Art Attack: Battle Opera, Monsoon Wedding, Cinderella and Last Calls for Exhibits
Hi there. Long time no talk. Between October holiday and a personal trip to Taiwan, it’s been awhile since I threw a long list of cultural activities to you hungry, sophisticated wolves. Well, I’m back.
This week, if you’re looking for a good show, you’ve got quite a few options. Peking opera, Italian opera or Shakespeare? There are also several art exhibits that are closing up shop, so this weekend’s a good opportunity to catch them – before going out to cavernous galleries requires the putting on of several layers of puffy apparel.
One of these last calls - a photography exhibit by Brendan A. Linane on show at Three Shadows Photography - is having a short run to begin with, having just opened last Saturday.
From the artist’s statement on the Three Shadows website:
"The images are a selection of results from an on-going and deeply involved project. Using the photographic process to step into an accessible abstraction, ‘objects’ emerge from dark backgrounds as I enter an imaginary realm, an alternative perception of the world; an insightful dimension of darkness, colour and form.”
The artspeak is impressive, but I can’t help seeing this particular image as a giant nose with one perfectly sculpted nostril. Check it out and see what other objects you can find amongst Linane’s “accessible abstractions.” While you’re at it, make sure to catch the Coal + Ice show, which we’ve also featured in our November issue (coming soon).
Those interested in Peking Opera but scared off by the screechiness might be interested in checking out Red Cliff at the NCPA this weekend. Tickets online appear sold out, but we’re told by those in the know that if you head to the box office at the theater, there are still tickets available.
Or, catch Rossini’s Cinderella, or TNT’s version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Details below.
Meanwhile, The Bookworm is offering a night of poetry and contemporary European literature, as well as jokes about the economy.
Have fun out there, but not too much fun ...
Event details:
Last chance to see these exhibits:
Five One-Man Shows
Until Oct 23. Five artists (Yan Xing, Christian Schoeler, Li Gang, Hu Qingyan and Cheng Ran) put on five solo exhibits. Free. Galerie Urs Meile (6433 3393)
Lv Peng: Lost Works
Until Oct 23. A new series of paintings, prints and sculptures in Lv’s signature explosion of color and narrative. Free. Red Gate Gallery (6525 1005)
Zhao Zhao: According to Zhao Zhao
Until Oct 23. A fresh young artist hits the scene with a 5m-high sculpture and oil painting series. Free. Chambers Fine Art (5127 3298)
Brendan A. Linane: Deviant Cycle
Until Oct 24. Abstract archival inkjet prints on fiber rag paper. Free. Three Shadows Photography Art Centre, Multi-Purpose Hall (6432 2663)
Ryszard Horowitz
Until Oct 26. A retrospective of the pioneering photographer’s trippy works (see our October Feature, p57). Free. Rose Gallery (6436 1818)
Other events:
Oct 21-22
Play: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
TNT Theatre bring us the Bard’s most beloved comedy. RMB 60-380. 7.30pm. Chaoyang Culture Center/TNT Theater (8599 6011)
Oct 20-23
Opera: Cinderella
Rossini’s comic version with a wicked stepfather and bracelets instead of glass slippers and mice. RMB 120-580. 7.30pm. NCPA Theater (6655 0000)
Oct 20-22
Peking Opera: Red Cliff
The epic battle, complete with the traditional nasally singing and combat moves. RMB 80-480. 7.30pm. NCPA Opera House (6655 0000)
Oct 23
Food, Film & Friends: India
Chef Sridevi’s marriage of flavorful Indian spices, followed by Mira Nair’s delightful Monsoon Wedding. RMB 240 (non-members), RMB 200 (members), RMB 35 (screening only). 4.30pm cooking, 7pm screening. The Hutong (159 0104 6127; see Living directory)
Oct 25
Book Club: Cloud Atlas
Discuss David Mitchell’s nesting doll of a novel at the Book Smugglers’ new home. Free. 8pm. 12SQM (6402 1554; see Nightlife directory)
Oct 26
Poetry Showcase: A Way with Words
Poets from Norway, Taiwan, Austria, Finland and China, followed by a discussion on contemporary European fiction. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6431 2108)
Oct 27
Stand-Up Economedian: Return to the Gold Standard
The world’s first and only economist-slash comedian launches zingers about the world’s financial blunders. RMB 30, RMB 20 (members). 7.30pm. The Bookworm (6431 2108)
Photos: www.pandorafilm.com, the NCPA and Three Shadows Photography Art Centre
