Art Attack: Siege Continues on 798 and Cats Should Be a Blast
798 is back on the radar with government plans to invest billions into the art district. The Wall Street Journal Real Time Report writes that plans for a casino-like water show is in the proposal as well as laser shows and a luxury hotel. It's no news to us that in the past decade 798 has gone from independent art district to full-blown cultural "theme park." This a negative change that is lamented by many who were hoping the area would become a base for modern art in Asia.
Recently, I was invited to see a documentary about 798 and the struggle that resident artists have had with the property owners and municipal government. Though the film, The 798 Station directed by Zheng Kuo, is a bit one-sided, it offered an interesting view of the district's history through interviews. It has only been screened three times, but you may catch it at independent festival or showing.
The screening was at Zajia, which also gave me the chance to scope out their weekly documentary event. The atmosphere was cozy, though we kept our coats on to stay warm, and I was happy to see an expanded winter drinks menu, including warm sake and whiskey toddies. The documentaries shown are largely independent and offer a fresh window on different cultural and social issues.
Here are my recommendations for cultural events this coming week:
"Made in Prison" – I am thrilled and a little afraid of the emotions this new exhibition may invoke. This is a collection of pictures drawn secretly by political prisoner Kang Wanhua in the '70s. He could only visualize his subjects by closing his eyes.
Cats in Chinese – I grew up singing along to Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicals on road trips, and I'm excited to see his masterpieces come to Chinese audiences. Even for non-speakers, I think this show is worth going to for good, fun entertainment.
The Dead – Modernista has really championed film choices around the city, with classics like The Nightmare Before Christmas grabbing my attention earlier this month. And this Sunday, they continue to impress with this timely adaptation of James Joyce's short story.
Eileen Chang's Roses: The classic Shanghai romance Red Rose and White Rose is adapted for the stage with a new, fashionable twist. I'm curious if this flowery adaptation, mixed with fashion, will sink or swim.
Flamenco: Young dance master Rafael Armango has combined modern choreography with traditional flamenco to create an outstanding performance. Fitting to be your first show of 2013.
Belgian Art: 2012 saw a year of cultural exchange between China and the European Union. Catch the last of it with two exhibitions that have just opened from Belgium. Berlinde De Bruyckere's solo exhibition showcases spooky human forms made out of horse hair and wax, and "Images and Words: Since Magritte" is a bit more intellectual, looking at the relationship between words and writing.
New Year's Concerts: This a solemn and moving way to ring in the new year and there will be a variety of concerts performed at NCPA next week. The Russian National Orchestra's performance next Thursday is a safe bet.
