Art Attack: Men in Black’s Missing Chinese People, Affordable Art and the Philly Orchestra

There’s a lot to see this weekend, but sometimes we get obsessed with what we can’t see – like entire scenes set in New York’s Chinatown in the version of Men in Black 3 that’s showing in theaters here. Read on for news and details about Affordable Art Beijing, the Philadelphia Orchestra and more.

The Telegraph reported on Wednesday that 13 minutes of film set in New York's Chinatown seem to have been cut from the China-released version of Will Smith’s latest blockbuster. What’s funny is that the trailer everyone’s been seeing on Youku (see embedded video, below) still includes those scenes – mostly Mr. Smith and Tommy Lee Jones shooting at aliens disguised as Chinese servers in a restaurant. Then of course, there’s the part where Will’s character neuralyzes the innocent Chinese bystanders. Little too close to home, maybe? Someone should tell SARFT that the neuralyzer is an equal opportunity memory-erasing tool and has been used on a variety of people. No color lines.

Most of you know that the community production of Oklahoma! has had some trouble these last few weeks. They’re even getting some attention from the Wall Street Journal for their woes. This weekend is the last of their performances, which will be taking place at the Western Academy of Beijing. See below for details. To reserve, call their ticket hotline at 6538 4716.

There’s also a rock photo exhibition in town. It started last weekend but ends this Sunday, and is a rare chance to peek at 50 archived photos of UK music legends, including the floppy-haired Beatles, the ill-fated Amy Winehouse and the ever-popular Adele.

Those who love all things strings should take the opportunity to catch the Philadelphia Orchestra on their residency in Beijing this summer. This weekend offers three chances to see them play, either in full or as small chamber music ensembles. Details below.

We’ve also tried to keep you filled in on the upcoming Affordable Art Beijing. The art fair for the rest of us takes place this weekend. It’s worth going just to see if you can nab that subway comic in our earlier post.

Also, world-famous tenor Placido Domingo starts his Operalia competition here in Beijing this week, there’s an environmental talk by author Judith Shapiro, the all-male Propeller Company performs Henry V, Marilyn Monroe shows up on The Boorkworm’s rooftop and two new exhibits open at the UCCA. As usual, see below for details.

Enjoy.

EVENT DETAILS

Jun 1
Concert: Philadelphia Orchestra
Symphonies from Prokofiev, Shostakovich and the world premiere of “An Interrupted Dream” by Du Wei, the winner of a nationwide competition. RMB 280-1,080. 7.30pm. NCPA (6655 0000)

Jun 1-3
Musical: Oklahoma!
Yeehaw! Beijing Playhouse presents this charming classic about the American frontier. To reserve, email performance@beijingplayhouse.com. 7.30pm (Fri, Sat), 2pm (Sun). Western Academy of Beijing (8456 4155)

Jun 2
Chamber Music Concert: Art Meets Music
The Philadelphia Orchestra’s chamber music ensemble plays a concert in celebration of ink painter Ji Yunfei’s new solo show, “Water Works.” 4pm. UCCA (8459 9269)

Chamber Orchestra: Philadelphia Orchestra
Brassy crowd-pleasers from Mozart and Vivaldi, including The Four Seasons. RMB 280-1,080. 7.30pm. NCPA (6655 0000)

June 2-3
AAB 2012
If you’ve been aching to get into the Chinese art market, here’s your chance to do it for cheap(er). Free. 11am-6pm. 798 Space (6438 4862, 6437 6248) www.affordableartchina.com

Jun 4-5
Placido Domingo’s Operalia: Quarterfinals
Contestants vie against each other with the world’s most beloved arias. RMB 100-200. 5pm (Jun 4), 4pm (Jun 5). NCPA Concert Hall (6655 0000)

Jun 5
Ballet: Romeo and Juliet
The star-crossed lovers are at it again. RMB 80-360. 7.30pm. NCPA Theatre (6655 0000)

Jun 6
Book Talk: Judith Shapiro on China’s Environmental Challenges
Sit down for this one … it’s gonna be a long talk. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Jun 7
Drama: Henry V
The Propeller Company turns their all-male cast to conquering France. RMB 120-480. 7.30pm. NCPA Theatre (6655 0000)

Film: The Seven-Year Itch
Catch Marilyn Monroe’s notorious updraft dress scene while enjoying a breeze of your own on a rooftop. Free. 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Placido Domingo’s Operalia: Semifinals
The field has been narrowed down to twenty semi-finalists. RMB 80-500. 4pm. NCPA Concert Hall (6655 0000)

LAST CALL:
Rock Archive
Until Jun 3. UK rock legends – from Adele and the Beatles all the way through to Zeppelin – visit Beijing through iconic photography, including portraits and performance shots. Free. Liangdian
Design Center (8950 8996/97)

NEW ART EXHIBITS:
A Thousand Kisses Deep
Jun 3-Jul 15. Song Kun’s deep sea paintings almost glow – showing off her extraordinary sensitivity to light and color. RMB 10, free (Thu). Tue-Sun 10am-7pm. UCCA (8459 9269)

Water Works
Jun 3-Jul 17. Ju Yunfei’s first solo exhibition explores historical memory using Chinese ink painting and scrolls. RMB 10, free (Thu). UCCA (8459 9269)

Photo: LATimes.com