Best bets

Dadao Culture The Stage

Date: Sept 29-Oct 6 - 7:30 pm

Venue: Beijing Comedy Theater

Price: 100-880 yuan

The Stage describes a warlord dogfight in the Republic of China period (1912-1949). When Commander Hong captures Beijing, Wuqing Troupe (a famous Chinese traditional opera performing group) including famous actor Jin Xiaotian holds a three-day performance at the Dexiang Theatre. Leader Hou of the Wuqing Toupe and Manager Wu of the theatre are preparing for the performance, and both of them are immersed in the joy because all tickets have been sold out. However, an unexpected series of accidents occurs in succession.

NBA Global Games China 2017

Date: Oct 8 - 6:30 pm

Venue: Shanghai Expo Culture Center

Price: 350-18,800 yuan

The Warriors and Timberwolves will play Oct 5 in Shenzhen at the Shenzhen Universiade Center, followed by a rematch in Shanghai at the Mercedes-Benz Arena on Oct 8. NBA China has partnered with promoter iRENA Group and co-promoter AEG Presents Asia to provide fans with convenient ways to purchase tickets. The games will mark the Warriors' third trip to China following visits in 2008 and 2013. The Timberwolves will be playing in China for the first time and appearing in their ninth and 10th international games since 1999. The games, which will be available worldwide on television, digital and social media, will also feature a variety of off-court activities, including the sixth NBA Fan Day presented by Dongfeng Nissan on Oct 7 in Shanghai.

Xianwuren Dance Studio Journey to Inspiration

Date: Sept 23 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 80-400 yuan

In history, Xuanzang was threatened by harsh natural conditions, west of Guazhou lay the borderless Gobi desert. He had to traverse this sea of sand on his own. The pursuit of dreams on the Silk Road was paved with setbacks, miseries and even death. However, although he knew his life was in danger, Xuanzang continued his journey. In the autumn of 628 AD, a year after leaving Chang'an, Xuanzang arrived at Gandhara, where the Persian Greek and Indian civilizations merged together. He had recorded many of the country's details in the Great Tang Records on the Western Regions. In the autumn of 631 AD, after four years of traveling, Xuanzang finally arrived at his destination - Nalanda. No one could have dreamed that 1,200 year later his memory would illuminate India's history.

NCPA Drama A Midsummer Night's Dream

Date: Sept 17-24 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 180-380 yuan

In a midsummer night in Athens, Duke Theseus and his fiancee are busy preparing their wedding. In the meantime, another couple are worried about their relationship. The beautiful Hermia is in love with Lysander, but her father Egeus insists that she should marry Demetrius. Egeus' demand is supported by the Duke. Should Hermia resist she would be sentenced to death or a lifetime of chastity, according to the Athenian law. To pursue their love, Hermia and Lysander flee into the forest outside Athens.

Tian Jiaxin Piano Recital

Date: Sept 28 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 160-280 yuan

As a pianist, Tian Jiaxin has held solo concerts in the Stern Auditorium of Carnegie Hall for years running. She ever appeared in the list of celebrities on the New York Post. In 2016, she made a pitch for the Empire State Building, a landmark of New York, acted as the Chinese jury president and art ambassador of South Korea-China International Music Exchange Competition as well as Poly WeDo piano promotion ambassador, and established Poly WeDo Tian Jiaxin Piano Studio.

Xianwuren Dance Studio Lotus

Date: Sept 24 - 7:30 pm

Venue: National Center for the Performing Arts

Price: 80-400 yuan

The dance drama tells the story of a clay modeler at the Dunhuang Mogao Grottoes, who after perceiving the beauty and sincerity of the "Lotus" (a sacred image in Buddhist poetry), creates a painted statue for the Dunhuang caves. Choreographer Zhao Xiaogang borrows the exquisite body language of the Dunhuang wall murals and Buddhist statuary to tell the story of this clay modeler's journey of cultivation and learning, searching for the origin of life, as he carries his sculpture great distances across land and sea. It celebrates humanity's persistent search for true love, goodness, and cherished wishes.

(China Daily 09/23/2017 page20)