Beijing

Experimental play

An experimental play depicting the life of Dutch artist Vincent Van Gogh, Eternal Flame of Van Gogh, will be staged over summer. Directed by Ren Min, the play will show the spirit of a true artist who strived for pure expression of the heart, no matter what comes in the way.

7:30 pm, until July 21, Beijing People's Art Experimental Theater, 3/F, Capital Theater, 22 Wangfujing Dajie, Dongcheng district, 010-6526-3338

Summer feast

For six nights in a row, six of the country's most popular rock bands will stage an unplugged live show at the Poly Plaza concert hall. Participants include Xie Tianxiao, Zi Yue and Shuang Zi. To celebrate the 55th anniversary of Beijing Artists Management Corp, some of the city's most notable musicians are gathering for the 6-day event. In addition to the rock music, cross talks and classical music concerts will also be performed.

7:30, June 25-July 1 except June 28. Poly Plaza Theater, 14 Dongzhimen Nandajie, Dongcheng district. 010-6501-1854

Ode to Four Seasons

Recently hailed as "a superb period instrument band" by The New York Times, the Academy of Ancient Music from Britain is coming to Beijing with its concert, Four Seasons. The academy is renowned for its energized, passionate performances of baroque and classical music. Soprano Elin Manahan Thomas, who performed Eternal Source of Light Divine at the 2012 London Paralympic Games will be part of the performance.

7:30 pm, June 29. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district. 010-6655-0000

Shanghai

Detective story

Agatha Chrstie's murder mystery And Then There Were None will be brought to the stage in a Chinese theater production. Ten people are lured to an island with no communication to the outside world available. Each person dies, one after another, at the hands of a mysterious murderer.

7:30 pm, Tue-Sun; 2 pm, Sat, July 11-Aug 11. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, 1F, 288 Anfu Road. 021-6473-0123

Chosen works

An exhibition of contemporary works from young artists is currently on show. Curator Yan Zhuping traveled to nine art academies in China, and the art schools at more than 20 major universities, and selected 189 pieces from 6,800 art works for the exhibition.

9 am-5 pm, until July 1. Duolun Museum of Modern Art, 27 Duolun Road. 021-6587-5996

Hong Kong

Italian melodies

The Italian Cultural Institute of Hong Kong brings talented Sicilian pianist Rosario Pavone to the city with a free concert. Born in Catania, Pavone studied piano under Maria Zappala and has won more than 50 national and international piano competitions. Currently teaching piano at the Fausto Torrefranca Conservatory in Vibo Valentia, he was nominated by the Accademico ad Honorem for artistic merit by the World Academy of Culture in Rome.

8 pm, June 26. Theater, Sai Wan Ho Civic Center, G/F 111 Shau Kei Wan Road, Sai Wan Ho. Registration: bit.ly/10R6E9J

Just for laughs

Smile, chuckle and roll around laughing at the antics of Live Comedy Club Taipei as they bring their act to Hong Kong for two nights at Stand Up Party 2013 - Taiwan Stand Up Comedy for Real. Known in Taiwan as "talk show", be prepared for an evening of skits, singing and interactive repartee with the audience, all in Mandarin. Members of the club will also give a pre-performance talk at Kwang Hwa Information and Culture Center at 8 pm on June 26.

8 pm, June 28 and 29. Upstairs Theater, Hong Kong Fringe Club, 2 Lower Albert Road, Central. 852-2521-7251

Macao

Paper dreams

Originating in China more than 2,000 years ago, Tanabata is an ancient romance between a princess and a cow herder who could only meet once a year on the lunar calendar's seventh day of the seventh month. In honor of Tanabata, Hotel Okura Macao will host events such as origami classes, Soran Bushi performances and a Yamazato noodle promotion.

June 29-July 7. Various locations, Hotel Okura Macao, Galaxy Macao, Avenida Marginal Flor de Lotus, Cotai. 853-8883-8883

China Daily

(China Daily 06/23/2013 page15)