Arts
What to see: The Shanghai Acrobatic Theatre, known for dazzling and gravity-defying feats (right), wowed crowds at the Sydney Olympics in 2000. The performers make their Hong Kong debut this weekend and if you want an idea of the stunts they are capable of, picture a dozen benches stacked on top of a performer's head. They might not have the savvy music and lighting of Cirque du Soleil, but the prowess of the performers will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Tonight, 8pm, Tsuen Wan Town Hall. February 2, 8pm, Yuen Long Theatre. February 3, 8pm, Sha Tin Town Hall. $70 to $130 from Urbtix (2734 9009).
What to see: Compania Maria Pages brings on the heat with two extraordinary flamenco-theatre productions, La Tirana and Flamenco Republic. Maria Pages (right), Spain's top flamenco dancer, artistically blends fiery dancing with her troupe's guitar music and singing to bring this passionate dance form alive. It's rare that a flamenco production places so much emphasis on a dramatic script, stage and lighting design and the result is a rich visual feast that showcases some of the best moves around. La Tirana, tonight and tomorrow night, 8pm, City Hall Concert Hall. Flamenco Republic, February 3, 8pm, City Hall Concert Hall. $100 to $300 from Urbtix (2734 9009).
What to see: Is the rapid modernisation of Shanghai into China's most fashionable metropolis affecting its young artists? Find out in a unique show entitled 'Mosaic Of New Shanghai'. Two art professors at the Art Institute of the Shanghai Normal University, Liu Dahong and Huang Qihou, started the 'Mosaic' project. They have commissioned more than 80 recent art graduates to produce a small painting each, inspired by their observations of their changing city. Comprising more than 100 paintings, the 'Mosaic' forms a rich visual tapestry that not only reflects individual talent, but is also a record of a time in Shanghai when change is so rampant it's almost impossible to put things into perspective. February 2 to 6, City Hall High Block, Central. 10.30am to 7pm. The exhibition will continue until February 28 at Hanart TZ Gallery, 202 Henley Building, 5 Queen's Road, Central. Mon to Sat 10.30am to 6.30pm. Tel: 2526 9019
What to hear: No one sings the blues better than Misia, the fado queen of Portugal (left). This songstress has been wowing the world with her liquid voice and leading fado's revival both in her home country and abroad. Fado emerged from 19th-century Portuguese workers' bars, where crooners sang about their misery in love and life. But Misia's melodies have a contemporary elegance with new lyrics accompanied by guitar. Her forthcoming concert, part of the Hong Kong Arts Festival line-up, is pure 'easy listening'. February 22 to 23, 8pm. Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall. $140 to $280 from Urbtix (2734 9009).