Art Attack: Open-Air Silent Cinema with Live Music, The Monster Below and Zhou Jirong at Red Gate Gallery

This week, the ramp-up to the fall continues with a new exhibit opening at Red Gate Gallery, original play The Monster Below at Penghao Theater, and a unique opportunity to catch classic German silent films like Metropolis, accompanied by live bands on BC MOMA’s architecturally astounding rooftop.

We’ve already mentioned David Jacobi’s play The Monster Below, which premiered in Beijing last night after a sold-out run in New York (we also offered a couple free tickets – see our blog post for details).

Two nights ago, Beijing’s bookworms turned up at, you guessed it, The Bookworm, for the pre-launch of Paul French’s new book, Midnight in Peking. See our feature about his (true and very well-researched) tale of Pamela Werner’s murder in 1937 Beijing in our September issue, out now (p 48). Then also check out the photos of the soiree in our gallery. You can also find out more about the book and download a free audio tour of different sites from the book (including the grisly crime scenes!) here.

In fact, this is a great time to check out the audio tour because it takes you right to the foot of Dongbianmen Watchtower, where Pamela’s body was found in January 1937. Go up the steps to Dongbianmen Watchtower, and you’ll find yourself at Red Gate Gallery, which happens to be launching a new show this Saturday. Zhou Jirong is known for his wistfully abstract watercolor renditions of urban landscapes, and will be unveiling new works at the opening.

If you’re in the mood for eye-popping photography, wander over to the Canon shop in Sanlitun SOHO, where the gorgeous work of National Geographic photographer Tim Laman will be on display for just another week and a half.

And for one last hurrah in the warm night air, BC MOMA is hosting a unique open air cinema festival featuring three of Germany’s classic silent films (starting with Walter Ruthmann's classic, Berlin: Symphony of a City) to the accompaniment of China-based electronic and ethnic bands. Opening night is next Wednesday, with a cocktail party followed by the screening and a musical performance, but will continue for a couple weeks. Stay tuned for more details.

There’s also a book club meeting, a screening of Jiang Wen’s Let the Bullets Fly for all those who didn’t catch it in theaters, and more great talks at The Bookworm. ABBA lovers should also note that this week is your last chance to catch Mamma Mia in town (and in Mandarin).

Event details:

August 12-31
Musical: Mamma Mia!
A Chinese cast dons the sparkly jumpsuits and sings ABBA’s greatest hits in Mandarin. Mamma mia, indeed. RMB 99-880. 7.30pm (with additional 2pm showings on Sat & Sun, 2pm showings ONLY on Aug 30 & 31, and no shows on Mon). Century Theater (6466 4805, 6468 3311 ext 3126)

August 25-28
Drama: The Monster Below
NY-based playwright David Jacobi presents his dark comedy about redemption and a soul-sucking demon. RMB 100, RMB 60 (students). **NOTE: There is only one showing of the play each night, 7.30pm (English with Chinese subtitles).** Penghao Theater (6400 6452)

August 27-Sep 18
Zhou Jirong
Aug 27-Sep 18. Beautiful abstractions of Beijing’s skyline abound in the artist’s new set of works on paper. Free. Red Gate Gallery (6525 1005)

August 30
Book Club: The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
The Book Smugglers meet, drink and talk over the colonization of Mars (it’s sooner than we think). For more information: Lauren@abandonthecube.com. Free. 8.30pm. The Smuggler’s (138 0107 1230)

Film: Let the Bullets Fly
If you missed this in theaters, here’s another chance to catch the Chinese western, with its sharp social commentary and wry black humor. Reservation required: contact@cultureyard.net. RMB 25 (includes soft drinks and popcorn). 7pm. Culture Yard (8404 4166)

August 31
Discussion: Speak, Memory
Psychologist Douwe Draaisma and novelist-poet Henk Bernlef talk about the stuff memories are made of, from the angles of both brain wiring and writerly craft. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6586 9507)

Film: Berlin: Symphony of a Great City
BC MOMA’s open-air cinema season begins with a cocktail party followed by Walther Ruttman’s classic experimental film to the tunes of Chinese electronic band FM3. RMB 100 (includes drink. 7.30pm. BC MOMA (8438 8258)

September 2
Film: Metropolis
BC MOMA shows a newer restored version of Fritz Lang’s monumental silent sci-fi film, joined by the sounds of Chinese band Shanshui. RMB 100 (includes drink). 7.30pm. BC MOMA (8438 8258)

Photos from National Geographic, www.cinaoggi.it, and courtesy Red Gate Gallery and BC MOMA