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Liana Cafolla

Exhibitions

Arts of Mexico

Vibrant, colourful paintings by three Mexican artists.  Elsa Ayala gives  a demonstration of portrait painting on  Fri and Sat,  2pm-5pm, Sun,  10am-noon. The exhibition opens  on Sep 21, 6pm-7.30pm, and continues daily, 10am-8pm,  HK Central Library, Exhibition Galleries 4 & 5. Part of the Mexican September 2004 celebrations. Inquiries: www.mexico.com.hk. Ends Sun, 1pm

Pham Luan - Mid-Autumn Festival

Contemporary Vietnamese  brightly coloured brushworks of the celebrations in  the artist's native Hanoi. Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6.30pm, Sun, 10.30am-6pm, Arch Angel  Art, 38 Peel St, corner of Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2854 4255.  Ends Thu

Kun Jien (The Space Between)

German artist Peter Dittmar depicts his concept of nothingness  in  abstract calligraphic paintings.  Mon-Fri, 10am-8pm, Sat, 2pm-6pm, Goethe Gallery, Goethe-Institut, 14/F HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour  Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 9885  6232 or www.goethe.de/hongkong. Ends Sep 28

Life in the Hutongs

Bian Guojian's ink and colour on paper focus on Beijing's narrow alleyways and small courtyards. Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sun, 1pm-5pm, Yan Gallery, 77 Wyndham St, Central. Inquiries: 2139 2345. Ends Sep 30

Coins from the Zhuyuetang Collection

Gold, silver and bronze coins from the 7th century BC to the 1st century BC,  from Asia to Egypt.  Mon, and Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun and public holidays, 10am-7pm, Special Exhibition Gallery, HK Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd Sth, TST, $5-$10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2724 9042. Ends Oct 4

Hong Kong Foodscape - Text Image Installation

An exploration of Hong Kong's food culture through photographs, poetry, installations and interactive exhibits that produce scents and sounds. Mon and Wed-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun, 10am-7pm, HK Heritage Museum, 1 Man Lam Rd, Shatin, $5-$10, free on Wed. Inquiries: 2180 8188. Ends Oct 4

Exploring Giant Planets

A 40-minute sky show introducing  the wonders of four enormous planets, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. Mon and Wed-Sun, 2.40pm and 6.10pm, Space Theatre, Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $12-$32 Urbtix or box office. Inquiries: 2721 0226. Ends Nov 15

Performing Arts

The Trocks

Starring the all-male Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo. The troupe of expert dancers is known for its playful take on classical ballet. Today, 3pm,    Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, Wan Chai, $200-$450 HK Ticketing

Oyster

Music theatre from  Israel's Inbal Pinto Dance Company.  Today,   8pm, City Hall Theatre, Central, $100-$220 Urbtix.

Faust

Charles Gounod's opera on Goethe's tale of the devil and the philosopher he seduces gets an airing under the directorial auspices of local opera stalwart Lo King-man, conductor David Stern and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and the Chorus of the Opera Society of Hong Kong. Today and tomorrow,  7.30pm, Cultural Centre Grand Theatre, $120-$650 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7231

Ballet: Turandot

The Hong Kong Ballet performs a dance version of Puccini's opera about a Chinese princess who fears love, but is ultimately transformed by a gallant suitor. Choreography  by Natalie Weir. Fri,  8pm, and Sat,  3pm and 8pm, Lyric Theatre, HK Academy for Performing Arts,  1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai, $45-$1,000 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 2105 9724 or www.hkballet.com

Ms Julie

A two-hour drama set in fast-changing society of 1930s Shanghai. A dissatisfied young woman has been brought up in a style her family can no longer afford to maintain. The chauffeur is also fed up with his lot in life, and decides to work for himself. Performed by Drumroll. In English. Sep 29-Oct 2, 7.30pm, Sep 30, 10am, Fringe Studio, Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, $145, $190. Not for children under 13. Inquiries: 2721 7251

CLP Light Classics Concert

The Hong Kong Sinfonietta performs a concert of classical favourites, including Strauss' The Blue Danube, Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker waltz and many more. Conducted and directed by Yip Wing-sie. In Cantonese. Sun,  Oct 3, 2.30pm-4.15pm with no intermission, HK Cultural Centre Concert Hall, $60-$100 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336

Extra-curricular

Poco's Dazzling Birthday Celebration

Fun, games and lucky draw for  children aged two to seven. In English. Today,  11am-12.30pm or 2pm-3.30pm, Heaven on Earth Bar & Restaurant, Basement, Century Square, 1-13 D'Aguilar St, Central, $100 (members), $120.  Includes free children's lunch. Adults free. Inquiries: 2111 5333 or go to website www.pocosfunclub.com

Fruits in Suits

An informal gay professional and business networking event.  No suit required. Tue,  6.30pm-8.30pm, and on the third Tue of every month. Free. Cash bar. One Grill & Bar, One Exchange Square, Central Inquiries: hkfins@yahoo.com

Peter Scott @ SachYoga

The senior Iyengar yoga teacher from Australia will conduct  two workshops. Tomorrow,  6.30am-9am and Wed,  7pm-9.30pm, Sachananda Yoga Shala, L/16 One Lan Kwai Fong, Central, $350 per workshop. To register, go to  www.sachyoga.com

Women Business Owners Club - Ask the Expert

Advice  on selling a business, tax, branding, and more from a panel  of about 16 specialists in various business- related fields. Tue,  6.30pm-10pm, HK Football Club, $250 (members), $310 non-members, includes one drink and snacks. Inquiries: 2541 0446 or go to website www.hkwboc.org

Auditions: Peter Pan

Leading and chorus roles for adult men and women in Faust's forthcoming production.  Children's roles available only to members of Faust programmes, call to inquire about enrolments. Rehearsals  start Oct 30 for performances Jan 27-Feb 5. Auditions for adults on Wed  and Thu,  6.30pm-9.30pm, 34/F One IFC, 1 Harbour View St, Central. Inquiries: Katy on 2547 7150

Meet the Author: Francois Boucher

The French author has written  five detective novels, all set in Guangzhou. His French editions are published under the name of Fan Tong, but his Chinese translations are published under his real name.  He presents his new book and talks about his relationship with China and Guangzhou. In French. Thu,  7pm, Mediatheque of the Alliance Francaise, 52 Jordan Rd, Kowloon. Inquiries: 2730 3257

Breathing Techniques

Jac Vidgen leads workshops on  the Buteyko method of breathing reconditioning for treatment  of asthma, allergies, rhinitis, coughing, sleep and anxiety disorders and stress. Various  times and venues.  Inquiries: 9378 5185  or www.buteykoasia.com

Film

Nobody Knows

Inspired by a true story about four siblings living with their mother in Tokyo. Fathered by different men, none of the children have ever been to school, and the landlord knows nothing about the existence of three of them. One day, they find their mother has left them, leaving just a note and some money, and the children begin a secret odyssey. In Japanese with English sub-titles. Sep 28-29, 7.30pm, Agnes b Cinema!, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, $30, $50. Inquiries: 2582 0200

Australia: Land Beyond Time

The greatest sights of the continent in a 40-minute show.  Not for children under three. Space Theatre, Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $24, $32 Urbtix or Space Museum Box Office. Show schedule and inquiries: 2721 0226. Ends Sep 30

MACAU

Le Gene, Le Visage

Chinese ink paintings by young Shanghai-born artist Hong Wai. Wed-Mon, 10am-5pm, Dr Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall, Av. Sidonio  Pais.  Inquiries: (853) 574 064, or homepage.ntu.edu.tw/{tilde}b89206042/- index.html. Ends Fri

16th Macau International Fireworks Display Contest

The world's best battle it out at this spectacle on the seaside in front of the Tower. Sat,  Sep 28 and Oct 1, 9pm and 10pm.  Call (853) 315 566, or www.macautourism.gov.mo

Artworks by Mio Pangfei

The mainland modern painter, who survived the Cultural Revolution, is now based in Macau.  Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm, Macau Museum of Art, Avenida Xian Xing Hai, 5 patacas, free on Sun. Inquiries: (853) 791 9814, 791 9800. Ends Sep 26

Czech Movie Posters

The exhibition attempts to demonstrate the transformation of visual styles in the Czech Republic between 1898 and 2000. One of the rare posters features the late master of horror, Boris Karloff. Tue-Sun, 10am-6.30pm, Macau Museum of Art, 1/F Macau Cultural Centre. Inquiries: (853) 791 9814  or  www.artmuseum.gov.mo. Ends Oct 10

Rules by the Masters - from Beijing's Palace Museums and Shanghai Museum

Paintings and calligraphy  by Shi Tao and Ba Da Shan Ren. Tue-Sun, 10am-7pm, Macau Museum of Art, Avenida Xian Xing Hai, 5 patacas, free on Sun. Inquiries: (853) 791 9814, 791 9800, or visit website www.artmuseum.gov.mo. Ends Nov 21

National

BEIJING

Backstreet Boys

The band perform their first concert in the city. Fri,  7.30pm, Stadium of Beijing Olympic Sports Centre, 1 Anli Lu, Haidian District, 200-1200 yuan. Tickets: (86 10) 8447 7308.  Inquiries: (86 10) 6491 2233

Wall of Hope Concert

Cyndi Lauper, Alicia Keys, Al Jarreau and more. In aid of underprivileged children. Sat, 7pm, Great Wall, Ju Yong Guan North Gate, 100-10,000 yuan.  Tickets:  (86 10) 6554 6512.

Shangri-La

This opera  is performed by the China National Children's Art Theatre. Thu-Sep 26,  7.30pm,  Poly Theatre.  Inquiries: (86 10) 6500 1188, ext 5126

The St Petersburg State Ballet on Ice

Excerpts of several well-loved classical ballets, including Swan Lake and Sleeping Beauty. Sat-Sep 29,  7.30pm, Beijing Exhibition Theatre, 120-580 yuan.  Tickets:   (86 10) 800 810 1887. Inquiries: (86 10) 6835 4455

Illusion

Silk screen prints by Zhou Jirong. Daily, 10am-5pm, Red Gate Gallery, The Dongbianmen Watchtower, Chongwenmen. Inquiries: (86 10) 6525 1005 or visit website www.redgategallery.com. Ends  Oct 10

GUANGZHOU

Secret Garden

The Norwegian singers, and former Eurovision Song Contest winners, perform  lyrical melodies. Sat,  8pm, Sun Yat-Sen, Memorial Hall, 100-600 yuan. Inquiries:  (86 20) 8355 2430

Celebrating the 55th Anniversary of the Founding of the People's Republic of China

Performed by The Pearl River Film Orchestra. Oct 1, 8pm, Xinghai Concert Hall, 33 Qing Bo Lu, Er Sha Island, 60-150 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 2222 ext 312

The 10th National Fine Art Exhibition

Paintings and sculptures in a variety of media created by artists from across the country in this  five-yearly exhibition. Tue-Sun, 9am-6pm, Guangdong Museum of Art, 38 Yan Yu Lu, Ersha Island, 15 yuan. Inquiries: (86 20) 8735 1468  or 8735 1336. Ends Oct 17

SHANGHAI

Elton John

Today and Tue,  7.30pm, Shanghai Grand Stage, 1111 Caoxi Bei Lu, Shanghai Stadium, 350-2,500 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 5301 8056

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

A  different programme of modern dance each night. Sep 27-28, Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 Renmin Da Dao, 150-880 yuan.  Inquiries: (86 21) 6372 8701

Vintage Chinese Sports Posters

Posters from the 1960s and 70s  that emphasise the role sport played as a link between China  and the rest of the world. Daily, 10am-5pm, Propaganda Poster Art Centre, Room BOC, 868 Huashan Lu. Inquiries: (86 21) 6211 1845. Ends Sep 30

Roman Holiday

Italian street carnival.  Mon-Thu, 2pm-midnight; Sat-Sun, 10am-midnight, Main Plaza, Pudong waterfront, Crossing of Yin Cheng Bei Lu and Dong Yuan Lu, Lujiazui, Pudong, Shanghai (Lujiazui Subway Station exit 1), 30-80 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6888 6223 or 6888 6225, or see www.romanholiday.com.cn Ends Oct 24

TAIPEI

Akram Kham

The choreographer  fuses  modern and Bangladeshi traditional dance.  Thu-Sat, 8pm,  Novel Hall, 3 Sung-shou Rd, NT$350-NT$1,500. Inquiries: (886 2) 2723 7953 or www.ticket.com.tw

Elton John

Thu,  8pm, Zhong-shan Soccer Field. 1, Yu-men St, NT$1,200- NT$6,000. Inquiries: (886 2) 2341 9898 or www.ticket.com.tw

Discovery Workshop

Organised by the Musee National d'Art Moderne, this exhibition  allows children to experience  Matisse and Picasso. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-5.30pm, Taipei Fine Arts Museum, 181 Sec. 3, Zhongshan N. Rd, NT$30. Inquiries: (886 2) 2595 7656 or www.tfam.gov.tw.

Ends Oct 3

Regional

Bangkok

Stars of Siam

The stars of men's tennis play at the 2004 Thailand Open. Opens on Sat,  Impact Arena, Muang Thong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd. 300-1,200 baht. Inquiries: (66 2) 262 3900 or www.thailandopen.net. Until Oct 3

Introducing Introdans

Since 1971, Introdans has grown into one of the biggest and most active ballet companies in the Netherlands.  Combining classical and lyrical styles with modern techniques. Sep 29, 7.30pm, Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Rd, 400-1,500 baht. Inquiries: (66 2) 204 9999 or www.thaiticketmaster.com

Synthesis

A festival of electronic sound organised by Bangkok's SAE Institute. Music industry bigwigs and wannabes, indie bands, and assorted organisations will gather for this 'showcase of sight and sound'. From Sat,  noon, Siam Discovery and Siam Center, Ploenchit Rd, free, followed by a late-night party Q Bar, Sukumvit Soi 11 (small cover charge). Inquiries: (66 2) 655 4655 or visit website www.saethailand.com

Jazz-tastic

Classic jazz, with a double bill featuring Australia's Michelle Nicolle Quartet playing the best of Irving Berlin and Henry Mancini, and British nu-jazz pioneer Courtney Pine.  Sep 28, 7.30pm, Thailand Cultural Centre, Ratchadaphisek Road, 300-1,200 baht.  Inquiries: (66 2) 204 9999 or www.thaiticketmaster.com

SINGAPORE

Kitaro Asia Tour 2004

Fusing electronic wizardry, traditional Japanese forms and pop-inflected western idioms.  Mon, 8pm, Suntec Convention Hall 602, S$70-$150. Inquiries: (65) 6296 2929 or www.ticketcharge.com

Mamma Mia!

Abba's greatest hits are woven into this musical.  Daily from Tue (no Mon show), 8pm, Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive, S$25-S$125. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com. Until Oct 24

Best of Blue

The British pop band perform its hits.  Tue, 7.30pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, S$24-S$99. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Mozart Festival: A Date with Double Reeds

An all-Mozart programme.  Fri-Sat, 8pm, Victoria Concert Hall, 11 Empress Place, S$16-S$46. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Symphonic Serendipity at Esplanade

The Taipei-based Evergreen Symphony Orchestra makes its debut international tour concert.  Sat, 7.30pm, Esplanade Concert Hall, S$20-S$70. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555

Museum of Mooncakes

The mooncake becomes an object of art with  traditional designs  to contemporary cartoon-character designs. Sampling included. Daily, 11am-10pm, Blue Room, The Arts House, S$2. Inquiries: (65) 6332 6919. Ends Sep 28

TOKYO

Macbeth

A performance by Rising Sun Theatre, an expat drama troupe based in Nagoya. In English. Wed.   7pm, New National Theatre, Tokyo, 4,500-5,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5352 9999

The New York City Ballet

Performances open on Wed,  various times, Orchard Hall, Shibuya Station, JR Yamanote Line, 14,000-18,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3477 3244, 3477 9999 or see www.bunkamura.co.jp/orchard/event/nycb. Ends Sep 26

Alanis Morissette

In concert. Sep 27 and 28, 7pm, Tokyo Kokusai Forum, Hall A, 8,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5474 9999

Masterly Visions: from Manet, Monet, and Renoir to 20th-Century Art

An exhibition of the masters not to be missed. Tue-Sun, 10am-8pm, Bridgestone Museum of Art, Tokyo Stn, Yaesu central exit, Kyobashi 1-10-1, Chuo-ku, 500-700 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3563 0241 or www.bridgestone-museum.gr.jp/e/index.html. Ends Oct 3

From Renoir To Warhol

An exhibition of about 80 masterpieces from the Guggenheim Collection. Bunkamura Museum of Art. JR Shibuya Station, 1,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5777 8600, or see www.bunkamura.co.jp/english or www.guggen.jp. Ends Oct 11

The Eagles: Farewell Tour

The sounds of the biggest West Coast American band.  Oct 30 and 31, 6pm, Tokyo Dome (Suidobashi Sta, JR Sobu Line), 8,800, 9,800 yen.  Inquiries: Udo, (81 3) 3402 5999 or www.udo.co.jp

Miss Saigon

The world smash-hit musical by Cameron Mackintosh, about a wartime romance between a US soldier and a Vietnamese woman. Imperial Theatre, 3-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, 4,000-13,500 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3201 7777.  Ends Nov 23

Urbtix: 2734 9009

Urbtix/CityLine credit-card booking: 2111 5999

Fringe: 2521 7251

CityLine: 2317 6666

HK Ticketing: 3128 8288

For a complete listings service visit totallyhk@scmp.com



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