Exhibitions
Auspicious Emblems: Chinese Cultural 45th Anniversary Exhibition of Min Chiu Society
The local art organisation exhibits some of its members' Chinese paintings, calligraphy, jade and carvings. Today-Wed, 10am-6pm, HK Museum of Art, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $5, $10. Inquiries: 2721 0116. Ends Wed
Timeless
Martin Mok's photographs of Italy include images of Sienna and Venice. Today-Thu, 2pm-9pm, (closed Tue), Gallery Chocolate Jo, Flat A, 2/F Wing Lock House, 1-3 Lock Rd, TST. Inquiries: 2368 2816. Ends Thu
Best of Nguyen Thanh Binh
The Vietnamese painter creates the female form in serene Vietnamese themes and strong shapes. Today, 10.30am-6pm, tomorrow-Thu, 9.30am-6.30pm, Arch Angel Art, 58 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2851 6882. Ends Thu
Kong Baiji: Modern Master
The Shanghainese painter produces oils of landscapes, flowers, portraits and images of Bodhisattva rice paper. Tomorrow-Sat, 10am-6pm, Alisan Fine Arts, Rm. 315 Prince's Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2526 1091. Ends Sat
Mountain Project
Chinese University of Hong Kong's 2006 art graduates showcase an array of works, from Chinese ink, western painting, ceramics and installation to video art and animation, including Chan Chun-chun's sculpture Keep Up and Poon Po Yee's earthenware At the Moment. Daily, 9am-9pm, OC Gallery, G/F, Olympian City I, 11 Hoi Fai Rd. Inquiries: 2132 8718. Ends Jul 25
Cruel/Loving Bodies2
Ten artists from Hong Kong, the mainland and Britain, including Sheffield's Neil Conroy and Lesley Sanderson, Beijing's He Chengyao and Hong Kong's Anthony Leung Po-shan, feature works that question issues of gender, the body and Chinese identity through painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, video and performance. Daily, 10am-8pm, Goethe-Gallery, Goethe-Institut Hongkong, 14/F Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: www.goethe.de/hongkong. Ends Jul 28
450 Sq Ft
Fifty-five artists from the ST/ART street-art collective collaborate in a 450 sq ft canvas consisting of one-square-foot squares. Mon-Fri, noon-8pm, Sat-Sun, noon-6pm, IdN Gallery, 5-9 Gresson St, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2833 9971. Ends Jul 30
Comix Territory
The exhibition highlights 30 years of Hong Kong's comics scene, from combat and romance to sci-fi and the supernatural, with characters including Wong Siu-fu, Bruce Lee and Sau Sing Chai (Longevity Boy). Daily, 10am-8pm, 4/F, The Pao Gallery, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2582 0200. Ends Jul 30
Ju Ming Sculpture
Tai Chi and Living World Series
The Taiwanese sculptor exhibits stone, bronze and steel works (worth an estimated $100 million) inspired by nature and tai chi. Daily, 10am-10pm, Times Square Open Piazza and 2/F lobby, Causeway Bay, free. Inquiries: 2118 8900. Ends Aug 1
Scary Monsters
Shen Shaomin reconstructs dead animal bones into frightening prehistoric-like creatures. Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm, Osage Contemporary Art Space, 4/F, 20 Hing Yip St, Kwun Tong. Inquiries: 2793 4817. Ends Aug 3
Desire for Immortality
Spain's Josep Maria Subirachs, whose Gothic sculptures adorn some of Barcelona's most prominent buildings, presents bronze sculptures, perspective drawings, surrealist lithographs and expressionist paintings. Mon-Fri, 11am-8pm, Sat, 11-5pm, Galerie Ora-Ora, 12/F, 41-43 Graham St, Central. Inquiries: 2851 1171. Ends Aug 12
Harbin Ice Lantern Festival
Up to 22 ice sculptors from Harbin create glittering ice sculptures, frozen at minus-five degrees Celsius. Daily, 10am-10pm, Centre Bridge, 2/F Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Rd, Taikoo Shing, $20. Inquiries: 2568 8665. Ends Sep 17
Performing Arts
Black Eyed Peas
The hip-hop quartet from Los Angeles with Will.I.Am (William Adams), Apl.de.Ap (Allen Pineda), Fergie (Stacey Ferguson), and Taboo (Jaime Gormez) take to the stage on the Monkey Business Asian Tour. Today, 8.30pm, AsiaWorld-Arena, Hong Kong International Airport, Lantau, $380-$780 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288
Phantom of the Opera
Music Nation presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber-based musical. Today-Aug 20, 7.30pm (Sat-Sun also at 2.30pm, no show Mon), HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $290-$890 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009
International Arts Carnival
Series of programmes and activities, ranging from acrobatics, music, dance, drama, clowning, puppetry, physical theatre to film, including the following six performances. Today-Aug 13, various venues and times, free-$250. Inquiries: www.hkiac.gov.hk
Comedy
The Netherlands' Introdans Ensemble for Youth perform a ballet fantasy about four killers in military uniform. Fri-Sat 7.30pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, $100-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044
HKS McDull Music Project
Mrs McBing, the mother of the cartoon character McDull, brings her son to a classical music concert with the Hong Kong Sinfonietta playing music by Wagner, Smetana, Schubert and Mozart. Presented by the Pancakes. In Cantonese. Sat-Jun 23, 7.30pm, (Jul 23, 3pm), HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central. Jul 28-29, 7.30pm, (Jul 29, 3pm), Sha Tin Town Hall Auditorium, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin. Jul 30, 3pm, Tsuen Wan Town Hall Auditorium, 72 Tai Ho Rd, Tsuen Wan. $100-$220 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336
Cirkus Inferno
Canada's Daredevil Opera Company stage an unconventional slapstick adventure starring the lovable Lucky and Lady, who challenge house rules and turn the stage into a topsy-turvy show of blow-up balloons, combustible dogs and rocket pogo sticks. Jul 27-29, 7.30pm (Jul 29 also at 3pm), Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Rd, Sai Wan Ho. Jul 30, 7.30pm, Yuen Long Theatre, 9 Yuen Long Tai Yuk Rd, NT, $90-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044
Moon 71/2
Theatre Ensemble presents children's music theatre in an interpretation of Jimmy Liao's poetic fantasies, using visuals, imaginative stage sets and physical theatre. Starring Jim Chim and Karen Lam. In Cantonese. Jul 28-30, 7.30pm (Jul 29-30 also at 3pm), Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, $100-$250 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044
The Sand Boy (Illusions and Tides)
Sand Boy happily lives in his sandcastle until one day a charming mermaid and the evil Lobster King change his life forever. Performed by Argentina's Omar Alvarez Titeres Puppetry Arts Company. Jul 29, 7.30pm, Jul 30, 3pm, Tseun Wan Town Hall, 72 Tai Ho Rd, Tsuen Wan, Aug 1-2, 7.30pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, Aug 4-5, 7.30pm (Aug 5-6 also at 3pm), HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $120-$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044
Kaleidoscope of Image Theatre
Czech Republic's Image Theatre delivers a magical black box of dazzling flying insects in weird shapes and colourful optical illusions. Aug 4-5, 7.30pm (Aug 5-6 also at 3pm), HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $100-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044
Ten3
Hong Kong Players' series of 10-minute plays, including stories of cowboys caught in a desperate dialogue; a suicidal man's last act of kindness to a stranger and the inner beast brought out by the woods. In English. For ages 13 and above. Tue-Sat, 7.45pm, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, $170 (members), $190 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2521 7251
Touched Strings
Chinese music recital with the erhu, ruan and liuqin by musicians including Cheung Hui-fai, Lem Ling-ling, Lee Chee-wah, Loo Sze-wang and Wendy Leung. Sat, 8pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $75, $110 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9042 4090
The Jungle Book
Purple Turtle presents a children's musical, based on the classic story of Mowgli, a mancub adopted by wolves as a baby. In Cantonese and English. Jul 23, 5.30pm-6.30pm, Plaza, Kwai Tsing Theatre, free. Inquiries: penny.day@pnj.com.hk
Charles Dutoit and Martha Argerich in Concert with the Canton International Summer Music Academy Orchestra
Former artistic director of the Montreal Symphony Orchestra, Charles Dutoit conducts Argentinean pianist Martha Argerich and the Canton International Summer Music Academy Orchestra (aged 16-32) in Beethoven's Piano Concerto No 1 in C, Op 15 and Shostakovich's Symphony No 5 in D Minor, Op 47. Latecomers will only be admitted during intermission. Jul 27, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $150-$550 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321
Fourplay
The Grammy-nominated foursome, consisting of Bob James on piano, Larry Calton on guitar, Nathan East on bass and Harvey Mason on drums, play a blend of smooth, funky, pop and blues jazz, including hits such as the former No 1 contemporary jazz song, Elixir. Aug 9, 8pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $150-$450 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321
Classics Revisited
The Jingkun Theatre and Shandong Peking Opera Theatre perform Peking and Kunqu opera in classical works including The Legend of the White Snake, excerpts from The Meandering Valley and The Teahouse from Romance of the Iron Bow. In Putonghua with English and Chinese surtitles. Aug 10-11, 7.30pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323
Extra-curricular
Teddy Bear Handicraft Show
Featuring teddy bears, doll makers, clay dolls, needle felting and embroidery tables. Today, 10.30am-7pm, Regal Kowloon Hotel, 71 Mody Rd TST East, free. Inquiries: 2739 7266
My Fair Lady Audition Notice
Hong Kong Singers audition the position of a singing Professor Henry Higgins, an upper-class Edwardian English gentleman (aged 40-55). Today, 2.30pm- 4.30pm, HK Academy for Performing Arts, 3/F, Studio 5, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, free. Inquiries: hksingers@hotmail.com
The Mad, Mad, Mad World of Taiwanese Politics
Professor Richard Baum, former director of the UCLA Centre for Chinese Studies, talks of the recent failed presidential recall in Taiwan and the island's rising political volatility. Tomorrow, 12.30pm, Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, $150 (members), $180, includes lunch. Inquiries: 2521 1511
Mrs Anson Chan
The former chief secretary and head of civil service talks about her future plans. Wed, 12.30pm, Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, $150 (members), $180, includes lunch. Inquiries: 2521 1511
Anti-ageing Strategies
The Hong Kong Adventist Hospital hosts a talk by Dr Hildemar dos Santos on diet and anti-ageing, antioxidants and old age. Wed, noon-2pm, HKU Space, Rm S207, 2/F Admiralty Ctr, 18 Harcourt Rd, Admiralty, $40 (registration recommended). Inquiries: 2835 0555
HK Book Fair
Featuring 400 exhibitors with a kids' corner, books, children audio-visual learning aids, multimedia electronic publishing and stationery. Wed, 9am-10pm, Thu-Fri, 10am-10pm, Sat, 10am-2am (some areas closing at midnight), Jul 23, 10am-10pm, Jul 24, 10am-6pm, HK Convention & Exhibition Centre, Hall 7, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, $20. Inquiries: 1830 668
A Geographical Quiz
The Royal Geographical Society hosts a quiz night for individuals and teams who can put their geographical knowledge to the test. Fri, 6.30pm (drinks), 7.30pm (dinner and quiz), HK Football Club, Sports Rd, Happy Valley, $300 (members), $350, includes buffet and drinks. Inquiries: 2583 9700
Chris Patten
The former governor of Hong Kong launches his book, Not Quite the Diplomat. Fri, 10am-noon, Bloomsbury Bookshop, Shop 102, 1/F, Hutchison (SEHK: 0013) House, 10 Harcourt Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2526 5387. Sat, 6.30pm-9pm, Bookazine, Shop 309-313A, 3/F Prince's Bldg, 6-14 Chater Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2522 1785
Rope Skipping Champions Nawa Rangers
The professional Nawatobi performers, Nawa Rangers from Japan, perform a combination of rope-skipping, dancing and music, and challenge the Guinness World Record of 56 rump jumps in one minute. Workshop for kids and performance: Thu-Jul 23, 2pm and 5.30pm. GWR Challenge: Jul 23, 2pm. New Town Plaza, Phase 3, Atrium Gallery, Sha Tin, free. Inquiries: 2691 6576
Film
Repertory Cinema 2006 Programme 1 - Bernardo Bertolucci
Selection of the Italian director's films that interpret the conflict between Italian history and personal political consciousness, including the following three films. Today-Jul 23, various venues and times, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
The Conformist
Filmmaker Bernardo Bertolucci delves into a thriller about an intellectual who cannot conform to society, and is asked by his fascist group to assassinate a professor. Winner of the 1970 Best Director Award at the Venice Film Festival. In Italian with English and Chinese. Today, 2pm, HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
Last Tango in Paris
Marlon Brando stars as a middle-aged widower who meets a young woman by chance, in a film that touches on social taboos, lust, the human condition and the transient joy of two lovers. Oscar-award winner in Best Directing 1973. In English and French. Tue, 7.30pm, HK Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Rd, TST East, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
The Last Emperor
John Lone and Joan Chen star in Bertolucci's historical saga of China's last emperor living in the Forbidden City. In English. Sat, 7.30pm, HK Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $50 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
International Children's Film Carnival
International selection of films, animations and world shorts for children, including the following film. Tomorrow-Aug 26, various venues and times, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
The Little Prince
In the Sahara Desert, a little prince from the planet Asteroid B-612 learns about the importance of life through encounters with a fox, snake and pilot. In English with Chinese subtitles. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900
MACAU
Macau Young Musicians Series - Timothy Sun Saxophone Recital
The saxophonist performs with the Macau Youth Symphony Orchestra and other young overseas musicians. Today, 8pm, Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, $40. Inquiries: (853) 555 555
Growing up with Dance
The annual dance performance of the School of Dance 2006, Macau Conservatory. Thu, 8pm, Grand Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, $60, $80 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 797 6619
The Miracle Worker
May Fu directs the story of Anne Sullivan's struggle to teach the at-times violent and frustrated blind, deaf and mute Helen Keller. Performed by the School of Theatre of the Macau Conservatory. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm, Small Auditorium, Macau Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, $60, $80 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 571 224 or www.icm.gov.mo
Concert at Nightfall
This concert of various music styles showcases performers including C-Plus, Filipe Tou, Sun Fong-meng, Long Sai-kit, Tam Yun-Leng and Chao Pui-ieng. Sat, 5.30pm, Amphitheatre of Av. da Praia, Carmo Zone, Taipa Island, Free. Inquiries: (853) 988 4127 or www.iacm.gov.mo
NATIONAL
BEIJING
British Colombia Children's Choir
The well-travelled, multi-cultural choir from Western Canada perform 30 songs in several languages. Today, 7.30pm, Poly Theatre, 14 Dong Zhi Men South Avenue, Dong Cheng District, 80-480 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn
Black Eyed Peas Beijing
The US pop outfit play. Tue, 7.30pm, Beijing Exhibition Theatre, 135 Xizhimenwai St, Xicheng District, 180-880 yuan. Inquiries: www.piao.com.cn
Shanghai
The Lion King Broadway Musical
Walt Disney presents the hit musical. Tue-Sun, 7.30pm (Sat-Sun also at 1.30pm), Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 Renmin Da Dao, 100-800 yuan. From Tue-Oct 8
Cloudless
On a world tour, Loris Cecchini's exhibition of large installations, collages, three-dimensional models and drawings challenge the concept of space and fluidity. Tue-Sun, 10am-6pm, Shanghai Duolun Museum of Modern Art, 7 Duolun Rd, 5, 10 yuan. Inquiries: www.duolunart.com. Ends Aug 4
TAIPEI
Ilan Music Festival
The Sixth Annual Ilan Music Festival begins with international performers converging for an all-night music extravaganza. Performers include Mando-pop singer Evonne Hsu, popular girl group S.H.E and singer-songwriter Bobby Chen. Today-Aug 26, 7pm, every Sat night, Ilan Sports Park. 711, Sec. 1, Chunshan Rd, Ilan County. NT$350-NT$500. Inquiries: (88 62) 2741 5988 or www.ticket.com.tw
Final Final Home
Taiwanese rock group Mayday finish their world tour before a home audience, playing hits including Tenderness and Embrace. Sat-Jul 23, 7.30pm, Taipei Arena. 2, Sec. 4. Nanjing E. Rd, NT$500- 2,500. Inquiries: (88 62) 2341 9898 or www.ticket.com.tw
The Beauty of Painting and Calligraphy in Album Leaves
Displays of ancient Chinese books that use a special technique in mounting Chinese paintings and calligraphy. Daily 9am-5pm. National Palace Museum. 221, Sec. 2, Chih-shan Rd. Shih-lin. NT$100. Inquiries: (88 62) 2881 2021 or www.npm.gov.tw. Ends Aug 25
Diagram of Commotion and Desire
Taiwan artist Kuo Wei-kuo, the winner of the Liao Chi-chun Oil Painting Award in 2005, explores themes of self-doubt and reflection in self-portrait paintings. Daily 9.30am-5.30pm, (closed Mon), NT$30. Taipei Fine Arts Museum. 181, Zhongshan N. Rd, Sec. 3. Inquiries: (88 62) 2595 7656 or www.tfam.gov.tw. Ends Sep 3.
REGIONAL
BANGKOK
Vivienne Westwood
In conjunction with the Victoria & Albert Museum, the exhibition showcases a retrospective of work of the British fashion designer, known for her clever parodies of aristocratic beauty. Daily, 10.30am-8.30pm daily, Gallery 2, Thailand Creative and Design Centre, 6/F The Emporium, Sukhumvit Rd, free. Inquiries: (662) 664 8448 or www.tcdc.or.th From Sat-Sept 24
Eclipse
German photographer Stephan Funke captures the modern re-enactment of Patravadi Theatre troupe's recent Thai fairytale, Eclipse. Daily, 8am-6pm, Goethe-Institut Bangkok, Sathorn Soi 1, free. Inquiries: (662) 870 9424 or ww.goethe.de/ins/th/ban/kue/enindex.htm. From Wed-Aug 20
Black Eyed Peas
The LA band perform their smash hits including Don't Phunk with My Heart. Jul 31, 8pm, Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd, 500-2,500 baht. Inquiries: www.thaiticketmaster.com or tel: (662) 262 3456
Robbie Williams
If you missed the British singer's Hong Kong show; don't worry - he performs on Nov 14, 8pm, Aktiv Square, Muangthong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd, 600-3,000 baht. Inquiries: (662) 262 3456 or www.thaiticketmaster.com
Singapore
The Marriage of Figaro
Mozart's opera is performed by an all-Asian cast accompanied by the Philharmonic Chamber Orchestra. Today-tomorrow, 8pm, Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive, S$25-S$130. Inquiries: www.sistic.com
Heartbeats of America
Lan Shui conducts the Singapore Symphonie Orchestra and percussionist Evelyn Glennie in a concert of American composers' works. Fri, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, S$11-$60. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com
Paritosh Sen
The Indian artist's retrospective. Daily, 10am-8pm, The Arts House, free. Inquiries: (65) 6332 6919. From Thu-Jul 30
Travelling Nomads
A look into Central Asian tent life. Mon,1pm-7pm, Tue-Sun, 9am-7pm, Asian Civilisations Museum,
1 Empress Place, S$5. Inquiries: (65) 6332 7798. Ends Aug 9
Tokyo
Coldplay
The English band's Twisted Logic tour. Tue-Wed, 7pm, Nippon Budokan, Kudanshita, 7,000-7,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3444 6751 or www.metropolis.co.jp/tickets
Udo Music Festival
Sat: Santana, Doobie Brothers, Jeff Beck, Ben Folds, the Pretenders. Jul 23: the Pussycat Dolls, Kiss, Alice in Chains, Godsmack. 7am, 11am-9pm, Fuji Speedway, Shizuoka, 16,000, 30,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3402 5999
Urbtix: 2734 9009
Urbtix/CityLine credit- card booking: 2111 5999
Fringe: 2521 7251
CityLine: 2317 6666
HK Ticketing: 3128 8288
Please e-mail performances and events to listings@scmp.com
