Faces to Figures

Malaysian painter Charles Cham's depiction of lurid and comical characters play heavily on the 'duality of life' theme. Today, 11am-7pm. Karin Weber Gallery, G/F, 20 Aberdeen St, Central. Inquiries: 2544 5004. Ends today

Sensation of Lines

Pencil drawings by Chow Pui-sze of the lines of the human body. Opens today. Mon-Sat, noon-10pm, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Dec 24

homee

Group exhibition by local female artists, including Casper Chan, Cindy Chan and Kitty Ko, whose feminine identity comes through in their work. Tue-Fri, 11am-8pm, Sat, 2pm-8pm, Edge Gallery, G/F, 60C Leighton Rd, Causeway Bay. Inquiries: 2887 0313. Ends Dec 27

Chinese Traditional Auspicious Patterns

Traditional Chinese craftwork with auspicious patterns and themes taken from such as the religious sphere, nature and traditional folk tales. Tue-Sat, 10am-6pm, The Conservation Association Centre for Heritage, (CACHe), Annex Block of Western Community Centre, 36A Western St, Sai Ying Pun. Inquiries: 2291 0238. Ends Dec 29

Moving Ink

Vincent Mak reinterprets Chinese ink art by using technology to create three Chinese ink animation works. Mon, Wed-Sun, 4pm-9pm, 5/F HK Visual Arts Centre, 7A Kennedy Rd, Central. Inquiries: 3101 2734. Ends Dec 31

Pixelated City II - Squaring HK

Yau Kee Architecture's two-part exhibition comprises a section consisting of square picture frames and 3D models by architects and town planners sharing their ideas on the issue of Hong Kong's 'Urban Lungs' (green and open spaces) and other 'environmental message'-themed artworks by graphic artists, interior designers, cultural critics and painters. Opens today. Mon-Sat, noon- 10pm, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Dec 30

The Dimension of the Plane

Cai Jin, Chen Xiaodan, He Jinwei, Jiang Zhi, Sun Guojuan

The contemporary Chinese artists tackle a range of subjects including the miracle of creation that takes place inside women's bodies (Cai Jin) and the issue of death from a female perspective (Chen Xiaodan). Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7.30pm, Sun (and public holidays), noon-5pm, Osage Soho, 45 Caine Rd, L/G Shop 1, Corner Old Bailey St, SoHo. Inquiries: 2537 0688

Lightness of Being

Works by Chinese painter Tung Lo and glass sculptors Zhuang Xiaowei, Wang Qin, Luo Xiaoshu and Wu Ouhong evoking the essence of existence. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm, Sun, 11am-6pm, The Cat Street Gallery, 222 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan. Inquiries: 2291 0006. Ends Jan 11

A Life in Fashion

French Ships ? Friendship

An exhibition that Chronicles French relations with China both before and after the British annexation of Hong Kong by focusing on French ships that have visited the area. Tue-Sun (including public holidays), 10am-6pm, HK Maritime Museum, G/F Murray House, Stanley Plaza, Stanley, HK$20. Inquiries: 2813 2322. Ends Feb 1

The History of Tea

More than 100 tea wares dating from the Tang dynasty (618-907). Daily, 10am-5pm, closed Tue, Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, 10 Cotton Tree Drive, Central. Inquiries: 2869 0690. Ends Feb 23

The Silk Road in Ningxia

More than 100 archaeological artefacts including pottery figures, stone sculptures, wood carvings and coins dating back to as early as the Northern Wei dynasty (386-534), provide proof of the Ningxia region's important role in the promotion of trade and cultural exchanges between the East and West. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm, Sun, 1pm-6pm, University Museum and Art Gallery, University of HK, 94 Bonham Rd, Pok Fu Lam. Inquiries: 2241 5512. Ends Mar 15 (Dec 13-Mar 15)

The Majestic Stage

The story of classic Cantonese opera theatres told through photographs, architectural plans, models and other artefacts. Daily, 10am-6pm, (Sun until 7pm), closed Tue, HK Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, HK$10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends May 18

Performing Arts

Happy Days

Theatre Fanatico and Suen Wai-fong stage Samuel Beckett's drama about a middle-aged woman with few possessions who counts her blessings. In Cantonese. Today-Sat, Dec 22-24, 7.45pm, The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, HK$130, HK$105 (members) HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

Mr Windy Nobody

Designer Lau Ming-hang, Pre-School television host Bing Bing and fictional character Mr Windy Nobody present a selection of stories from pop-up books. In Cantonese. Today-Sat, 7.45pm, also Sat, 3pm, The Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, HK$120, HK$105 (members) HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251

Cantonese Opera Excerpts

HK Academy for Performing Arts students perform Cantonese opera excerpts including Stealing Immortal Herbs from White Snake and Death in the Shrine from A Sword of Loyalty. In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles. Tomorrow-Sat, 7.30pm, HK$55, HK$85 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2584 8500

Freshly Frozen School

Chung Ying Theatre's adaptation of the real-life story of how the teachers and students of the Fresh Fish Traders' School saved their institution from being shut down by the government. Ko Tin-lung writes and directs. In Cantonese. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$200-HK$400; Sat, Dec 23-27, 7.30pm, also Sat-Dec 21, 25, 27-28, 2.30pm, HK$160-HK$240 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3961 9800

Go! Go! Go! Mr. Y!!!

Jumbo Kids Theatre presents a story about a sea snail who sets off on an ocean adventure. Uses puppets, live actors and music. In Cantonese. Tomorrow-Dec 21, 7.30pm, also Sat-Dec 21, 3pm, HK City Hall, HK$100, HK$130 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2146 9466

Rising Sun

The Spring-Time Group stages a musical based on Chinese political leader Sun Yat-sen's revolutionary life, with a focus on his student days in Hong Kong during the early 1890s. In Cantonese. Tomorrow-Dec 21, 7.30pm, 9.15pm, Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum, 7 Castle Rd, Central, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2793 1123.

Wang Xinxin

The vocalist-pipa player performs Nanguan music including Nostalgia in Moonlight and In the Cold Room. Dancer Cheng Xinyi and xiao player Wei Bonian also feature. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen's Rd Central, Sheung Wan, HK$150, HK$200; Sat, 2.30pm, 7.30pm, Xiang Hai Xuan Multi-purpose Hall, Nan Lian Garden, 60 Fung Tak Rd, Diamond Hill, HK$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

A Mad World, My Masters

The HK Federation of Drama Societies adapts English playwright Thomas Middleton's period comedy and sets it among Hong Kong's upper class in the 1930s. In Cantonese, Tomorrow-Sat, 8pm, Dec 21, 3pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, HK$100-HK$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2540 1011

Chinese Music Select 1997-2007

The HK Chinese Orchestra performs a concert of works including As the Moon Rises, The Lowing River and The Terra Cotta Warriors with guided appreciation in Putonghua, tomorrow; and a full presentation of King Chu Doffs His Armour and Peng Xiuwen's The Terra Cotta Warriors, Sat, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$120-HK$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3185 1600

The Trinity

E-Side Dance presents performances by the Big 3 Ensemble, Biuguk and Neo dance HK. Tomorrow-Sat, 8pm, also Sat-Dec 21, 3pm, Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, 11 Clear Water Bay Rd, Kowloon, HK$100 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2325 1970

Oops! Belle the Witch is Gone! Merry Christmas!!!

Pip Theatre Kids presents a festive children's musical. In Cantonese. Sat, Dec 24, 7.30pm, also Dec 21, Dec 25-26, 1pm, 5pm, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, HK$100-HK$290 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2511 0139

Grow Up with Music Concert Recital

Young cellist Sharon Wong and pianist Aristo Sham join together to perform works by Bach, Beethoven, Shostakovich and Schumann. Dec 21, 8pm, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, HK$100, HK$160 HK Ticketing.

HKPO + Leehom LIVE

Taiwanese-American singer-songwriter and actor Wang Lee-hom performs with the HK Philharmonic Orchestra. Gerard Salonga conducts. Dec 22-23, 8pm, Dec 24, 3pm, HK$220-HK$520; Dec 24, 8pm, HK$260-HK$580 Urbtix. All shows at the HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. Inquiries: 2721 2030

Christmas Carols 2008

The HK Singers sing festive Christmas songs such as Away in a Manger, Jingle Bells and Joy To The World. Dec 23, 1pm, St John's Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: 2537 4180

A Twinkling Christmas Star

The HK Choirs of Outstanding Children, the New Philharmonia Youth Ochestra of HK and the HK Chorus present a festive programme. Dec 23, 8pm, HK City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100-HK$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2411 6203

An Evening of Bel Canto

HK City Choir and soprano Man Cheuk-king, baritone Laurence Lau, tenor Paul Lam and mezzo soprano Cheng Hau-yee. Dec 23, 8pm, HK City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100, HK$120 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9788 8217

Citywinds Ensemble Premiere Concert

Jacobus Chong conducts trumpeter King N, clarinettist Charlie Cho and the ensemble for Bach's Joy of the Man Desiring, Hultgren's Concert Prelude and more. Dec 23, 8pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$80-HK$120 Urbtix. Inquiries: 6052 1770

Christmas Concert in the Park

Father and son percussion duo Lung Heung-wing and Mark Lung, jazz singer Angelita Li, the HK Children's Choir, the Chorus of the Opera Society of HK and the City Chamber Orchestra of HK perform music including South American sacred music and Christmas carols. Dec 24, 5pm, Olympic Square, HK Park, 19 Cotton Tree Drive, Central, free. Inquiries: 2339 6425

Messiah

Collegium Musicum HK and Beijing's Choir of Central Conservatory of Music perform Handel's oratorio. Dec 25, 8pm, HK City Hall, 5 Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3411 7096

My Circus Will

Ming Ri Institute for Arts Education's fantasy shadow puppet version of Gudrun Meb's story about a girl whose dream of having her own circus comes true. In Cantonese. Fri, 2.30pm, 4.30pm, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, 135 Junction Rd, Kowloon, HK$100; Jan 2-3, 7.30pm, Jan 4, 2.30pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen's Rd Central, Sheung Wan, HK$120; Fri-Sat Jan 9-10, 7.30pm, Jan 11, 2.30pm, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun, HK$100 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

The Essence of Almond Beancurd

Japanese-Korean writer Chong Wuisin directs Johnny Tan and E-Run's presentation of his story about a couple who love each other but have problems communicating and what they do about their situation one Christmas Eve. In Putonghua with Chinese surtitles for all performances except Dec 26, 3pm, when it's in Putonghua with Japanese surtitles. Dec 26-27, 3pm, 8pm, Onandon Cattle Depot Theatre, Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, To Kwa Wan, HK$140 (from Kubrick and Mackie Study branches). Inquiries: 9704 8562

International WOW Magic Show on Earth

Seven magicians from Hong Kong, the mainland, Japan, Germany, Canada and the US perform magic tricks. Dec 25, 8pm, Sheung Wan Civic Centre, 345 Queen's Rd Central, Sheung Wan, HK$120, HK$170; Dec 26, 8pm, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd, Yuen Long, HK$90-HK$160; Dec 27, 8pm, Tai Po Civic Centre, 12 On Pong Rd, Tai Po, HK$100, HK$150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

The World of Wondrous Acrobatics

Tianjin Acrobatic Troupe of China show their skills at acrobatics, gymnastics, martial arts and dance. Dec 26, 7.30pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$100-HK$180; Dec 27, 7.30pm, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd, Yuen Long, HK$90-HK$160; Dec 28, 7.30pm, Tuen Mun Town Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun, HK$90-HK$160 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Legends

Chung Ying Theatre and the HK Academy for Performing Arts present a dramatic conceptualization of Gao Xingjian's Of Mountains and Seas that revolves around two heroic pugilists with markedly different personalities. HK Academy for Performing Arts student Sam Leung directs. In Cantonese. Dec 26-28, 8pm, also Dec 27-28, 3pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$120 URBTIX. Inquiries: 3961 9800

The Saxophone Quartet Recital

Hongkongers Pluto Chu and Au Yin-tak, Macau's Timothy Sun and Canadian Lena Cuglietta play music by Bizet, Gershwin and others. Dec 27, 3pm, HK$120, HK$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2760 0432

Crafting of a Nation

Lee Lung, Nam Fung, Liu Kwok-sum, Sun Kim-long and Yuen Siu-fai star in Yip Siu-tak and Lee Ming-hang's Cantonese opera about how a businessman ascends to the top of a national administration by using trickery and a woman. In Cantonese with Chinese and English surtitles. Dec 27-29, 7.30pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, HK$100-HK$320 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7325

Karl Lo

The pianist plays pieces by Bach, Beethoven, Chopin, Cui Shiguang and Prokofiev. Dec 27, 8pm, HK$130, HK$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2857 1793

Weihnachts Oratorium

Michael Ryan conducts the HK Chamber Choir, HK Soloists, Die Konzertisten, soprano Rosaline Pi, counter tenor Ray Chan, tenor Sam Lau, bass Patrick Chan and organist Peter Yue for JS Bach's Christmas Oratorio Cantata 1-3. Dec 28, 8pm, St. John's Cathedral, 4-8 Garden Rd, Central, HK$100 (coupon from St John's Cathedral Book Store and at the door). Inquiries: 2493 9691

A Viennese New Year's Gala

Gerald Steichen conducts soprano Ingrid Kaiserfield and the HK Philharmonic Orchestra for works by Johan Strauss Sr, Johan Strauss Jr, Josef Strauss and Franz Lehar. Dec 30-31, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$120-HK$380 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2721 2030

Opera HK Chorus Concert

Concert master Jimmy Chan leads the Opera HK Chorus and Constance Lee conducts the Opera HK Children Chorus in singing works by Leonard Bernstein, Johannes Brahms, Richard Wagner, Richard Rodgers, Frederick Loewe and others. Dec 30, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, free with ticket. Inquiries: 2234 0303

HK Marching Band Contest 2008

Organized by the HK Marching Band and Drum Corps. Dec 31, 3pm, Queen Elizabeth Stadium, 18 Oi Kwan Rd, Wan Chai, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2775 3838

Extra-curricular

Chrysanthemum Show 2008

The Yuen Yuen Institute's annual display of chrysanthemums from all over China. Today-Jan 4, 9am-6pm, The Yuen Yuen Institute, Lo Wai Rd, Lo Wai Village, Tsuen Wan, free. Inquiries: 2492 2220

Art Jam

Artjamming comes to Causeway Bay. Today-Dec 21, 10am-10pm, Level 2, Delay No Mall, 68 Yee Woo St, Causeway Bay, HK$250, includes a canvas, unlimited acrylic paints and wet paint box, booking recommended. Inquiries: 2541 8816

Book Launch and Bookstore Branch Opening

Faces Art Show

Children's Art Workshops

Christmas-themed workshops for children. In English. Tomorrow, 10am-noon, 3-5pm, Sat, 10am-noon, 2pm-4pm, Chameleon Workshop, 2B Yan King Court, 119-121 Queen's Rd East, Wan Chai, HK$400 (one child per session), HK$700 (one parent and child), includes materials. Booking inquiries: 2527 2251

Art Photography in Hong Kong and Macau in 10 years

Macao Polytechnic Institute associate professor Frank Lei, Joseph Fung (formerly of The HK Polytechnic University), pH5 Photo Group President Edwin Lai and Secretary Blues Wong speak at a symposium on art photography in the two SARs after 1997. In Cantonese. Sat, 10am-1pm, HK Central Library, 66 Causeway Rd, Causeway Bay. Inquiries: 2887 0313

BookFest@HongKong2008

Nine-day book festival organised by Popular Holdings Limited. Sat-Dec 21, Dec 25-27, 10am-10pm, Dec 22-24, 10am-9pm, Dec 28, 10am-5pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$20 (from Popular Bookstore branches and selected 7-11 stores). Inquiries: 2942 9399

Twentieth Anniversary Party

The Duke of York pub celebrates its 20th anniversary. Sat, 7pm, Duke of York, G/F 42-56 Fuk Man Rd, Sai Kung. Inquiries: 2791 6255

Silent Night - Deadly Night

Interactive murder mystery dinner. In English. Sat, 7.30pm, Marco Polo HK Hotel, Harbour City, TST, HK$899; Dec 21, 7pm, Discovery Bay Golf Club, Valley Rd, Discovery Bay, Lantau, HK$888. Includes a four-course dinner and welcome drink, booking required. Inquiries: murdermystery.hk or 2407 9090

Audition Notice

Singers Wanted