Exhibitions Human Nature Linda Liao's paintings about the soul of human nature. Today, noon-7pm, tomorrow, 10am-8pm, Kapok, G/F 9 Dragon Rd, Tin Hau. Inquiries: 2549 9254. Ends tomorrow Rotational Summer Exhibition Sculptural glass art featuring Australian and American artists including Tina Vlassopulos, US ceramicist Randy O'Brien and Fine Art Eva Cockova. Wed-Thu, noon-6pm, Gaffer Studio Glass, Unit 6-8, 17/F Hing Wai Centre, 7 Tin Wan Praya Rd, Aberdeen. Inquiries: 2521 1770. Ends Thu Life 100 Nadia Ying's illustrations focus on the emotional force of one's inner self. Today-Fri, 8am-9pm, 1/F Devon House, Taikoo Place, Island East, Quarry Bay. Inquiries: 2844 5094. Ends Fri Modern Master - Innovations in Oil on Rice Paper Shanghai-born, New York- based Kong Baiji's paintings of landscapes, portraits, still life and bodhisattvas. Tomorrow- Sat, 10am-6pm, Alisan Fine Arts, 315 Prince's Bldg, 10 Chater Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2526 1091. Ends Sat Metropolitan Mapping Contemporary art by 10 artists from the Philippines who build a mental map of metro Manila through photography, paintings and mixed-media. Today-Sat, 10am-8pm, 4/F Administration Bldg, Exhibition Gallery, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST. Inquiries: info@osagegallery.com Ends Sat Traditional into Contemporary - Art of Hung Hoi As part of the Artists in the Neighbourhood Scheme III, the local artist displays paintings of landscapes, albums, fan paintings, sketches and small works, including impressions during a trip to Paris. Daily, 10am-8pm, Exhibition Hall, HK City Hall, Low Block, Edinburgh Place, Central. Inquiries: 3101 2712. Ends Aug 15 Memories Of The Future Esperanto Design Workshop present models and sculptures inspired by 1970s-80s toys, anime and comics by artists Mak Siu Fung, Ming Cheung, Colan Ho. Daily, 10am-8pm, 5/F The Pao Gallery, Hong Kong Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Inquiries: 2582 0214. Ends Aug 19 Serendipity Finnish contemporary art exhibition by Erkka Nissinen, Joonas Kota, Liisa Lounila, Riiko Sakkinen, Sami Lukkarinen showing paintings on canvas and glass, mixed-media and videos. Tue-Sun, 2-8pm, 1a Space, Unit 14, Cattle Depot Artists Village, 63 Ma Tau Kok Rd, To Kwa Wan. Inquiries: 2529 0087. Ends Aug 20 Chinese Seal Carving, Calligraphy and Ink Painting Foo Sai Heng's seal carvings and sweeping landscapes, plums, orchids and flowers painted with dark silhouettes and broad bold brush strokes. OC Gallery, G/F, Olympian City I, 11 Hoi Fai Rd, West Kowloon and 1/F Lobby, Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai. Daily, 9am-9pm at both venues. Inquires: 2132 8718. Ends Aug 24 New Summer Collection Works by portrait artists Dai Ping Jun and Tsui Tin Yun with themes highlighting sensuous women with military equipment. Mon-Sat, 10.30am-7pm, Sun and public holidays, noon-6pm, Connoisseur Art Gallery, Shop G3, Chinachem Hollywood Centre, 1 Hollywood Rd, Central. Inquiries: 2868 5358. Ends Aug 30 Artist of the Month Vietnamese artist Nguyen Thanh Binh uses minimal colour to create a strong visual impact of school girls. Daily, 10am-7pm, hkfineart.com Gallery, 15/F the Centrium, 60 Wyndham St, Central. Inquiries: 2537 7322. Ends Aug 31 Harbin Ice Lantern Festival In a winter-like carnival, 22 sculptors from Harbin create glittering ice pieces in different shapes and forms that will be frozen at minus-five degrees Celsius, including works such as the Forbidden City, octagonal pagoda and northern winter scene. Daily, 10am-10pm, Centre Bridge, 2/F Cityplaza, 18 Taikoo Shing Rd, Taikoo Shing, HK$20. Inquiries: 2568 8665. Ends Sep 17 Sketching Hong Kong: Exhibition on Kong Kai Ming Collection The artist, teacher and writer creates contrasting distances through sketches of Hong Kong street scenes. Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm, Sun and public holidays, 10am- 7pm, HK Museum of History, 100 Chatham Rd South, TST. Inquiries: 2724 9042. Ends Oct 9 Performing Arts Phantom of the Opera Music Nation presents the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. Today-Aug 20, 7.30pm (Sat-Sun also at 2.30pm, no show Mon), HK Cultural Centre, Grand Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$290-$890 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009 International Arts Carnival Series of programmes and activities, ranging from acrobatics, music, dance, drama, clowning, puppetry, physical theatre to film, including the following three performances. Today- Aug 13, various venues and times, free-HK$250. Inquiries: www.hkiac.gov.hk The Sand Boy (Illusions and Tides) Made of sand, Sand Boy lives happily in his sandcastle until one day a charming mermaid and the evil Lobster King change his life forever, performed by Argentina's Omar Alvarez Titeres Puppetry Arts Company. Today, 3pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$120-$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044 Hong Kong Youth Music Camp Concerts The finale of a summer music camp for 400 students (aged 10-25) taught by music maestros from the US, Canada and China, featuring Junior String Orchestra, Symphonic Band and Chinese Orchestra. Today, 3pm, HK Cultural Centre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST, HK$40-$60 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044 Olimplaff Spain's Yllana physical theatre company stages a comedic mime and music performance of Olympic athletes and weights that have a life of their own. Fri-Sat, 7.30pm (Sat-Aug 13 also at 3pm), Sai Wan Ho Civic Centre, 111 Shau Kei Wan Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$100-$200 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044 Music Factory Ching Ying Theatre Company presents a tale about an elf and a girl who sacrifices her most beloved object for a piano championship. Starring award-winning actress Angela Liu and Ben Yuen. Fri- Sat, 7.30pm (Aug 13 also at 3pm), Sha Tin Town Hall, Cultural Activities Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, $100-$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2370 1044 Meeting with Beethoven Cello Recital Cellist Letty Poon and pianist Yap Man-shan perform music by Beethoven. Wed, 8pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100, $150 Urbtix. Inquiries: 9042 4090 Classics Revisited The Jingkun Theatre and Shandong Peking Opera Theatre perform classical works from Peking and Kunqu opera, including The Legend of the White Snake, excerpts from The Meandering Valley and The Teahouse from Romance of the Iron Bow. In Putonghua with English and Chinese surtitles. Thu-Fri, 7.30pm, Kwai Tsing Theatre, 12 Hing Ning Rd, Kwai Chung, $100-$300 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323 Embrace Hong Kong Dance Company team up with Andy Wong, a modern dance choreographer in an experimental piece involving different walks of life and the pain of someone dying. Fri-Aug 13, 8pm, (Sat-Sun also at 3pm), Sheung Wan Civil Centre, 8/F Platform, HK Dance Company, 345 Queen's Rd, Central, HK$60 Urbtix. Inquiries: 3103 1806 Once Upon a Time ... Jason Lai conducts the Hong Kong Sinfonietta in an educational music programme including excerpts from Mozart's Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and Patterson's Little Red Riding Hood. Sat, 7.30pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100-$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2836 3336 Summersault 06 Summer Variety Show Horizon Youth Foundation presents a charity fundraiser for the education of orphans in China, Cambodia and Ghana, featuring Denise Ho Wan-sze, Stephy Tang Lai-yan, Deep Ng Ho-hong, Louis Chung, a Quiksilver fashion show, dance performances by Ones To Watch and school dance teams and band performances. Sat, 7pm, HK Convention Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, HK$120-$280 HK Ticketing. Inquiries: 3128 8288 Stars of Tomorrow 2006 - Swan Lake Act III & Other Ballet Classics The Jean M Wong School of Ballet casts more than 1,000 local and overseas dancers in a performance of excerpts from ballet classics including Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker and Don Quixote. Principal dancers include Fu Shu and Wang Zhi Wei from the Guangzhou Ballet Company. Aug 18-19, 7.30pm, Sha Tin Town Hall, 1 Yuen Wo Rd, Sha Tin, HK$160-$350 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2885 8366 Funk-a-Step Japanese tap dance troupe Stripes fuses tap dance with hip hop and African drumming. Aug 24-26, 8pm, HK Cultural Centre, Studio Theatre, 10 Salisbury Rd, TST; Aug 27, 8pm, Tuen Mun Town Hall, Cultural Activities Hall, 3 Tuen Hi Rd, Tuen Mun, HK$90-$180 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2268 7323 September Strings 1 Mendelssohn Violin Concerto Taiwanese violinist Robert Chen, concertmaster of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, joins the Hong Kong Sinfonietta and conductor Yip Wing-sie for Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto in E minor, Op 64. Sep 1, 8pm, HK City Hall, Concert Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, HK$100-$220 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 9009 Extra-curricular The 3rd Hong Kong International Education Expo Featuring after-school curriculum, music schools, language centres, tertiary education, local universities, China and overseas education. Today, noon-7pm, HK Convention and Exhibition Centre, 1 Expo Drive, Wan Chai, free. Inquiries: 2561 5566 Whampoa Eating Contest Local fast food eaters compete in eating a bow of noodles as fast as possible. Second round: today, 2pm; semi-finals: Sat, 3pm (dumplings in 12mins), Whampoa Gourmet Place. Finals: Aug 13, 3pm, Fashion World. Both venues at Wonderful Worlds of Whampoa, Shun King St, Hung Hom. Free. Inquiries: 2811 4900 The Hong Kong Acting Meetup A gathering for people interested in acting, film-making or theatre production. All welcome. Tomorrow, 8pm, Fringe Club, Rooftop, 2 Lower Albert Rd, Central, free (registration required). Inquiries: acting.meetup.com/3/ De-tox and De-stress Summer Workshop Graeme Stuart Bradshaw, a homeopath and nutritionist and Anita Cheung, nutrition coach, host a workshop on choosing the right detox programme, foods and body products. Wed and Aug 16, 7pm-9pm, Integrated Medicine Institute, 17/F Kailey Tower, 16 Stanley St, Central, HK$490, $850 (two sessions, plus $200 rebate). Inquiries: 6056 2930 Successful Public Speaking The English-Speaking Union present a discussion with Joanne Ng and Haratarani Samtani, who competed in the 2006 English-Speaking Union International Public Speaking Competition in London. Wed, 6.45pm-8pm, Room G04, The Center, 99 Queen's Rd, Central, HK$25-$90. Inquiries: 2186-8449 Down Memory Lane The Royal Asiatic Society hosts Dr Fung Chi Ming in a talk about his book, Reluctant Heroes: Rickshaw Pullers in Hong Kong and Canton, 1874-1954, which reveals the history of rickshaw pullers and how they become involved in revolutionary politics. Fri, 6.15pm, Extension Activities Rm, 8/F HK City Hall High Block, Edinburgh Place, Central, free. Inquiries: 2813 7500 Hosting an Exchange Student Information Session The American Field Service organises an information session on how to become a host family of an exchange student (aged 15-18) staying for periods of a few weeks up to 10-week-long stays. Sat, 2.30pm-4.30pm, St. Andrew's Christian Centre, 1/F Hall, 138 Nathan Rd, Kowloon, free. Inquiries: 2802-0383 Ext. 103 Film No Direction Home: Bob Dylan A portrait of Bob Dylan by filmmaker Martin Scorsese. The documentary chronicles the singer/songwriter from his roots in Minnesota, to his tumultuous stardom in 1966, and all the heady days of the 1960s. In English. Today, 6pm, Aug 15, 7.30pm, Agnes b. Cinema!, HK Arts Centre, 2 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, HK$55 Urbtix. InDPanda International Short Film Festival The second edition of Hong Kong's only festival dedicated solely to short films, showcasing 142 works from 18 countries spread over 17 programmes, including the following film. Today-Aug 16, Broadway Cinematheque, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei. Inquiries: 2572 7202 or go to www.indpanda.com Boy Meets Girl Stories Filmmaker Mark de Cloe comprises 34 poetic stories which are connected by the search for a young girl named Milou who believes everyone has seven chances to meet Mr or Mrs Right. In Dutch with English subtitles. Tue, 7.50pm, Broadway Cinematheque, 3 Public Square St, Yau Ma Tei, $55. Inquiries: www.cinema.com.hk International Children's Film Carnival International selection of films, animations and world shorts for children, including the following three films. Various venues and times, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900. Ends Aug 26 World Animation and Shorts 1 Shorts including filmmakers Bek Shakirov and Loa Kamalova's animation Bibi (Uzbekistan), about a girl who maps out a plan to become an adult; Lard (UK) involves little Jake who wants to play soccer with the big boys; Among the Thorns (Sweden) has father and son attending a thorn-infested music camp; Pilala (Greece) centres on an unhappy 12-year-old soccer fan who can't watch his idol on television due to a power failure. In English, Swedish, Greek and German, with English and Chinese subtitles. Today, 7pm, Sat, 5pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900 Percy, Buffalo Bill and I Based on an event in the life of one of Sweden's most popular children's authors, Ulf Stark. At his grandfather's farm, Ulf becomes jealous of his best friend, Percy, after his grandfather becomes fond of him, and the girl Ulf fancies likes Percy better. In Swedish with English subtitles and live Cantonese interpretation. Today, 3pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, Aug 13, 8pm, HK Science Museum, 2 Science Museum Rd, TST East, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900 Heidi Director Luigi Comencini's 1952 classic about an orphan named Heidi who happily lives in the Swiss Alps with her grand-mother and shepherd boy Peter. Then, one day, her aunt takes Heidi away to live with a rich family and a paralysed girl. In English (dubbed) with Chinese subtitles. Tomorrow, 7.30pm, HK City Hall, Edinburgh Place, Central, Sat, 7pm, HK Film Archive, 50 Lei King Rd, Sai Wan Ho, HK$40 Urbtix. Inquiries: 2734 2900 MACAU Lost in the End of Love Citizens fall into a state of despair after hearing a meteorite will destroy Earth in seven days. Meanwhile, a woman has been deserted by her lover. Today, 8pm, Small Auditorium, Macao Cultural Centre, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 60-100 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 700 699 or www.ccm.gov.mo Harmonious Musical Night 2006 - Dream Infinite Rhythm Music Centre presents a concert with piano recitals, choir singing and a musical. Tomorrow, 8pm, Small Auditorium, Macao Cultural Centre, Av. Xianing Hai, 80 patacas. Inquiries: (853) 840 380 South East Asian Food Festival Many Southeast Asians offer a diversity of ethnic foods. Today- Aug 13, 9am- 12.30pm, 3pm-6pm, Rotunda Carlos da Maia, free. Inquiries: (853) 333 614 Dreams of Midsummer Niki de Saint Phalle displays different creative stages of her career from the past four decades including new realism style of paintings, Nana sculpture series, and the prints of the Tarot Garden in Italy. Daily, 10am-7pm, (closed Mon), 2/F, Macao Museum of Art, Av. Xian Xing Hai, 5 patacas, (free on Sun). Inquiries: (853) 791 9814 or www.artmuseum.gov.mo Ends Oct 8 NATIONAL BEIJING Washing and Magic Changing Figurentheatre Vlinders & Co from Belgium present children's theatre with the story of two cleaners who are bored of their work and find a way to break the monotony. With Chinese subtitles. Today, 10.30am and 2pm, China Puppet Art Troupe, 1 Anhua Xili Chaoyang District, 50-240 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6417 7845 or www.piao.com.cn From Monet to Picasso Masterworks from the Cleveland Museum of Art, featuring works by Monet, Degas, Cezanne and Van Gogh. Daily, 8am-6pm, Beijing World Art Museum, A9 Fuxing Rd, Haidian District, 30-50 yuan. Inquiries: (86 10) 6852 7108. Ends Aug 28 ShanghaiShanghai Circus World An extravaganza of hi-tech multimedia, performing arts and traditional acrobatics. Today- Nov 1, 7.30pm, No 2266 Gonghexin Rd, 80-580 yuan. Inquiries: (86 21) 6374 8445 or www.erashanghai.com Matador Pianist Piotr Szczepanik performs music by Chopin, Debussy and Ravel. Sat, 7.30pm, Shanghai Concert Hall, 523 Yanan Dong Rd, 80-280 yuan. Inquiries: www.shanghaiconcerthall.org TAIPEI Ilan Music Festival The Sixth Annual Ilan Music Festival features international performers converging for an all-night music extravaganza. Performers include Mando-pop singers Evonne Hsu, popular girl group S.H.E and singer/song writer Bobby Chen. Today- Aug 26, 7pm, every Sat night, Ilan Sports Park. 711, Sec. 1, Chunshan Rd, Ilan County. NT$350-NT$500. Inquiries: (88 62) 2741 5988 or www.ticket.com.tw The Swan Lake The English National Ballet will presents the full production of Tchaikovsky's masterpiece with a 60-piece orchestra. Today, 7:30pm and 2:30pm, Taipei National Theatre. 21-1 Chungshan S. Rd. NT$800-5,800. Inquiries: (88 62) 3393-9888 or www.artsticket.com.tw SlowTech Cutting-edge arts from 16 international artists, presenting photography, sculpture, video installation, audio-visual installation, interactive installation and optical kinetics installation. Daily, 10am-6pm, (closed Mon), Museum of Contemporary Art Taipei. 39, Chang An W. Rd. NT$50. Inquiries: (88 62) 2552 3720 Ends Sep 3 REGIONAL BANGKOK Keane British pop/rock band come to town for the Under the Iron Sea: Live tour. Wed, 8pm, Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd, 500-2,000 baht. Inquiries: (662) 262 3456 or www.thai ticketmaster.com Boys to Men Korean boy band Shinhwa crank out pop hits with energetic beats and frenetic dance routines. Aug 19, 7pm, Impact Arena, Muangthong Thani, Chaengwattana Rd, 700-3,500 baht. Inquiries: (662) 262 3456 or www.thaiticketmaster.com Spirit of Being Australian artist Adele Perry paints watercolours inspired by the rich textures of jewellery found among hill tribes of the far north. Tue-Sun, 9.30am-4pm, Rotunda Gallery, Neilson Hays Library, Surawong Rd, free. Inquiries: (662) 233 1731 or www.neilsonhayslibrary.com Ends Aug 31 Singapore Homesick A caustic play on a dysfunctional Singaporean family as its members return home from different areas of the world. Today, 3pm and 8pm, Drama Centre, National Library, 100 Victoria St, S$38-$48. Inquiries: www.sistic.com The Campaign to Confer the Public Service Star on JBJ A tongue-in-cheek play looking at the boundaries of fearless expression in Singapore. Wed-Aug 13, 8pm, Drama Centre, National Library, 100 Victoria Street, S$38-$48. Inquiries: (65) 6348 5555 or www.sistic.com 21st Asian International Art Exhibition A major visual art show featuring contemporary painting and sculpture from 14 Asian countries. Daily, 10am-7pm, both at Singapore Art Museum and NAFA Galleries, 80 Bencooleen St, free. Inquiries: (65) 6512 4000. Ends Fri INXS The Switched On Tour Young singer JD Fortune fronts the popular Aussie band, performing hits from their new album, Switch. Aug 17, 8pm, Fort Canning Park, S$85. Inquiries www.sistic.com Ways of Seeing Chinese Art The spectacular collection of artefacts tells the story of China's 7,000-year-old culture. 10am- 5pm. Lee Kong Chian Museum, University Cultural Centre, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, Free. Inquiries (65) 6516 4616. Ends Aug 31 Tokyo Reggae Festival Featuring Jamaica's Macka Ruffin, Tex & the Sun Flower Seed, Dub'N'Rush and Pacinos. Tomorrow, 7pm-late, What the Dickens, Ebisu, 2,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 3780 2099 Linkin Park Grammy-winning rap-metal exponents from California. Thu, 7pm, Zepp Tokyo, Odaiba, 7,000 yen. Inquiries: (81 3) 5466 0777 Urbtix: 2734 9009 Urbtix/CityLine credit- card booking: 2111 5999 Fringe: 2521 7251 CityLine: 2317 6666 HK Ticketing: 3128 8288 Please e-mail performances and events to listings@scmp.com