Beijing

Classic ballet

The Russian State Ballet is on its China tour again and will bring its classical ballet Swan Lake to audiences in Beijing. It tells the Russian folk tale of a princess named Odette, who was turned into a swan by a curse, fell in love with Siegfried, a handsome prince, and fought against the evil sorcerer with him. Since the ballet's debut in 1877 in Moscow, it has been presented in many versions in the world.

7:30 pm, Oct 14. Beijing Exhibition Theater, 135 Xizhimenwai Dajie, Xicheng district. 400-610-3721

Dogs' life

Famous avant-garde director Meng Jinghui will present his classical work Two Dogs in the capital again. It's a story about two dog brothers who leave home for the city in search of their dreams. But they soon find life in the city less perfect than they think, and there are many challenges they need to overcome to make a living. They learnt an important lesson, which is, however hard life is, one has to face it bravely.

When the English version debuted in August at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, one of the world's largest arts festivals, it received critical acclaim from the audiences.

7:30 pm, Oct 16-28. Fengchao Theater, 3 Xinzhongjie, Dongcheng district. 010-5165-1914, 400-610-3721

Hutong scenes

Those who are interested in ancient architecture must visit The Capital Museum, to see an exhibition on hutong and Beijing's courtyard homes, or siheyuan.

It demonstrates the history and development of hutong in the different eras, complete with pictures and documents. The exhibition also introduces siheyuan, a common sight in the city. The Forbidden City, imperial mansions, and the commoners' homes are all considered siheyuan, in different sizes. The audiences can see for themselves the historical items and delicate architecture in miniature sizes, and also watch videos about hutong and siheyuan.

9 am-5 pm, until Oct 21. The Capital Museum, 16 Fuxingmenwai Dajie, Xicheng district. 010-6339-3339

Shanghai

Vinyl records

An exhibition of vinyl records will be held, where antique music records are presented dating back to the 1920s. Some veteran music collectors have brought out their most valuable pieces from early 20th century Chinese records, to Jazz and pop records from the West. A temporary studio will be built in the exhibition square, where visitors are encouraged to make vinyl records of their own.

10 am-10 pm, Sept 24-Oct 22. Life Hub@Anting, Moyu Lu, crossing with Cao'an Lu, Jiading district. 021-6950-2255

Museum idea

Feng Mengbo has won recognition for his computerized art work with metaphorical reference to contemporary problems such as consumerism and collectivism. His latest creation is a series of photographs titled The Private Museum, where he pictured the exhibits and specimens from Shanghai Nature Museum. The museum operating since 1956 manages to reflect ancient Chinese ideology through exhibitions of wildlife and natural science.

11 am-7 pm, Sept 4-Oct 25. Shanghai Gallery of Art, 3F, Three on the Bund, 3 Zhongshan Dongyilu. 021-5350-0059

Art cradle

Xingzhi Art School nurtured a large number of artists and art teachers in Shanghai since the 1950s. Seven artists from 1950s Xingzhi are giving a joint exhibition. On show are oil and watercolor paintings by Bao Xinsheng, Hu Yuelong, Fan Mingsan, Ye Zifan, Liu Baokang, Yu Junyan and Tang Zhongwei.

9 am-6 pm, Sept 15-30. Duolun Museum of Modern Art, 27 Duolun Lu. 021-5609-5728

Hong Kong

Weekend bazaar

One weekend per month, families can stroll through an activity-packed bazaar while taking in fresh sea air and views. Cyberport Weekend Market features more than 40 booths loaded with art, crafts and organic products to explore. There will also be an open stage for young musicians organized by Wholala and singing contests to uncover the next pint size superstar. You can teach kids how to grow their own fruit and vegetables, tending to them in a designated crop box over a three-month period. And, weather permitting, there will be outdoor movie screenings with Sammy's Adventure tonight.

11 am-7 pm, Sept 23 and Oct 6-7. The Podium, Cyberport 2, 100 Cyberport Road, Southern District. 852-3166-3111

Girl power

Dust from the Heart showcases the works of five contemporary Chinese artists from a distinctly feminine perspective.

From video and installation to photography and painting, these 30 to 40-somethings explore their personal reactions to China's breakneck changes. Xiao Lu's performance-based art still bear traces of her early rebellious nature, while Sun Juju's abstract landscape celebrate nature and the cycle of life.

He Chengyao is another controversial performance artist who explores sexual division of labor, while photographer Cui Xiuwen and painter Cai Jin round out the exceptional female talent exhibited.

10 am-7 pm, until Oct 11, open Mon-Sat. Pearl Lam Galleries, Suite 601-605, 6/F Pedder Building, 12 Pedder Street, Central. 852-2528-0792

Macao

Cantopop king

Known for decades as one of Cantopop's four heavenly kings, the multi-talented Aaron Kwok holds court in his latest show: Aaron Kwok De Showy Masquerade World Tour Live in Concert 2012. In recent years, Kwok has flexed his acting chops in flicks such as 2009's Murderer and 2011's Love for Life with Zhang Ziyi, while his toned physique has sold many a physical fitness membership. In Macao, he returns to his dance hall days with a high-octane show of choreographed moves against a Transformer-inspired stage set, complete with six suspended trampolines.

8 pm, Sept 29 and 30. CotaiArena, The Venetian Macao, Estrada da Baia de N. Senhora da Esperanca, s/n, Taipa. 853-2882-8818

China Daily

(China Daily 09/23/2012 page15)