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SCMP Reporter

Exhibitions

Winter Mixed Exhibition

Works by  artists Elio Franceschelli (Italy), Katarina Vavrova (Slovakia) and US-based photographer Ondrej Ridavsky.  Tue-Sat, 1pm-6.30pm, Korkos Gallery, 3 Prince's Terrace, Central. Inquiries: 2897 1007.

Ends Fri

Salon des Refuses

An exhibition of the architectural designs submitted but not chosen by the government for the West Kowloon cultural district. Participants include the Centre for Architecture and Urban Design for China and Hong Kong (HKU), Edge Design Institute Ltd, James Law Cybertecture Int, Map Office, NL Architects, Rocco Design Ltd, Swire Properties,  and others. Mon-Sat, noon-late, the Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, Hong Kong. Inquiries: 2521 7251. Ends Sat

Paper Symphony

Works by Chinese artists on paper in ink, colour, mixed media and oil. Mon-Sat, 10am-6.30pm, Plum Blossoms, G6 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2521 2189.

Ends Sat

West Kowloon Paradise

An exhibition of unexpected Hong Kong scenes photographed by Ducky Tse. Tue-Sun, 2pm-8pm, Artist Commune, Unit 12, Cattle Depot Artist Village, 63 Ma Tau  Kok Road, Kowloon. Inquiries:  2104 3322. Ends Sun

New Phase 2004: The Hong Kong Visual Arts Society 31st Annual Exhibition

The Hong Kong Visual Arts Society was founded in 1974 by some of  the city's most prominent visual artists. This exhibition includes paintings, sculptures and mixed media works by established artists  and younger names working in diverse media.  Mon-Sat, 9.30am-6pm, Sun, 1.30pm-5.30pm, University Museum and Art Gallery, University of Hong Kong, 94 Bonham Rd, Mid-Levels. Inquiries: 2241 5512. Ends Jan 30

Art of Possibility

An exhibition of more than 100 innovative ceramic works created by mentally handicapped artists. Paintings by students from Rotary Club of Hong Kong Island West Hong Chi Morninghope School are also on show. Organised by Hong Chi Pinehill Pottery. Mon-Sun, 6am-1am, ArtTube Gallery, Central MTR station concourse (Exit J, Jackson Rd). Inquiries: 2661 0709. Ends Jan 31

Parallels in Contrast

Functional ceramic art works by German artist Werner Nowka and Italian artist Rosaria Rattin. Galerie Vee, 2/F, 225 Prince's Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2522 3166. Ends Feb 8

Performing Arts

Oil of Our Land

Australian  comedian Sean Choolburra draws on his Aboriginal heritage in this stand-up comedy show with digeridoo playing and dance. In English. Tomorrow-Sat,  8.30pm, Fringe Gallery, the Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, $99, $130. Inquiries: 2521 7251

How Now, Rick Lau

A one-man cabaret show by proudly gay Asian-Australian Rick Lau. With live piano accompaniment. In English. Tomorrow-Sat,  8pm, O2 Theatre, the Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, $99, $130. Inquiries:

2521 7251

Chinese Folk Song Troupe

The troupe will perform a selection of regional songs. Sat,  8pm, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Jan 16,  8pm, Auditorium, Yuen Long  Theatre, $80-$150 Urbtix.  Inquiries: 2268 7321

Jazz Up: Dianne Reeves

The Grammy award-winning singer draws on many influences (Brazil, Africa, the Caribbean) and genres (gospel, pop, R&B)  to reinforce her classic jazz style. Jan 19, 8pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, $150-$400 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7321

Butterfly Suicide

A comedy cabaret about an eccentric opera singer and her obsession with butterflies after a failed Madam Butterfly audition. With Australian performer Max Sharam. In English. Jan 18-21, 9.30pm-10.30pm, Fringe Studio, the Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, $99, $130. Inquiries:

2521 7251

The Singing Violin

Benjamin Schmid on violin and the Hong Kong Sinfonietta perform a programme of Respighi, Mozart, Paganini and Mendelssohn. Jan 21, 8.15pm, Lyric Theatre, Academy for Performing Arts, 1 Gloucester Rd, Wan Chai. $50-$200 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: www.hksl.org

Extra-curricular

WiPS Tsunami Fundraiser

Journalist Joe Kainz discusses media coverage of the tsunami and its effect on Asia. There will also be a book swap and a silent auction. Proceeds to Oxfam Hong Kong. Today,  6.30pm-8.30pm, Veda Backroom, 8 Arbuthnot Road, Central. Please bring a book to exchange. $50 (members and non-members), includes snacks. Cash bar for drinks (Veda will donate 25 per cent of beverage sales to the relief fund). Registration required: events@hkwips.org

Confucianism and Democracy

Are Confucian values compatible with modernisation and western concepts of democracy and human rights? Speakers Professor William Theodore de Bary and Lu Xiaobo, both of Columbia University. will share their views. In English. Tomorrow,  6.30pm (reception), presentation 7pm. Followed by optional dinner at 8.30pm. Helena May, Garden Room, 35 Garden Rd, Central, $150 Asia Society members and full-time students, $200 non-members (lecture only and drinks reception); or $450/$500, including three-course dinner. Inquiries: 2103 9508

The Arabs - an Introduction  to the Arabs, Their World and  Their Culture

A course aimed at raising awareness of a different culture and exploring the influence of local geography and history on creating those differences. Starts  tomorrow, 7pm-10pm for five weeks, 7/F, Workington Tower, 78 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan. Organised by the English Speaking Union. The course will be taught by linguist and author Dr Norman Bird, Ph.D, FIL. $1,000 ESU members, $1,200 non-members, $1,000 students. Inquiries:

2186 8449

Reclaiming Hong Kong

A series of talks on the West Kowloon cultural district project, and the questions it raises on design, decision-making and international architectural icons. The Designing HK Harbour District Group hosts an interactive forum, 'Our Cultural District: Eyes on West Kowloon or the Victoria Harbour?', to encourage discussion on the design and content of the cultural district. Sat, 10am-noon. Followed at 2.30pm-3.30pm by a talk on 'Culture and Commerce' by Ackbar Abbas of the University of Hong Kong. From 3.45pm-5.30pm, a panel of speakers will discuss 'What is bad now may seem good in time?' All in English. The Fringe Club, 2 Lr Albert Rd, Central, free. Inquiries: 2521 7251

Audition: A Chorus Line

Actors, singers and dancers with professional experience are invited to audition for a Lindsey McAlister Productions show. Rehearsals start Feb 15 for performances May 6-14. Auditions on Sat.  Inquiries:  lindsey_mcalister_productions@ hotmail.com

Film

La Belle et la Bete (Beauty and the Beast)

Jean Cocteau's 1946 film in black and white, hailed as a masterpiece of the 20th-century modern art movement, is sung live in French with English and Chinese subtitles. Performed by Philip Glass and the Philip Glass Ensemble. Fri-Sun, 8pm, Auditorium, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, NT, $120-$270 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323

Volcanoes of the Deep Sea

A 44-minute film that follows a team of scientists researching hydrothermal vents in the Atlantic Ocean. The water and chemicals emitted from these vents can reach more than 400 degrees Celsius, with intense pressure levels. The chemicals also sustain microbial life that, unlike other life forms, draws no energy from the sun.

Not for children under three. Shows are in English and Cantonese. Wed-Mon, various times, Stanley Ho Space Theatre, Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, $12-$32. Inquiries: 2721 0226. Ends Jan 31

French Cinema: From Classic

to Contemporary

Twenty-six French films from the 1930s to the present day, including Marius, The Samurai, Madame Bovary, Boy Meets Girl, Van Gogh and Under Satan's Sun, will be screened. Various times. HK Film Archive Cinema, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, $40 Urbtix. Inquiries: www.filmarchive.gov.hk or 2739 2139. Ends Feb 13

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



The Planner