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HONG KONG

Exhibitions

Pictorial Journey Through South Africa

The beauty of South Africa left a deep impression on photographer James Au, who captured the brighter side of the troubled land in this exhibition. Mon-Sat, noon-midnight. Volkswagen fotogalerie, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Tue

Improvised Frog Fun Party 2003

Artist Kwok Mang-hzo calls himself the 'Frog King'. Presenting this multimedia installation project entitled Nine-Million Works, the flamboyant eccentric invites you to join in his 'one-second performance'. 6pm-midnight. The Economist Gallery, Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Tue

Seven Artists From Mandalay

These artists were schooled in traditional forms of painting, but had little exposure to the contemporary styles favoured by outside movements. This exhibition charts their reactions to nature and the land around them with an abundance of reds, yellows and greens. Karin Weber Gallery. 32A, Staunton St, Central. Mon-Sat, 11am-7pm, Sun 1pm-7pm. Inquiries: 2544 5004. Ends Sat

City Heroes

Photographer Leong Ka-tai attempts to find the 'true heart' of the city by capturing its ordinary people on film. The 40 snapshots of individuals who personify the story of Hong Kong has toured the region in the past month and ends where it began, at HSBC Plaza in Central.Inquiries: 2521 1751 or info@cityheroes.org. Until May 11

A Feast For The Eyes

Beijing artist Zhao Jingsui shows the greatest pleasures in life are the simple ones, especially food. Her latest collection features culinary still lifes that are almost good enough to eat. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7pm; Sun, noon-5pm. Gallery on Old Bailey, G/F 17 Old Bailey St, Central. Inquiries 2869 7122. Until May 15

Tempted By Tempera

Zhang Yong and Zhai Peihong are reputed to be the first artists in China to use the Western medium of tempera on board. The collection includes Zhang's observations on rural life on the mainland. Galerie Du Monde, 328 Pacific Place, 88 Queensway. 10am-7pm (Sun, noon-5pm). Inquiries: 2525 0529. Until May 31

When Cinema Meets Fashion

Le French May continues with this cinema extravaganza offering a crash course in fashion via a selection of French cinema classics. The fashion statements made by French directors have ensured the kings and queens of the catwalk have been immortalised in celluloid over the years, from Chanel's little black dress to the gaudy bondage leanings of Jean Paul Gaultier. Today's screening is Marcel Carne's Port Of Shadows, at 2pm. HK Arts Centre, Lim Por Yen Film Theatre. $50 Urbtix. Inquiries and screenings information: 2582 0200. Until Jun 1

Napoleon Bonaparte: Emperor And Man

Just as the gaudy art found in Saddam Hussein's palaces offer a psychological insight into the deposed Iraqi leader, so do the works that decorated Napoleon's home, La Malmaison. Treasures are plentiful in this exhibition that explores trends of the era. Special Exhibition Gallery, Hong Kong Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd South, TST. $20, $14, $10. Inquiries: 2724 9042. Until Jun 29

Bold + Trendy

A solo exhibition of 38 oil paintings by Liu Fei. Examining attitudes towards women, Liu veers from the comical to the unsettling and near ghoulish in his work. Schoeni Art Gallery, G/F 21-31 Old Bailey St, Central. Mon-Sat, 10.30-6.30pm. Inquiries: 2869 8802. Opens Tue

Le Songe Creux (The Hollow Dream)

The culmination of 15 years' work, Frank Vigneron presents a series of ink drawings that attempt to recreate and unite two simple representations of infinity: the rectangle and the spiral. The sheer complexity of each drawing is astounding, especially when you consider the fact that they were completed entirely by hand. Tue-Sat, 11am-7pm (closed 2pm-3pm); Sun, 1pm-5pm; or by appointment. John Batten Gallery, 64 Peel St, Central. Tel: 2854 1018. Opens Sat

Performing Arts

Transformation Double

This theatrical vision inspired by local author Dung Kai-cheung's award-winning novel Double Body and Kafka's Metamorphosis, explores mutating desires and rites of passage. The performance embraces video installation and original music in its efforts to cut a swathe through illusion. Tue-Sat, 8pm; May 11, 3pm. McAulay Studio, Arts Centre, Wan Chai. $110, $60 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2521 2840

Sexual Perversity In Chicago

One of David Mamet's first plays, this tale of dysfunctional human relationships, one-night stands and pick-up lines in the big city translates well wherever it is performed. The play captures the power of the sexual encounter and its resonance within the urban jungle. Presented by Modern Times Productions and Queens Cafe Company. In English. Wed-Sat, 8pm. Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. $80 (members); $100 (non-members). Inquiries: 2511 6192

Scribblers Present: The Fate Of The Assassins

Based on Sima Qian's (145-86 BC) Cikeliezhuan, this tale explores the lives of several assassins in a combination of Greek tragedy and modern theatre. In Cantonese. Thu-Sat, 8pm. Cultural Centre, Studio Theatre, Tsim Sha Tsui. $100. Inquiries: info@scribblers.org.hk

Film

Leslie Legacy - His Charm, Charisma and Craft, Remembered on Celluloid

The suicide of Leslie Cheung on April 1 deprived Hong Kong of one of its most gifted performers. As a tribute, this retrospective will look back at his best. All proceeds are to be donated to the Children's Cancer Foundation and the End Child Sexual Abuse Foundation. To be screened are: Nomad (1982), A Chinese Ghost Story (1987), Rouge (1988), Days Of Being Wild (1990), Once A Thief (1991), Farewell My Concubine (1993), He's A Woman, She's A Man (1994), Ashes Of Time (1994) and Happy Together (1997). May 11-12. Grand Theatre, Cultural Centre and Theatre, Hong Kong City Hall. $50. Screening inquiries and reservations: 2734 2900 and www.urbtix.gov.hk

Israeli Film Festival

Featuring eight films, this cinematic tour explores the history, tradition and culture of Israel. Kicking things off will be Desperado Square, that swept the board at the Israeli Academy Awards in 2000. Those who like their metal heavy ought to check out Vulcan Junction, an illustration of the lives of four rock musicians with a soundtrack featuring the Zombies, Deep Purple and King Crimson. Desperado Square May 13, 7.15pm, Theatre, HK City Hall.Desperado Square May 14, 7pm. Lecture Hall, Space Museum. $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900

Night Scene

Reggae Night

Dancehall rude boy Mikey Dread is at the centre of Club 97's Reggae Night, joined by DJ Maggi, hailed as the local Queen of R&B. Today, 8pm-late. Club 97, Lan Kwai Fong, Central. Free. Inquiries: 2810 9333

Slinky World Tour

Bursting out of the English seaside resort Bournemouth in the mid-1990s, Slinky is the latest 'superclub' to escape the dwindling British scene by touting its wares elsewhere in the world. The 'Superstar DJ' on show is Dave Lea. Supporting him will be local boys Frankie Lam, Christian, Jimi K and Tak. Sat, 10pm-6am. Club Ing, 4/F Convention Plaza, 1 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. $180/$230. Inquiries: 9043 0969

Extra-curricular

Investing In China: Legal, Financial And Regulatory Risk

This lunch seminar assesses the risks in mainland investment and whether problems in the Chinese legal system affect the $50 billion invested annually. William Gamble will talk you through it. Tomorrow, 12.30pm. Foreign Correspondents' Club, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central. $150 (members), $170 (guests). Inquiries: 2521 1511 or banquet@fcchk.org

Art Jams

Throw on the overalls and get ready to jam with paint and canvas and an open mind. Art Jams are held every Saturday, and are loosely themed each week. May 10, Snazzafied Jazz. May 17, Infinity And Beyond. 9pm-late. $400 members, $500 non-members (inclusive of paints and canvas; drinks extra). Membership costs $250 per year. Meli-Melo Living Arts Cafe, G/F 123 Wellington St, Central. Inquiries: 2541 8816 or e-mail living@melimelohk.net

MACAU

Enchanting Music: Chinese Musical Instruments And Music Forms

More than 100 exhibits contribute to this display of traditional musical instruments. Tue-Sun (closed Mon), 9am-9pm. G/F, Gallery of the Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau, Leal Senado Building, Senado Square. Until May 18

Light Touches - Photographs By Anna M Kindler

A joint exhibition presented by the Macau Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau and the Consulate-General of the Republic of Poland in Hong Kong. Tue-Sun (closed Mon), 10am-6pm. Gallery of The Taipa Houses-Museum, Taipa Island, Taipa Village Promenade. Free. Inquiries: (853) 825 314 or 827 527

Liang Piyun Calligraphy Exhibition

Exhibition of 60 calligraphic works by Liang Piyun, one of Macau's most outstanding poets and calligraphers. Tue-Sun (closed Mon), 10am-6.30pm. 4/F, Macau Museum of Art, Outer Harbour. 5 patacas (free on Sundays). Inquiries: (853) 7919 814 or 7919 800

Ox Warehouse

Macau's newest venue for alternative and avant-garde arts and crafts, the Ox Warehouse is a former abattoir where Macau's young artists now gather. It houses some of the brightest exhibitions from Macau's new wave, and an alternative library and a funky cafe. Daily (except Wed), 12pm-7pm. Macau Canidrome, intersection of Avenida do Coronel Mesquita and Avenida do Almirante Lacerda. Free. Inquiries: (853) 530 026 or e-mail oldladieshouse@hotmail.com

NATIONAL

BEIJING

Huangdan Fuqi (The Absurd Couple)

Presented by the China Coal Mine Opera Troupe, which has performed for 50 years. An accident re-ignites a middle-aged husband's passion for his wife, with negative consequences. Directed by Tang Ye; starring Zhou Zhou and Hei Mei. Today-tomorrow, 7.15pm. People's Art Theatre. 80 yuan (HK$75). Bookings and inquiries: (86 20) 6525 0123

Wo Ai Tao Hua (I Love Peach Blossoms)

The People's Art Experimental Theatre examines perceptions of love in old and modern-day China. Directed by Ren Ming; written by Zou Jingzhi; stage design by Zeng Li, who has previously designed Zhang Yimou's staging of the opera Turandot at the Forbidden City and Raise The Red Lantern at the Central Ballet of China. Daily, 7.15pm. 2/F Capital Theatre, People's Art Experimental Theatre. 100 yuan. Bookings and inquiries: (8620) 6524 9847 or 6525 0996. Until May 7

Pure Transparency World: Two Girls

Xinjiang native and Central Academy of Fine Arts graduate Zhang Yonghong is the artist behind this exhibition of face portraits and bodies. Z&A Space Gallery, Wang Jing West Garden (Xi Yuan), Building 422, Room 511. Tue-Sun, 1pm-7pm. Inquiries: (86 10) 6471 1700. Until May 11

Beijing Hikers

The club offers a gentle hike in the Beijing suburb of Pinggu County. The scenic, three-hour walk goes through villages, over bridges and past wide-angle views of mountains. Every Sun, 8.30am, meeting at the Lido Hotel Starbucks. 150/100 yuan (covers round-trip bus transport, guide service and refreshments. Hikers are advised to bring their own lunch and water). Inquiries and information: www.bjhikers.com

GUANGZHOU

Ice Sculpture Exhibition

The mainland's biggest indoor ice-sculpture show features almost 100 items at a temperature of minus eight degrees Celsius. Daily, 9am-8pm. Donghu Lu, Dongshanhu Park. Tel: (86 20) 8777 5672. 30 yuan. Until Jun 25

Asian Field by Antony Gormley

Hundreds of helpers from Xiangshan Primary School and students of the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Art worked on this underground car park installation of more than 200,000 clay figures. Presented by the British Council China. 105 Zhongshan Dao, Xinhau Garden Huajing Xinzheng Guangzhou. Inquiries: www.britishcouncil.cn. Until June 11

Wang Lanyue Exhibition

A showcase of 50 works by renowned Guangdong artist Wang Lanyue, who donated the paintings to the museum when it opened in 1997. Tue-Sun (closed Mon), 9am-5pm. Guangdong Arts Museum, Er Sha Island. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 1468. Until Sep 15

SHANGHAI

Cats

The curtain fell for the last time on the long-running musical in London last May, but it continues in more than 20 cities worldwide, including Shanghai. Daily, 7.15pm. Shanghai Grand Theatre. 80-1,200 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 5385 3300. Until May 9

Riverdance

The energetic, world-famous Irish folk extravaganza uses the talents of 80 dancers from Ireland, the United States, Spain and Russia. It focuses on the evolution of Irish dance and its similarities with other cultures. Daily, 7.30pm. Shanghai Grand Stage, 1111 Cao Xi Bei Lu, inside Shanghai Stadium. 80-800 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 5665 6622 ext 2027. Until May 13

The Russian National Circus

One of the top 10 circuses in the world, the Russian National Circus makes a two-month guest appearance. Expect a big line-up of exotic animals and daredevils such as elephant trainer Kornilova, tiger keeper Ladesova, and bear tamer Balovich. Daily, 7.30pm. Shanghai Grand Stage. 50-580 yuan. Bookings and inquiries: (86 21) 5665 6622 ext 2027. Until June 30

TAIPEI

National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra

Guest conductor Wang Jin leads the orchestra through Mozart's Symphony No 35, K 385, in D Major and Beethoven's Symphony No 3, Op 55, in E-Flat Major. May 8, 7.30pm, National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Concert Hall, 732-8 Chung-cheng Rd, Wu-Feng, Taichung; May 9, 7.30pm, Changhua County Yunlin Performance Hall, 99 Lane 2, Chuang-cheng Road, Yunlin; May 11, 7.30pm, Novel Hall for the Performing Arts, Sung-shou Road, Taipei. Ticket and programme inquiries: (862) 04 2339 1141

New Brown Sugar

Taipei's famous jazz lounge has moved to a hot spot in the east of the city. A stone's throw from the Warner Village movie complex, the New Brown Sugar is bigger and more comfy while offering the same smokin' line-up of live jazz. Daily, 9pm-late. 101 (rear) Song-ren Rd. Free. Inquiries: (886 2) 2322 4677

REGIONAL

BANGKOK

Thai Image

Aim of this exhibition by 11 artists is to explore Thai customs and culture through painting, and to encourage local youngsters to preserve traditional ways of life that are slowly being eroded. Daily, 10am-8pm. Amary Watergate Hotel, Phetchaburi Rd. Inquiries: (66 2) 653 9000

Surrealism

Six Thai artists, including Somchai Hattakitkosol and Kiettisak Chanonnart, display oils on canvas that explore their attitude, experience and emotion via surreal art. Mon-Fri, 8am-7pm Sat, 9am-4pm. Chulalongkorn University, 254 Phayathai Rd. Inquiries: (66 2) 218 2964

Meditation Courses

A team of experienced instructors, called the Willpower Institute, offers courses on meditation techniques on the second weekend of every month. Wat Dhammamongkol, Sukhumvit Soi 101. 1,500 baht (HK$275) includes lodging and meals at the meditation centre (an air-conditioned townhouse near the institute). Inquiries: (66 2) 718 8935 or chat017@loxinfo.co.th

SEOUL

Turandot

The celebrated opera will be performed at the World Cup Stadium in Seoul to commemorate the anniversary of the Fifa World Cup. Carlo Palleschi, art director of the Lecce Symphony Orchestra, will conduct. May 8-11. Seoul World Cup Stadium. 30,000-300,000 won (HK$189-HK$1,890). Inquiries: (82 2) 2005 0114

Swan Lake

This reinterpretation of Swan Lake has won more than 25 international awards, including a Tony Award on Broadway. The show lands in South Korea in time for the 30th anniversary of the British Council Culture Centre. May 20-June 1. LG Art Centre. 40,000-100,000 won. Inquiries: (82 2) 2005 0114

There After

Kim Woo-young's multimedia documentary project takes a look at Cheonggyecheon, a 50-kilometre road that used to be a stream running through Seoul. Using photos of the natural features that have survived, the film illustrates the loss caused by urbanisation. In Korean, with English subtitles. Tue-Sun, 11am-9pm (closed Mon). Ilmin Musuem of Art. Inquiries: (82 2) 2020 2055. Until July 26

SINGAPORE

Schubert's Unfinished Symphony

Young American pianist Andrew von Oeyen performs with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra in a concert that also commemorates the 50th anniversary of Prokofiev's death with a recital of his Third Piano Concerto. Mozart's Symphony No 29 and Schubert's Unfinished Symphony complete the programme. Fri, 7.30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, S$12-S$60 (HK$52-HK$262). Tickets and inquiries: www.esplanade.com

Shakespeare's Twelfth Night - The Musical

Escape Production brings back to the stage Paerin Choa's musical based on the Bard's well-loved play. Directed by Wendy Ng, it is presented as a workshop performance. In English. Fri-Sun, 8pm and 9.15pm. Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. Free. Inquiries: www.esplanade.com

Man.Power - A Season Of Male Choreographers Odyssey Dance Theatre presents the work of four male choreographers - Jaime Redfern (Australia), Lee Ming-cheng (Taiwan), Albert Tiong (Malaysia) and Zhuo Zihao (Singapore) - as part of the company's three-part New Talent venture. Thu-Sat, 8pm, Esplanade Theatre Studio, $27. Tickets: www.esplanade.com

The Rival

The 18th-century play about a young heiress and the many rivals for her love is transplanted to a tropical island resort. Wed-Sat, 8pm. DBS Arts Centre at Robertson Quay, S$25-S$35. Tickets and inquiries at Sistic: (65) 6348 5555

Timeless Reflection

The Venice-based artist Alessandro Diaz De Santillana combines diverse materials with glass. Using hot and cold glass-working techniques, he captures the timeless and fluid lines of nature. Mon-Fri, 11am-6pm; Sat-Sun,12pm-6pm. Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Road, Singapore. Inquiries: (65) 6333 1055. Until May 22

TOKYO

The Dignity Of The Humble

Millet's three recognised masterpieces have been loaned from the Orsay Museum of Paris: Les Glaneuses (The Gleaners; salon of 1857), L'Angelus (Angelus; 1857-59) and La Grande Bergere (The Shepherdess; salon of 1864). Having been distributed as prints in the late 1800s, these pictures have become some of the best known in European art history. Daily, 10am-7pm (till 9pm on Fri, Sat). Bunkamura Museum of Art, near JR Shibuya Station. 1,300 yen (HK$85). Inquiries: (81 3) 5777 8600. Until July 13

The Elvis Story

The acclaimed musical documenting the life of the king of rock'n'roll continues, starring bequiffed Canadian impersonator Martin Fontaine. Since its launch in 1995, more than 600,000 people have seen the long-running hit. Tokyo International Forum. 8,000/9,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5436 9600. Until May 11



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