Culture
Kabuki For Everyone
Having wooed local audiences in the Festival Of Asian Arts in 1996, Kabuki master Manjiro Ichimura returns to the SAR with his troupe, which includes his two sons, in Kabuki For Everyone. The Japanese art of kabuki was born in the 17th century, when a 'shrine maiden' danced on the dry riverbeds of Kyoto. Male audiences thought the movement was seductive and it became popular with women. But when kabuki became a dance favoured by prostitutes, the government saw the art as a threat to morality and banned women from its performance. Male impersonators took on the roles and, by subduing the sexual element of the dance, placed a stronger emphasis on its drama. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Friday-Saturday, 7.30pm. $90-$450 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323
Chinese Operatic Art Series
This fourth programme in the summer series showcases the Operatic Music Ensemble Of Jinan City Of Shandong Province. Founded in 1959, the troupe includes veteran artists such as Guo Wenq, who sings ballads to a zhuiqin accompaniment; Liu Yanguang, who is recognised for his pingshu singing; Yao Zhongxian, a master of the Beilu Shandong - a style unique to the troupe - and his disciple Yang Po. The troupe will perform pieces such as King Chu Bidding Farewell To His Concubine and Tongue Twisters. $80-$150. Today, 7.30pm. City Hall, Central. Tomorrow's final show of the series begins a three-day run: Liyuan Opera with The Liyuan Opera Experimental Troupe Of Fujian Province. Tomorrow-Thursday, 7.30pm. City Hall Concert Hall, Central. $80-$200. Inquiries: 2268 7323. Urbtix
Film Festivals
