Beijing

English solo show

Playwright and actor Joseph Graves stages his one-man show Revel's World of Shakespeare. Graves draws on his personal experiences with Shakespearean plays and study of the plays' articulations. He weaves a comedic and moving tale of childhood confusion and exploration, relating it all to the greatest English writers

7:30 pm, through Sept 4. Penghao Theater, 35 Dongmianhua Hutong, Dongcheng district. 400-899-8989

Bossa nova singer

Kamila is a Canadian songwriter and bossa nova singer. In 2007 Kamila landed in Beijing where she became the lead singer for the Samba band Sambasia and quickly got involved in the local Jazz scene. She will be joined by Filippo Costantini, a jazz and bossa nova guitar player from Italy. Together they will play a variety of music.

9 pm, Aug 14. Jianghu Bar, 7 Jiaodaokou Nandajie, Dongcheng district. 010-6401-5269

French movies

The Ullens Center for Contemporary Art (UCCA) will partner with the French embassy to present French Film Friday Nights: On the Road.

For three consecutive Fridays from Aug 5 to 19, there will be three movies on screen: Tourne (On Tour) by award-winning Mathieu Amalric, Les gars (Strayed) by French post-New Wave director Andr Tchin and Sans toit ni loi (Vagabond) by Agns Varda.

7 pm, three Fridays(Aug 5, 12 and 19). UCCA art cinema, Jiuxianqiao, 798 Art District, Chaoyang district. 400-810-1887

Shanghai

Ancient story

The Doppelganger, a play written and directed by Edward Lam from Hong Kong will be presented, starring Rene Liu, an actress from Taiwan. Lam borrows the main characters of an ancient Chinese play named The West Chamber, and puts them in a contemporary social setting, where a series of whimsical events takes place.

7:15 pm, Sept 2-9. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Lu. 021-6854-1234

Modern ballet

Original ballet Edgar Degas' Diamond, created by Hou Honglan and Hu Xuehua, will be staged. Visitors stand in front of a painting by Edgar Degas, when the ballerinas turn to real people and one of them falls in love with a teacher who has tried to introduce Degas to his students in the museum.

7:15 pm, Aug 8-10. Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Avenue. 021-6386-8686

Hong Kong

Field of dreams

Ever dream about simplifying your life? Or imagined yourself working with your hands? This Wednesday learn about one man's pursuit of becoming a part-time farmer. Hong Kong Fringe Club's Passion Speak VIII features Hong Kong university professor Tsang Tak-ping's quest to make a difference with small scale, self-sustainable agriculture. At the same time, he questions whether our consumer culture really lets us benefit from a more convenient lifestyle.

7:30 pm, Aug 10. Fringe Studio, Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. 852-2521-7251

Gluttony rules

Back again for the 22nd edition, Food Expo 2011 is a chance for foodies to dive into a smorgasbord of international delights. Last year the popular show featured 740 exhibitors from more than 22 countries. Live cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and food experts will reveal secrets behind the latest culinary trends.

10 am-10 pm, Aug 11-14; 10 am-6 pm, Aug 15. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, 1 Expo Drive, Wanchai. 852-1830-668

Beach boys

These lazy, hazy days of summer are a great excuse for a beach party, and there is none better than the Silvermine Bay Beach Music Festival 2011. Local indie bands get to showcase their talents in the carnival-like atmosphere with lots of fun, sun and sand for the whole family. The casual vibe and eclectic collection of music is best enjoyed with beers and barbecued snacks. Look for the tents set up just past Silvermine Bay Hotel in Mui Wo and don't forget your bathing suit.

4 pm-10 pm, Aug 13-14. Silvermine Bay beach area, Mui Wo, Lantau Island. 852-2984-9248

(China Daily 08/07/2011 page15)