods of Dreams

Dance theatre for children. Today, 2.30pm and 5pm, Conference Room, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 80 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 700 699 or www.ccm.org.mo

Feast of the Drunken Dragon

A Chinese festival that dates from the Kangxi Kingdom of the Qing Dynasty. Men perform a drunken dance with wooden heads and dragon tails then parade towards the Inner Harbour. Tomorrow, 9am-6pm, Kuan Tai Temple, near St Dominic's Market, free. Inquiries: (853) 575 908

Acting is Being Workshop

Instructors Lee Chun-chow and Faye Leong Huey-Yi enable students to experience their inner self. Sat, 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, Orchestra Rehearsal Rm, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 200 patacas. In Cantonese. Inquiries: (853) 700 699 or www.ccm.org.mo

NATIONAL

BEIJING

Cecilia Toussaint

Concert by the Latin Grammy-nominated pop star from Mexico. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, Century Theatre, Sino-Japanese Youth Centre, No 40 Liangmaqiao Rd, 50-580 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn

Carlos Prieto

The Mexican cellist plays solo. May 19, 7.30pm, Beijing Music Hall, Liubukou 1 Beixinhua Jie, Xuanwu, 80-680 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn

Shanghai

Forever Tango

Argentina Forever Tango Company perform tango habanera, a combination of the milonga and flamenco. Sat-May 15, 7.15pm, Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 People's Boulevard, 150-800 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6374 8445

Meet Jazz

The Brazz Brothers from Norway play brass and woodwind instruments. May 15, Shanghai Centre Theatre, Odeum, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, 100-380 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6374 4968

TAIPEI

Spring 2006

Cloud Gate Dance Troupe 2's latest show stars the Taiwanese dancer Hsu Fan-yi. 2.45pm and 7.45pm, The Novell Hall of Performing Arts, 3-1 Sung-Shou Rd, NT$400-$1,200. Inquiries: (88 62) 3393 9888

Listen, Smile

The Ju Percussion Group starts its spring season with a concert featuring musicians from Southeast Asia. Wed-May 21, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, National Concert Hall, 21-1 Chungshan S. Rd. NT$300-$1,100. Inquiries: (88 62) 3393 9888 or www.artsticket.com.tw

The Magic House

Mexican director Pablo Moreno Viveros' Carlo Anchilla Drama Troupe collaborates with physicians, psychiatrists and blind people to forge an avant-garde theatre style that explores the body and its different senses. Fri-Sat, 7:30pm, Guling Street Theatre, No2, Lane 5, Guling St. NT$400. Inquiries: (88 62) 2741 5988 or www.ticket.com.tw

Silent Birds' Paradise

The Cross Border Dance Troupe, presents its latest work. Today, 2.30pm and 7.30pm, The Experimental Theatre, 21-1 Chungshan S. Rd, NT$450. Inquiries: (88 62) 3393 9888 or www.artsticket.com.tw

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Billy Cobham The percussionist from Panama, who has featured on Miles Davis recordings, performs. Tue, 7.30pm, Thailand Cultural Centre, Main Hall, Ratchadapisek Rd, 600-2,200 baht. Inquiries: (662) 262 3456

Toto

The 1980s group with original members Bobby Kimball, Steve Lukather, David Paich and Mike Porcaro, perform with new keyboardist Greg Phillinganes and drummer Simon Phillips. Wed, 8pm, Paragon Hall, 5/F, Siam Paragon, Rama 1 Rd, 900-3,000 baht. Inquiries: (662) 262 3456 or www.thaiticketmaster.com

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat

Dale Guzman directs Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical, starring Dolchai Boonyaratevej in the dual roles of Jacob and Joseph's father. Sat-May 14, 2pm and 7.30pm, Playhouse Theatre, Petchaburi Rd, 600-1,500 baht. Inquiries: (662) 247 0177

Strings and Stone

Taking inspiration from Asian puppets and sculpture, Australian artist Adele Turner blends oils, ink and string on collaged paper backgrounds. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-4pm, Rotunda Gallery, Neilson Hays Library, Surawong Road. Inquiries: (662) 233 1731 or www.neilsonhayslibrary.com. Ends May 31

Singapore

The Taming of The Shrew

One of Shakespeare's most famous and popular comedies, which follows the fortunes of the beastly Petruchio as he attempts to tame the wild beauty Kate. Tue-Thu, 8pm, Jubilee Hall, 1 Beach Road, S$55. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com

The Art of War

Theatre exploring the strategies men use to preserve their dominance and status. Thu-Sat, 8pm, New Drama Centre @ National Library, S$22. Inquiries: www.ticketcharge.com.sg

Artur Pizarro Plays Schumann

The 1990 Leeds International Piano Competition winner returns, accompanied by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Sat, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, S$11-$60. Inquiries: www.sistic.com

Journeys and Stories

Works by Madhahar Nazar of Yemen, Sukamto Dwi Susanto of Indonesia and Bharti P. of India. Daily, 10am-9pm, Galerie Dauphin, 163 Tanglin Road, free. Inquiries: (65) 6734 2137. Ends May 20

Tokyo

Editors with We Are Scientists

The British band and New York trio perform in a double bill. Tue, 7pm, Duo, Shibuya; Sat, 7pm, Shibuya Club Quattro, 6,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5466 0777

T.I.

The rapper from Atlanta takes the stage with Donnis, Red Dot Boyz and 3rd Infantri. May 16-17, 8pm, Liquidroom, Ebisu; May 20, 9.30pm, Yokohama Bay Hall, 6,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 4) 5505 0010

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine credit- card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288

For a complete listings service, e-mail [email protected]

Post