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David Watkins

HONG KONG

Exhibitions

Realm Of Black And Red: Works Of Ou Dawei

Having studied Chinese arts for more than 40 years, the painter and seal cutter has a distinctive style that evokes the work of the old masters. Featuring Ou's crooked, black-and-white landscape paintings, the exhibition will also show some of his calligraphy. City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Ave, Kowloon. Inquiries: 2788 9322. Until Apr 21

PQ'03 - HK

A preview to the Prague Quadrennial 2003 (an international exhibition of scenography and theatre architecture), Hong Kong theatre design specialists come together using a variety of visual media. In addition there is a seminar to discuss 'Form, Spirit, Meaning and Image - The Positioning of HK Scenographic Design in the World'. Sat, 6pm. In Cantonese. AC2 Function Room, Level 4, Administration Building, Cultural Centre. Preview from Wed until Apr 4, 9am-11pm daily in the foyer. Cultural Centre, Tsim Sha Tsui. Inquiries: orleanlai@netvigator.com

Red/White/Blue

Local artist Stanley Wong (alias Anothermountainman) believes Hong Kong is in the grip of a deep malaise. To console a population he says has lost confidence in its city, Ho has produced an interpretation of 'humble building site material and its colours'. An attempt to rebuild Hong Kong? Go see for yourself. From Thu until Apr 11. One-fifth, Starcrest, 9 Star St, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2861 3317

The Beatles: Photographs From the 1960s

Photographer Robert Freeman was partly responsible for turning the mop-top Merseysiders into global icons, having photographed and designed five of their album covers (With The Beatles, A Hard Day's Night, Beatles For Sale, Help!, and Rubber Soul). The exhibition will be accompanied by screenings of the newly released The Beatles Anthology DVD and a series of Gered Mankowitz's pictures of the Rolling Stones. Tomorrow until Sat, 12pm-8pm. 3/F, British Council, 3 Supreme Court Rd, Admiralty. Free.

Inquiries: 2913 5250

Stage

Violin Recital By Uto Ughi

The Italian Cultural Society of Hong Kong presents this renowned maestro who has played with the world's finest orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, the Bolshoi Theatre Orchestra of Russia and the Vienna Philharmonic. Tue, 8pm. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Theatre 1, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai. $150-$250 HK Ticketing.

Inquiries: 2573 0343

The Hong Kong Sinfonietta Presents The Most Beautiful Sound

Joining the Diocesan Girl's Junior School Choir is conductor Bruno Ferrandis and soprano Patricia Rozario to perform numbers such as Prokofiev's Classical Symphony and Rachmaninov's Vocalise, Op 34 No 14 for Soprano and Orchestra. Mar 27, 8pm. City Hall Concert Hall, 7 Edinburgh Place, Central. $90, $140, $180 Cityline. Inquiries: 2921 2840

The Blue Planet Live!

An extra date (next Sun, 3pm) has been added, giving music lovers another opportunity to witness the Hong Kong Philharmonic under the auspices of conductor George Fenton (the composer behind the striking music). The concert also features footage from the award-winning documentary. Narration in Cantonese, with Chinese and English subtitles. Fri, 8pm; Sat, 3pm and 8pm;

Sun 3pm. Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. $100-$360, Urbtix.

Inquiries: 2312 6103

Independent Dance Makers - Made In China

The hottest talent from Tianjin, Shandong, Hunan, Guangxi and Beijing converge on Hong Kong for this City Contemporary Dance Company showcase. Heralding a new era for modern dance on the mainland, the provocative displays are set to demonstrate a fearless generation. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm. HK City Hall Theatre, Central. $90 or $120. Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009

Pinocchio

Hong Kong Dance Company (HKDC) presents family entertainment with a dance drama based on Carlo Collodi's classic children's tale. The performance is the brainchild of artistic director Jiang Huaxuan, who has previously reworked Journey To The West for the dance troupe. Today, 3pm. Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, TST. $90-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries:

3103 1810

Canadian

Film Festival

Memories Of Earth

The timing could not be more poignant for this screening of the powerful documentary that calls for respect towards nature and life in all its forms. It visits the Queen Charlotte Islands (Gwaii) in British Columbia, which the resident Haida tribes believe were the starting point of the world's creation. Today, 5pm. Science Museum Lecture Hall, TST. $40, Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900. In English

Ararat

A sombre reflection, Atom Egoyan's latest offering deals with war and the pressures of family life. The Armenian genocide of 1915 by the Turks provides the harrowing backdrop. Fri, 7.30pm. Hong Kong Film Archive. $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900. In English and Turkish with Cantonese and English subtitles

Alice Tremblay's Odyssey

In this lavishly designed fantasy, a single mother imagines she can realise her childhood dream of becoming a princess. In English. Sat, 5pm. Hong Kong Film Archive. $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900. In French with English and Cantonese subtitles

Atanarjuat The Fast Runner

The first feature-length drama to be written, produced, directed and acted entirely by Inuits. A fascinating glimpse into a lifestyle that embraces the perpetual Arctic light and freezing conditions courtesy of director Zacharias Kunuk, it explores a 4,000-year legend of betrayal and revenge, class and gender, and the struggle for power. The film won the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival 2001 and was named best Canadian feature at that year's Toronto International Film Festival. $40 Urbtix.

Inquiries: 2734 2949. In Inuit with English and Chinese subtitles.

Night Scene

The 1nitestand Comedy Club

This month's edition features Andrew Maxwell, who is on the verge of a major breakthrough in Britain thanks to relentless touring. Alongside him will be Micky Flanagan, who brings a touch of cockney observational wit, and Keith Fields, whose combination of magic tricks and mirth-making has led to many TV appearances. Today, 8pm-10.30pm, Stix Music Bar, the Park Lane Hotel (basement), 310 Gloucester Rd, Causeway Bay. $220 HK Ticketing ($250 on the door or $200 for air crew on presentation of ID). Inquiries and bookings: 3128 8288

DJ Shadow

Master sampler DJ Shadow rounds off his Asian tour with a 90-minute show in Hong Kong. Pioneering mind-blowing cut-and-paste recording techniques and redefining the art of scratching, Shadow is supported by DJ KidcaL, Simon Pang, J-P and Track D. Hong Kong plays a bigger role in the hip-hopper's career than you might expect, with local director Wong Kar-wai behind the lens for Shadow's Six Days video. Apr 11, 10pm. Club Ing, 4/F, Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. $250 HMV. Inquiries: 3106 3392

The Rolling Stones

The old rockers hit town with their own jumbo jet of equipment and their bulging back catalogue. And it promises to be the biggest evening of rock'n'roll Hong Kong has ever witnessed. Fri and Sat, 8pm. Convention and Exhibition Centre. $2,888, $1,398 or $598 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288

Extra-curricular

Credit Suisse First Boston Hong Kong Sevens

In one of the greatest combinations of competitive sport and hedonism in the world, teams from all over the world converge on Hong Kong to compete for the most coveted Sevens championship. Fri, Sat and Sun. Hong Kong Stadium. $750. Bookings and inquiries: www.hksevens.com or 2504 8311

Cirque Du Soleil Auditions

The global circus phenomenon will visit Hong Kong as part of a recruitment drive, providing the opportunity of a lifetime for budding acrobats, martial artists, actors and dancers. If you have a head for heights and an appetite for adventure and possess 'extraordinary physical suppleness', this could be your dream ticket. Up for grabs is a two-year contract if you can make the grade. Auditions are sponsored by the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (HKAPA) Extension and Continuing Education For Life Unit. Application deadline is Wed. Forms are available from the HKAPA, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2584 8718

Challenges and Lessons from the World's Toughest Yacht Race

Yachting is a draining sport - physically and mentally - at the best of times. Dickon Purvis was watch-leader on the winning yacht in the 2000-2001 BT Global Challenge, beating 11 other crews through 20-metre waves, icebergs and very little sleep. Purvis, who had little experience beforehand, shares his fascinating tale at this special luncheon. Thu, 12.30pm. Foreign Correspondents' Club, Lower Albert Rd, Central. $170 ($150 members). Reservations and inquiries: 2521 1511 or e-mail

banquet@fcchk.org

MACAU ARTS

FESTIVAL

Your Mum's Here

Theatre comedy performed in Macau's Sino-Portuguese dialect, Patua, revolving around the age-old drama of a mother-in-law keen to set up home with a newly wed Macanese couple. Directed by Miguel de Senna Fernandes. Subtitles in English, Chinese and Portuguese. Today, 8pm. 4/F, Macau Tower, Auditorium. 120, 80 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 335 141

Coppelia

This innovative production has been choreographed by Swedish dancer Par Isberg for the National Ballet of China. The light-hearted tale was first staged in 1870 and is sprinkled with fantasy and mysticism. Directed by Bo-Ruben Hedwall. Thu-Fri, 8pm. Macau Cultural Centre, Grand Auditorium. 120, 180, 250 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 335 141

Chinese Treasures

Features monuments derived from eight archaeological sites in China that are bidding for Unesco world heritage listing. The exposition includes Macau's own bid, accompanied by 270 works from 183 local artists. Daily, 10am-9pm. 2/F, Macau Tower. Free. Inquiries: (853) 335 141. Opens Sat

NATIONAL

BEIJING

Oil Paintings

Five artists' works on the themes of revolutionary guards, family feuds and western Chinese ethnic minorities. Picture titles are in English and Chinese. Daily, 9.30am-6pm. Qin Gallery, Hua Wei Li 1-1E (north of Beijing Curio City). Free. Inquiries: (8610) 8779 0461 or 8779 0458. Until Apr 15

Royal Lookalikes

Beijing's Yan Club is inviting clubbers to camp it up at their new monthly Dance Queen party, inviting anyone to dress up as royalty and dance to music from the 1970s and 80s. Guests can consult on-site make-up artists and other fashion advisers about their look. Sat, 9pm-late. Yan Club (behind the Hong Yuan Apartments, a block north of the Dashanzi traffic island). 30 yuan (HK$32). Inquiries: (8610) 8457 3506

Spread Of Buddhism

Shankar Menon, the Indian Ambassador to Beijing, lectures on how Buddhism came to China, how it changed there and how central Asia further adapted it. He will also demonstrate how these changes were reflected in pre-12th century Buddhist cave art and temples. Sponsored by the Beijing International Society. Thu, 7.30pm. Swiss Embassy (in the Sanlitun embassy cluster). 50 yuan or free for International Society members. Inquiries: (8610) 6532 1970 or www.bisociety.com

GUANGZHOU

Exhibition Of Shanxi Chinese Shadow Puppet Plays

A showcase of the ancient arts, which originated during the Han dynasty about 2,000 ago, spread as far as Europe and is slowly approaching oblivion in modern times. 9am-5.30pm daily. Guangzhou Museum, Guangzhou Yue Xiu Park.

Six yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8354 5253. Until Apr 15

Ice Sculpture Exhibition

The mainland's biggest indoor ice sculpture show features almost 100 items at a temperature of minus eight degrees Celsius. 9am-8pm daily. Donghu Lu, Dongshanhu Park. Tel: (8620) 8777 5672. 30 yuan. Until June 25

French Neo-Realism Exhibition

A showcase of 60 works by 13 neo-realism French artists, including Arman and Cesar. 9am-5pm, closed Mon. Guangdong Arts Museum, Er Sha Island. Tel: (8620) 873 51468. 15 yuan. Until Apr 20

SHANGHAI

Japanese Poster Exhibition

With 168 dazzling, brightly coloured posters, the exhibit takes an extensive look at the works of 27 Japanese designers created between 1955 and 2001 and the accompanying changes in style and technique through the years. Daily. Shanghai Arts Institute. Free. Inquiries: (8621) 6613 3637. Until Mar 22

The Recruit

Tom Cruise's spy-thriller benefits from China's most sophisticated cinema sound system. Daily, Shanghai Film Art Centre, 160 Xinhua Lu. 40 yuan. Inquiries: (8621) 6280 6088. Until Mar 31

Shanghai Acrobatics

Defying gravity and the usual boundaries of the human body. Daily, 7.30pm, Odeum of the Shanghai Centre Theatre. 80-280 yuan. Inquiries: (8621) 6372 3836. Until Mar 31

SHENZHEN

Dinosaurus

The biggest exhibition of its kind on the mainland displays more than 100 models of the prehistoric beasts. 8am-8pm daily. Donghu Park, Lowu. Tel: (8630) 0663 8619. 10 yuan. Until Mar 28

TAIPEI

Streams Of Encounter

Part exhibition, part electronic media performance, Streams Of Encounter features a perspective from German and Taiwanese artists on how media are changing our perceptions. Taipei Fine Arts Museum, 181 Chungshan North Rd, Section Three. Daily 9.30am-5.30pm, closed Mon. Price: NT$30 (HK$7). Ends today

The Native Born

Bringing together a collection of works from Sydney's Museum of Contemporary Art, the exhibition features a collection that has taken over 20 years to compile. Museum of Contemporary Art, 39 Chang An West Rd, Taipei 103. Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. NT$50. Inquiries: (8862) 2552 3721 or

go to www.mocataipei.org.

Ends Apr 20

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Absolute Asia, Dutchman

Paul Beiboer's collection of 45 black-and-white photographs seek to reveal the essence of Asia and its traditions. The result is a fascinating work that shows ordinary people truly at ease in their surroundings. Daily. Neilson Hays Library, 195 Surawong Rd. Free. Inquiries: (66 2) 233 1731. Until Mar 30

Being Oneself

If installation art rings your bell then try the National Gallery where Patyos Budhacharoen explores the Buddhist concept of destroying one's ego to achieve a special consciousness. Chao Fa Rd, Phra Nakom, 9am-4pm. Inquiries: (66 2) 282 2639. Until Mar 31

Bangkok Doll Museum

Pride and hope are part and parcel of the Thai national psyche, and these qualities are symbolised in this stunning exhibition of traditional folk opera masks. Daily, 9am-5pm. 85 Soi Yaek Ratchataphan, Rajprarop Rd. Free. Inquiries: (66 2) 245 300

Afternoon Tea With Kenzaburo Oe

The Bangkok Literary Festival invites the 1994 Nobel Prize winner in literature for tea in an event that will feature a discussion with the author (and the release of a Thai translation) onf his famed A Personal Matter. The book's depiction of a man who comes to terms with his own terrible life upon the birth of his brain-damaged son was described by the New York Times as being 'inches away from the perfect contemporary novel'. Tue, 3pm. Regency Room, Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Charoen Krung Rd, Soi Oriental. Free. Inquiries:

(66 2) 9549 5604

SEOUL

Isamu Noguchi

Isamu Noguchi can be credited for creating a form of specially illuminated sculpture that has an odd sense of weightlessness and warmth. In 1951, he started the Akari series, inspired by traditional lanterns used to illuminate night fishing on the Nagara River. Urban Art Gallery. Free. Inquiries: (82 2) 511 2931. Until Apr 30

Bill Viola

Pioneering video artist Bill Viola relies on Zen ideology and mysticism for inspiration while using modern technology to explore human emotions and experiences. Kukje Gallery. Free. Inquiries: (82 2) 735 8449. Until Apr 30

DJ Shadow

DJ Shadow will be stopping by Korea to perform his deep, dark and funky hip-hop. The line-up includes DJs J-U, Soulscape and U-Jin, with visuals by VG Mog. Apr 5, 9pm-3am. Triport Hall. 45,000 won (on the door, 40,000 won in advance (HK$280-HK$250). Inquiries: www.seoulscape.dj

SINGAPORE

Rolling Stones Licks World Tour 2003

The mammoth tour continues as the Rolling Stones unleash their awesome back catalogue on Singapore before making their way to Hong Kong at the end of the month. Mon, Wed, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, S$100-S$500 (HK$440-HK$2,200). Bookings and inquiries: www.sistic.com.sg or Sistic outlets (65) 6348 5555

Singapore Fashion Festival 2003

A series of shows and Gala dinners highlighting collections by fashion czar Valentin Yudashkin, local hero Andrew Gn, Indian designer Kavita Bhartia and many more. There will also be a showcase for 15 up-and-coming designers from the region. Thur-Sat. Inquiries:

www.singaporefashionfestival.com

Mahler's Resurrection

The Singapore Symphony Orchestra tackles Gustav Mahler's Symphony No 2 in C minor, Resurrection, with mezzo-soprano Nancy Maultsby and soprano Brigitte Wohlfarth starring. Fri, Sat, 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall. S$12-S$60. Inquiries: www.esplanade.com or

call (65) 6348 5555

TOKYO

Jindai Festival 2003

The cherry blossom viewing or 'hanami' season is later than usual as Japan endures a chilly 2003. But you can still enjoy the week-long viewing ceremony with its hosts of musical performances from all over the world, food and drink stalls and a variety of markets. The cherry blossom trees are lit up at night. Sat, Apr 6, 9.30am-9pm. Toritsu Jindai Botanical Gardens, 5-31-10 Jindai Motomachi, Chofu. Admission; 250 or 500 yen (HK$33/HK$16). Inquiries: (81 3) 2483 2300

Edo Tokyo 400th Anniversary

Join in one of the biggest events to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Tokyo. The celebrations will feature a parade of portable shrines with raucous chants from the bearers and plenty of parade floats. It starts from Muromachi 4-chome travelling down Chuo dori to Yaesu Dori. Next Sun, 12pm-3pm. Muromachi 4-chome, Chuo-ku. Free. Inquiries: (81 3) 3546 5328



The Planner