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June 11, 2014

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Grin and beard it

FANS of traditional Chinese theater are in for a treat in the coming weeks with new and original performances which promise to provide inspiration, reflection —  plus plenty of laughs.

Peking Opera, known for its wide range of subjects drawn from historical stories and politics, has a unique charm that inspires deep feeling in audiences, say enthusiasts.

On June 28 and 29, Shanghai Peking Opera House is presenting a new production “Wu Zixu and Shen Baoxu,” offering an insight into the legend of the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC).

Shan Yuejin, director of Shanghai Peking Opera House, says it took around four years to complete the work.

“We want to present a powerful and inspiring work,” Shan says. “It is not just a depiction of historical events. We hope to display the delicate changes in human relationships and explore humanity under different conditions.”

The play revolves around friends Wu Zixu and Shen Baoxu who have to stand against each other for the sake of their own country and people. In that period of chaos and war, friendship was severely tested with different choices leading to different future.

Simple sets and traditional Chinese instruments such as the guqin — a seven-string zither — create a nostalgic, unsophisticated atmosphere.

Historical drama gives way to modern-day gossip on July 4, when young performers of Qingqu Crosstalk club present what promises to be a hilarious crosstalk show.

Founded in 2007 by young crosstalk performers and enthusiasts of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, the club is renowned for dealing with hot issues of the day.

Many performers are in their 20s and this is the club’s first performance in the city.

Performers Miao Fu and Wang Sheng will bring their satirical act that was a big hit on the Spring Festival gala on Beijing TV. Other crosstalk acts mull over news events and Internet buzz topics.

Miao and Wang say the  club hopes to shorten the distance between modern society and the crosstalk tradition.

Peking Opera ‘Wu Zixu and Shen Baoxu’

Date: June 28-29, 7:15pm

Venue: Yifu Theater, 701 Fuzhou Rd

Tickets: 30-380 yuan

Tel: 6322-5294

Crosstalk show

Date: July 4, 7:30pm

Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Rd

Tickets: 80-680 yuan

Tel: 6854-1234

Jazz Concert

A harmonica and guitar jazz duo from France, Laurent Maur and Thierry Lujan, will present a night of French oldies such as “La Vie en rose” and “Hymne a l’amour.”

Date: June 20, 7:45pm

Tickets: 120-300 yuan

Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center

Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong

425

Young Artists

About 50 art pieces created by nearly 10 artists are on display. The exhibits vary from canvas, ink-wash painting to sculpture. According to Zhao Chun, the curator, the exhibition aims to provide a platform for young artists with more exposure to the public.

Date: Through June 18, 10am-5pm

Venue: Spring Art Museum

Address; 655 Fuzhou Rd

655

‘Life in Opera’ by Mia

As a Christian, contemporary artist Mia creates her modern female portraits featuring red lip in a blank face with vibrant colors and delicate details. Her paintings are well known for the collection of “Life in Opera.” This exhibition summarizes her creations from 2006 to the present with a selected series of her paintings.

Date: Through June 19 (closed on Mondays), 1-9pm

Venue: Noeli Gallery

Address: 150B Yueyang Rd

150B

Fun with Dash of Mystery

For fans of Agatha Christie (1890-1976), a visit to Xintiandi Style is a must, as several scenes based on her detective novels are displayed inside the shopping mall. An English crime novelist, short story writer and playwright, Christie is best known for her 66 mystery novels, mostly revolving around the investigations of Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. The Guinness Book of World Records lists her as the best-selling novelist of all time, her books having sold roughly 4 billion copies. In a scene from “Murder on the Orient Express,” Xintiandi visitors can have their afternoon tea at the artificial locomotive. While at “Witness for the Prosecution,” people can take photos in provided costumes and props.

Date: Through June 22, 10am-9pm

Venue: Xintiandi Style

Address: 245 Madang Rd

245

Childhood Memory

Painter Li Shoubai celebrates old Shanghai and life in its picturesque shikumen houses and lanes. An exhibition featuring his paintings and paper-cuts are underway at his newly renovated studio. Born in 1962 in Shanghai, Li learnt paper cutting and painting at six. He is famous for his vivid heavy watercolor paintings that feature detailed scenes from the old days, women lounging in patterned qipao or playing mahjong.

Date: Through August 31, 10am-7pm

Address: 4-2, Lane 210 Taikang Rd

2104-2

Stage

Piano Recital

Belgian-born pianist Steven Vanhauwaert will present a piano recital. The pianist has garnered a wide array of accolades, including the Maurice Lefranc award, the Rotary Prize and the Galiot Prize.

Date: June 13, 7:30pm

Tickets: 80 yuan

Tel: 5415-8976

Venue: Shanghai City Theater

Address: 4889 Dushi Rd

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‘Dora The Explorer’

In this children’s musical drama adapted from the popular animated TV series “Dora the Explorer,” the little explorer Dora is embarking on her most important mission yet — searching for the City of Lost Toys. With help from the audience, Dora uses her directional, counting, musical and language skills to successfully pass through the Number Pyramid and the Mixed-up Jungle to reach the City of Lost Toys.

Date: July 20, 7:30pm

Tickets: 80-480 yuan

Tel: 5415-8976

Venue: Shanghai City Theater

Address: 4889 Dushi Rd

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