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