Art Attack: The Last Emperor at the PSB, Art by Subway and Bike, Banff Films and More Fringe Festival Fun
This week, Beijing’s cultural scene goes imperial with a Weibo reveal of the last emperor’s hukou registration and a fascinating exhibit at the Capital Museum about an emperor on strike. Also: subway or bike to the arts, catch an exciting double bill as part of the ongoing Beijing Fringe Festival, watch mountain movies at Megabox and more.
Weibo was abuzz this week as the Beijing Police Department released a photo of ex-Emperor Puyi’s Beijing residence permit, circa 1960. When the last emperor registered at his local PSB, he was recorded as having a middle school education (not quite true) and being divorced (if referring to his most recent wife, then yes). If you'd like to practice your Chinese reading comprehension, you can find out more about this here.
Speaking of emperors, not only did they face a good dethroning from time to time, but it seems they also managed to go on strike if they so fancied. A new exhibit at the Capital Museum explores the life of Emperor Wan Li, who decided he wasn't going to concern himself with state affairs and simply stopped showing up to his meetings with advising staff. Apparently, he had better things to do - like plan his extravagant burial. For a well-written review of the exhibit, check out this article on The New York Times. If you’re thinking of catching the highly recommended exhibit, remember that the Capital Museum is free if you reserve your tickets three days in advance at their website.
As part of the ongoing Beijing Fringe Festival, indie company Lumenis Theatre presents two performances of its short play “Magical Chairs” and its longer adaptation about growing up different in 1970s London, “There’s Only One Wayne Lee.”
The folks behind the Banff Film Festivals bring their movies about mountains and the people who love them to Beijing. This Saturday and Sunday, catch two screenings a day at the Sanlitun Megabox (click here for the poster and here for a look at screening times).
If you like transportation and art, then your horizons are opening up. Line 4’s opened up a small exhibit space at its Gongyixiqiao subway stop. I wouldn’t make a trip to see what looks like an incredibly exciting setup (does this sarcasm make me look fat?), but if you happen to be passing by, you can check it out, and toss it in the bag with the other “art” exhibits at the Peking University East Gate stop and Huixinxijie Beikou.
More exciting, yet also accessible by Line 4, is an exhibit celebrating the 100th anniversary of the 1911 Revolution (the very same that unseated that last emperor whose registration you see above). This will be at the National Library (take exit A) until Oct 27.
For a more “groundling” approach, the UCCA offers a bike tour this Sunday. Tunnel through the hutongs and enjoy hidden art spaces you never knew existed. This should be a healthy and fun way to see some of Beijing’s most unique art spots. Details below.
If all that smacks of being a little too active, there’s always Fine Art Beijing, where a host of fine art exhibitors will be gathered at the Agricultural Exhibition Center this weekend. Lots of classic Chinese painting, ink wash, statues and the like, all in one place.
Creators’ Project – the event sponsored by Intel and Vice that pulls together live music, art and video with focus on innovative new media – is also taking place in Beijing this weekend, but alas, the RSVP page claims the event is “At Capacity.” Those really eager can consider starting a UCCA membership today to get in on a members-only preview exhibit viewing tonight starting at 8pm. Or just check out the website and view the eclectic collection of videos on offer.
For details to these and other goings-on in Beijing’s art and culture scene this week – including filmmaker talks, a book talk with Gish Jen at The Bookworm and auditions for Beijing Playhouse’s next production, see the event listings below.
Event details:
Sep 16
Meet the Filmmaker: Wu Haohao
Find out what “Behavior Film” is here, then fill the rest of us in. Reservations required. RMB 80, RMB 50 (students, pre-sale). Culture Yard (8404 4166)
Sep 17
Biking to the Arts
Break out of 798 – cycle around the hutongs to discover Bejiing’s small art space gems. Bring your own bike. RSVP at members@ucca.org.cn. RMB 50 (free for UCCA members, includes refreshments and wine). 4-6pm. Drum and Bell Tower (no tel)
Film: China Electric
A documentary about the ten-year history of China’s electronic music scene. Includes interviews with the scene’s heroes and icons. Naturally, an after-party featuring some of Beijing’s best DJs follows. Free. Time TBD. Lantern (135 0134 8785)
Sep 17-18
Play Double Bill: Magical Chairs + There’s Only One Wayne Lee
The first is an absurdist romp about young aspiring magicians trapped in a room full of chairs, while the second is a longer piece about a Chinese British kid seeking a hero in his Afro-Caribbean football-playing friend. Together, the performance runs 2 hours. RMB 80-100 (students RMB 30-50). 7.30pm. Capital Theater (6524 9847)
Sep 18
Book Talk: World and Town
Gish Jen discusses her quietly epic American novel about religion, home and neighborly love. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6431 2108)
Food, Film & Friends: Myanmar
Coconut-infused Burmese cuisine followed by a screening of the new documentary
They Call it Myanmar: Lifting the Curtain. RMB 240 (non-members), RMB 200 (members), RMB 35 (screening only). 5pm (cooking), 7.30pm (screening). The Hutong (159 0104 6127)
Sep 18-19
Auditions: Cinderella
Try your hand at taking part in this Christmas comedy classic produced by Beijing Playhouse. Free. 6.30pm. Trojan House Theater
Sep 21-23
Dance-Drama: Marco Polo
A young man fascinated by Marco Polo travels to the past and joins him in exploring historic China. RMB 100-680. 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)
Sep 22
Flute: James Galway
The undisputed master toots a selection of his expansive repertoire. RMB 80-580. 7.30pm. NCPA Concert Hall (6655 0000)
Photos from Smagazine.com, hbqnb.com and courtesy of the organizers
