Performance
Crazy capers
As a corporate representative, Li Xiang fakes being crazy to win time for his brother to solve a financial problem the company is facing. He is sent to a mental asylum and calls himself Li Bai, the great poet of Tang Dynasty (AD 618-907). He ridicules other patients' hilarious behaviors and waits for his brother to pick him up, but the brother runs away with all the money. Li, in great misery, really thinks he is Li Bai. The beautiful nurse calls for all the patients to cheer him up with in many funny and weird ways as they can. Li recovers at the end, and falls in love with the nurse. This is the third round after the comedy I'm not Li Bai made its debut. 60(For students)/100/280(VIP) yuan. 7:30pm, until Nov 18. The Small Theater of The Beijing People's Art Theater, next to Capital Theater, 22 Wangfujing Dajie. 6525-0996, 6524-9847.
Full house
Dubbed one of the funniest comedies of the year, Tomb Rider: Hypnotic Night starts with Mei and his assistant Oscar breaking into an old house one night. The land where the house stands has been included in a real estate project operated by Mei's company. They want the owner to move out, and ask the construction team to demolish the house at 5am. Meanwhile, three other people enter the house. They all lose consciousness and when they wake up, find themselves stuck in the house and separated from the outside world. Then Li Li, the hostess, appears. She hypnotizes them, which drives them to recollect what they've done. The five people struggle in desperation as the time nears 5am. 80-380 yuan. 7:30pm, until Dec 2. The Nine Theaters of Chaoyang Cultural Center, 17 Jintai Lu, Chaoyang District. 8599-6011.
Island dreaming
Memories of 24 Hours tells a story on a small island. Lu Yu'er wishes she could celebrate birthday every day, while her father's greatest happiness is living for his daughter, who works at a bakery. Their peaceful life changes when two urban white collars come to the island. The drama features respected comedian Li Qi and model Wang Haizhen as special guest performers. 80-880 yuan. 7:30pm, Nov 21-24. Haidian Theater, 28 Zhongguancu Dajie, Haidian District. 6254-6839, 6255-5898.
Love ballet
In the Mood for Love is the ballet rendition of Wong Kar-wai's award-winning movie of the same name. The plot is set in Shanghai's shikumen alley between the 1930s and 40s. Mr Li takes refuge in a small hotel. He works on a novel in which he incarnates his secret love of his neighbor Mrs Wang. He becomes a famous writer eight years later. He goes back to the neighborhood to look for Mrs Wang, who has an 8-year-old son. 80-680 yuan. 7:30pm, Nov 20-21. Poly Theater, Dongsi Shitiao. Tel: 6500-1188.
Crystal notes
With her combination of Brazilian spirit and talent, London-based pianist Cllia Iruzun is one of the most exciting musicians to emerge on the international scene in recent years. Part of a tradition of female South American pianists, critics have praised her powerful performances of the romantic repertoire where "the lyricism pours out with the clarity of crystal". Cllia's childhood was spent in the cultural atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro where she began playing the piano at the age of four, winning her first competition aged 7 and making her orchestral debut playing Grieg's Piano Concerto at 15. She will play works of Mozart, Chopin and Schumann, among others. 30-40 yuan. 7pm, Nov 17. Multi-function Hall of Peking University Hall. 6275-8452, 6275-2279.
Classics for the young
Li Xincao will conduct the China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO) to present a concert for college students. The program includes Zheng Lu and Ma Hongye's Good News, Xian Xinghai's Ode to the Yellow River, violin concerto Butterfly Lovers and Glinka's opera works. Since its establishment in 1956, the CNSO has introduced Chinese audiences to a vast repertoire of classical, romantic, modern and contemporary orchestral works by both Western and Asian composers. It maintains a consistently high level of performance and creates an orchestral tradition unique to China. 10-40 yuan. 7pm, Nov 18. The Audience Hall of Peking University Hall. 6275-8452, 6275-2279.
Dance bonanza
The Paul Taylor Dance Company (PTDC) presents three stunning shows in Beijing on successive nights. The troupe will present Black Tuesday, Promethean Fire and Cloven Kingdom on November 16 and 18, and Byzantium and two other productions on November 17. The Paul Taylor Dance Company, founded in 1954, is one of the world's most exquisite ensembles. Paul Taylor has became a cultural icon, a living legend and one of history's most celebrated artists. His two dance companies (PTDC and Taylor 2 created in 1993) travel around the globe, bringing his ever-burgeoning repertoire to theaters and venues of every size and description in cultural capitals, on college campuses and in rural communities. 180-1,280 yuan. 7:30pm, Nov 16-18. Poly Theater, Dongsi Shitiao. 6406-8888, 400-818-3333.
From Moscow
The artistry of Boris Berman is well known to audiences in more than 40 countries. His highly acclaimed performances have included appearances with the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the Gewandhaus Orchestra and The Philharmonia (London). He has also been a frequent performer on major recital series and important festivals. Born in Moscow, Boris Berman studied at Moscow Tchaikovsky Conservatory with the distinguished pianist Lev Oborin and graduated with distinction as both pianist and harpsichordist. A dedicated teacher of international stature, Boris Berman has served on the faculties of the world's finest schools, and conducts master classes around the world. His upcoming solo concert will feature Haydn's Piano Sonata in C Major, Prokofiev's Piano Sonata in C Major and Debussy's Images 1, Children's Corner and Estampes. 30-380 yuan. 7:30pm, Nov 18. Forbidden City Concert Hall in Zhongshan Park, west of the Tian'anmen Square. 5166-4511/4611.
Piano prodigy
The eminent conductor Myung-Whun Chung will lead the Seoul Philharmonic Orchestra (SPO) in Brahms' Piano Concerto No. 1 and Symphony No. 2, alongside 18-year-old South Korean pianist Sun Wook Kim, winner of the 15th Leeds International Piano Competition. Myung-Whun Chung began his musical career as a pianist and won the second prize at the Tchaikovsky piano competition in Moscow in 1974. He has conducted virtually all the prominent European and American orchestras. He received the Premio Abbiati award from Italian critics, and the Arturo Toscanini prize. In addition to being awarded numerous music prizes, he has also been honored with South Korea's most distinguished cultural award Kumkwan for his contribution to Korean musical life and was named Man of the year by UNESCO. 50-380 yuan. 7:30pm, Nov 20-21. Forbidden City Concert Hall in Zhongshan Park, west of the Tian'anmen Square. 5166-4511/4611.
Exhibition
Opera in focus
Wang Yao shows his photography series featuring the traditional opera stage and backstage scenes of performers shot from fresh angles. As a professional photographer of the China News Agency, Wang presents 60 works taken last year. Through his lens, viewer can see the brilliant moments on the stage, the preparation behind the lights and the training course for young performers. 20 yuan. 9am-5pm,until Nov 22. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076.
Ode to a master
In honor of the 70th anniversary of Wang Qi's painting career and his 90th birthday, an exhibition of the master's recent 100 works is held at the National Art Museum. Wang's ink paintings feature landscapes, recording the snow-covered rural life and folk customs of Northern China. 20 yuan. 9am-5pm, until Nov 22. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076.
Majestic calligraphy
Shen Wansheng's calligraphy works convey majestic and simple characteristics of a solider artist. More than 30 works are on show, some of them 4m high and 5.7m wide. 20 yuan. 9am-5pm, until Nov 21. National Art Museum of China, 1 Wusi Dajie, Dongcheng District. 6401-7076.
Inspired play
Solo exhibition of Mexican artist Roberto Arcaute draws inspiration from toys. With vivid color and cute images, the artist explores the cosmetic contents of materials and objects. Free. 11am-6pm, until Nov 10-17. The Fifth Element Gallery, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6432-1338.
Earth scenes
Imagery of the Earth, an oil painting exhibition by Liu Fuchun, unfolds the spirit of the vast land and native art. His works focus on the farm, the field, the village yard and the orchard. The quality of the pigment is emphasized by impasto technique, and the emotion of the artist towards the earth recalls memories of the past. Free. 10am-5:30pm, until Nov 17. East Gallery, 3F Deshengmen Watchtower, Bei Erhuan Zhonglu, Xicheng District. 8201-4962.
Tracing time
Yang Maoyuan's solo show, Trace of Time, displays sculptures recreating the works of Western masters, but with changed details. Free. 11am-6pm, until Nov 18. White Space, 4 Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 8456-2054.
Show and tell
Seventeen artists gather to show their paintings and sculptures under the title of Communication and Understanding. Free, 11am-6pm, until Nov 18. Currents Art & Music, Huantie Art Zone, 9 Dongbajianfang, Chaoyang District. 5205-3805.
Royal dress ups
Chen Xi's painting series, The Queen's New Clothes, is a perspective of urban women who convey confidence by wearing new and fashionable clothes. Spontaneous brushstrokes and suggestion of movement transmit vitality and strength. Free. 10am-5pm, until Nov 18. Xin Beijing Art Gallery, 1-3 Nanxincang, 22 Dongsi Shitiao, Dongcheng District. 6409-6380.
Plateau memory
Born and raised in the loess plateau, Chen Xiaoxiong injects his oil works with a sense of nostalgia for the simple life he once knew. Chen paints Tibetan architecture, dress, food, married life, taboo, celebratory activities and traditions. Free. 9:30am-6pm, Dec 1-31. Qin Gallery, 1-1E Huawei Li, north of Beijing Curio City, Chaoyang District. 8779-0461.
Touch of luxury
2007 Global Carnival of Luxurious Goods. 9am-4pm, Nov 15-18. National Agricultural Exhibition Hall, 16 Dongsanhuan Beilu, Chaoyang District. 6501-8877
Buy, buy, buy
Beijing International Modern Life Consumer Goods Expo introduces seasonal products and up-to-date commodities.
9am-4pm, Nov 16-18. China International Exhibition Center, 6 Beisanhuan Donglu, Chaoyang Distirct. 8460-0000.
Surreal charm
Twenty-seven works by American veteran artist Leza Lidow, famed for her surrealist style executed on life-size canvas or plastic statues. Installation works, including The Eternal Game, The Last Supper, Clonning and Rembrandt, convey aesthetic elements from ancient times through Renaissance to contemporary art. The installations are made of shop window mannequins endowed with value, emotion and energy. 9am-5pm, until Nov 30. Beijing World Art Museum, China Millennium Monument, A9 Fuxinglu, Haidian District. 6851-3322.
Maze of me
The Self-Labyrinth, is a photographic exhibition featuring images of the artist, Emi. With black-and-white tones, the frame is hazy and subjective. The background theme is the subordination of women in the male-dominated world. Emi challenges that prejudice with her own body and life. She presents the procedure of self-discovery as an ode to the beauty of the female body. Free. 11am-6pm, until Dec 16. Inter Art Center, Jiuxianqiao Lu, Chaoyang District. 6437-9853.
(China Daily 11/14/2007 page12)
