Theater
Li Baochun Plays Beijing Opera Classics (李寶春精演新老戲) is the latest installment of Taipei Li-Yuan Peking Opera Theatre’s (台北新劇團) New Old Operas (新老戲) series, which aims to revive lost classics including The Scholar of Bashan (巴山秀才), The Phoenix Returns to Her Nest (鳳還巢) and Turbulence Over Duanmi Stream (斷密澗風雲).
■ National Theater, Taipei City
Photo Courtesy of Eslite Bookstore
■ Tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm, Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$2,000, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Yunchingyuehwu Theatre (韻清樂舞劇團) has put together Huangmei Opera Classic Plays (黃梅拾萃) to reveal the beauty of huangmei opera (黃梅調), a style of folk melody that originated in Hubei Province more than 200 years ago.
Photo Courtesy of The Ntso
■ Experimental Theater, Taipei City
■ Tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$600, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Photo: Taipei Times
In Re/turn, theatrical actor-turned-director Tsai Pao-chang (蔡柏璋) weaves together tales of romance, friendship and parental love among three friends, two lovers and a mother and her daughter.
■ Eslite Bookstore Xinyi Branch Performance Hall (誠品信義店展演廳), 11 Songgao Rd, Taipei City (台北市松高路11號)
■ Tonight, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 7:30pm, tomorrow at 2:30pm and 7:30pm and Sunday at 2:30pm
Photo: Taipei Times
■ Tickets are NT$650, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw.
Mamu and the Elves (馬穆與精靈), a children’s theatrical production by Theatre de la Sardine (沙丁龐克劇團), uses pantomime, masks, puppets and African dancing and drumming to tell a fable about a farmer named Mamu and his friendship with a family of elves who live on the African savanna.
■ Wenshan Theater (文山劇場), 32 Jingwen St, Taipei City (台北市景文街32號)
Photo: Taipei Times
■ Tonight at 7:30pm, tomorrow and Sunday at 2:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$200, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw.
The annual Spring Riot series by Cloud Gate 2 (雲門2) features works by four choreographers this year, including Berlin-based Sun Shang-chi’s (孫尚綺) Genus (屬輩), which explores the separation of mind and body, and Huang Yi’s (黃翊) Violin — Symphony Project I (機械提琴 — 交響樂計畫之一), the artist’s latest attempt to blend technology and dance.
■ Taichung Chungshan Hall (台中市中山堂), 98 Syueshih Rd, Greater Taichung (台中市學士路98號)
■ Tonight and tomorrow at 7:30pm
■ Tickets are NT$300 to NT$1,200, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Classical music
As part of the 2011 Taiwan International Recorder Festival (第二屆木笛音樂節), recorder artists from around the world will be performing at various venues across Taiwan. The program for Red Priest — Baroque Carnival (紅神父—巴洛克嘉年華), which features Piers Adam on recorder, Julia Bishop on violin, Angela East on viola and Howard Beach on harpsichord, includes Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, Cima’s Sonata in A Minor, Cazzati’s Ciaconna, Purcell’s Chaconne, “Two in One Upon a Ground” from Dioclesian, and Ortiz’s Two Ricercadas.
■ Today at 7:30pm (Kaohsiung), tomorrow and Sunday at 2:30pm (Taichung and New Taipei City)
■ Sun Yat-sen Hall of Kaohsiung’s National Sun Yat-sen University Art Center (高雄國立中山大學逸仙館), 70 Lianhai Rd, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市蓮海路70號), Taichung’s Chunghsing Concert Hall (台中中興堂), 291-3 Jingwu Rd, Greater Taichung (台中市精武路291之3號), Lujhou Branch of KHS Musical Co Music Hall (蘆洲功學社音樂廳), 162 Zhongshan 2nd Rd, Lujhou District, New Taipei City (新北市蘆洲區中山二路162號)
■ Tickets are NT$500 to NT$1,600 (Kaohsiung), NT$500 to NT$2,000 (Taichung) and NT$800 and NT$2,000 (New Taipei City), available through ERA ticketing or online at www.tickets.com.tw
Also part of the 2011 Taiwan International Recorder Festival (第二屆木笛音樂節), the Dorothee Oberlinger Recorder Concert — Concerto Italiano (歐柏林格木笛演奏會 — 義大利風情) presents emerging recorder talent Dorothee Oberlinger performing with Luise Buchberger on viola da gamba and Andre Henrich on the lute. The program includes works from Corelli, Vivaldi and other early composers.
■ Today at 7:30pm (Hsinchu), tomorrow at 2:30pm (Taoyuan) and Sunday at 2:30pm (Taichung)
■ Performance Hall of Hsinchu City’s Bureau of Cultural Affairs (新竹市文化局演藝廳), 17, Dongda Rd Sec 2, Hsinchu City (新竹市東大路二段17號), Performing Arts Hall of the Taoyuan County Government’s Cultural Affairs Bureau (桃園縣政府文化局演藝廳), 21 Hsienfu Rd, Taoyuan County (桃園市縣府路21號), National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra Music Hall (國立台灣交響樂團演奏廳), 738-2 Jhongjheng Rd, Wufong Dist, Greater Taichung (台中市霧峰區中正路738之2號)
■ Tickets are NT$300 to NT$1,200 for all three venues, available through ERA ticketing or online at www.tickets.com.tw
A Romantic Evening with Shui (水藍的浪漫樂章) presents pianist Cristina Ortiz performing with the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra (國立台灣交響樂團) under the baton of artistic director Lan Shui (水藍). The program includes Verdi’s Overture From La Forza del Destino, Liszt’s Piano Concerto No. 2 in A Major and Rachmaninoff’s Symphony No. 3 in A Minor, Op. 44.
■ Sunday at 7:30pm (Taichung) and Monday at 7:30pm (Taipei)
■ Chunghsing Concert Hall, Taichung (台中中興堂), 291-3 Jingwu Rd, Greater Taichung (台中市精武路291之3號) and National Concert Hall, Taipei City
■ Tickets are NT$300 to NT$1,000 at both venues, available through NTCH ticketing or online at www.artsticket.com.tw
Contemporary
Legacy Taipei, located in a former warehouse at Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914), hosts top Taiwanese pop performers and international acts. Tonight actress-musician Kay Huang (黃韻玲) takes to the stage, and tomorrow it’s Mando-popper Terry Lin (林志炫). On Wednesday, the venue holds it’s weekly showcase of up-and-coming indie bands. This week features Hush! and indie-pop acoustic duo DingDing and ShiShi (丁丁與西西).
■ Huashan 1914 Creative Park (華山1914), Center Five Hall (中五館), 1, Bade Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市八德路一段1號)
■ All shows start at 8pm, except Wednesday concerts, which begins at 8:30pm
■ NT$800 or NT$1,000 tonight, depending on seating area, NT$1,200 tomorrow (NT$1,000 in advance) and NT$500 on Wednesday (NT$400 in advance). Tickets for the venue’s concerts can be purchased at ERA ticketing outlets, online through www.ticket.com.tw or www.legacy.com.tw or at 7-Eleven ibon kiosks
The Wall (這牆), Taipei’s most prominent venue for indie rock artists, hosts Japanese glam rock band MUCC tonight. Tomorrow is an evening of nu-rock and nu-metal with Wavelight (波光折返), Gray Spiral (灰色螺旋) and Respect (尊敬樂團). On Wednesday, it’s baroque indie-pop group The Tic Tac, post-rock/emo band Orangegrass (橙草) and expat indie rockers Roxymoron.
■ B1, 200, Roosevelt Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路四段200號B1), tel: (02) 2930-0162. On the Net: www.thewall.com.tw
■ Shows start at 8pm
■ NT$2,000 tonight, NT$500 (NT$400 in advance) tomorrow, NT$400 on Wednesday. Tickets for all shows can be purchased online through www.thewall.com.tw or tickets.books.com.tw
Aboriginal singer Long-ge (龍哥), known for his rousing drinking songs, takes to the stage tonight at Witch House (女巫店), which regularly hosts shows from both indie rock bands and folk artists in a coffeehouse setting. The Hohak Band (好客樂隊), commonly known for its Hakka folk rock music, performs a special set of classic Taiwanese songs from the 1920s. Patty and Friends take to the stage on Thursday.
■ 7, Ln 56, Xinsheng S Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市新生南路三段56巷7號), tel: (02) 2362-5494. On the Net: www.witchhouse.org
■ Shows start at 9:30pm. Restaurant/bar with queer/feminist bookstore and large collection of board games open 11am to midnight Sundays through Wednesdays, 11am to 1am Thursdays through Saturdays
■ Entrance for music shows is NT$300
Tonight Riverside Cafe (河岸留言) hosts Timeless Fusion Party (無限融合黨), a jazz fusion band. Mando-pop singer Princess Ai (戴愛玲) takes to the stage tomorrow, while acoustic pop band Pia and Malaysian Mando-pop singer Fang Jiong Jia (方炯嘉) perform on Sunday. Monday is the venue’s weekly open jam.
■ B1, 2, Ln 244, Roosevelt Rd Sec 3, Taipei City (台北市羅斯福路三段244巷2號B1), next to Taipower Building (台電大樓), tel: (02) 2368-7310. On the Net: www.riverside.com.tw
■ Show starts tonight at 9:30pm, 9pm on all other nights. For a list of standard songs and ground rules for the open jam, visit the venue’s Web site
■ NT$400 tonight and tomorrow, NT$350 Sunday and NT$150 Monday. Tickets can purchased online through www.riverside.com.tw or tickets.books.com.tw
Tonight Riverside Live House hosts Sissey Chao (趙一豪), who sounds like Jim Morrison singing in Mandarin, and his band Double X. Tomorrow Mando-pop singer Shadya (藍又時) takes to the stage, and on Thursday, it’s indie-pop group Miss Silk Stocking (絲襪小姐) and fingerpicking acoustic guitar duo Woody Woody.
■ 177 Xining S Rd, Taipei City (台北市西寧南路177號), tel: (02) 2370-8805. On the Net: www.riverside.com.tw
■ Shows start at 8:30pm
■ Entrance is NT$400 tonight, NT$500 tomorrow and NT$400 on Thursday. Tickets can be purchased online through www.riverside.com.tw/livehouse or tickets.books.com.tw
Post-punk rockers Macbeth (馬克白) and Posh Inverse (優雅逆轉) play tonight at Underworld (地下社會), a small basement club in Taipei. Experimental electronica act Shishukong (屍術控) and No Money No Honey take to the stage tomorrow.
■ B1, 45 Shida Rd, Taipei City (台北市師大路45號B1), tel: (02) 2369-0103. On the Net: www.upsaid.com/underworld
■ Shows run from 9pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Underworld is open daily from 9pm, closed on Mondays. Happy hour on Tuesdays and Thursdays before midnight
■ Entrance for music shows is NT$300 on Fridays and Saturdays, which includes one drink
The Yellow Lighter Dogma performs tonight at Sappho de Base, a late night lounge bar that hosts mostly live jazz and blues performances. Tomorrow, the venue hosts blues and surf rock group Blues Vibrations. On Tuesday, DD Fusion takes to the stage, and on Wednesday it’s Elin’s Jazz Quartet.
■ B1, 1, Ln 102, Anhe Rd Sec 1, Taipei City (台北市安和路一段102巷1號B1), tel: (02) 2700-5411. On the Net: www.sappho102.biz
■ Shows start at 10pm. The venue is closed on Sundays and Mondays
■ Entrance is NT$200 tonight and tomorrow, free on other nights
EZ5 Live House hosts Mando-pop singers backed by a live band every night. Highlights for the week ahead include Mando-pop songstress Julia Peng (彭佳慧) on Tuesday, and male crooner Shin Lung (辛龍), who performs every Saturday. Acclaimed Aboriginal singer Samingad (紀曉君) performs on Thursdays.
■ 211, Anhe Rd Sec 2, Taipei City (台北市安和路二段211號), tel: (02) 2738-3995. On the Net: visit www.ez5.com.tw
■ Shows run from 9:45pm to 12:30am
■ Entrance fee (includes two drinks) ranges from NT$600 to NT$850, depending on the performer
Taipei Swing holds dance socials on Friday nights at Italian restaurant Capone’s, with live music from electric blues band Taipei blues band Bopomofo (ㄅㄆㄇㄈ). Dancers of all levels welcome. Tomorrow, drummer Abe Nbugu Kenyatta leads a band playing music from his hometown of New Orleans.
■ 312, Zhongxiao E Rd Sec 4, Taipei City (台北市忠孝東路四段312號), tel: (02) 2773-3782
■ Live music from 9pm to 11:30pm on Fridays, 8pm to 11:30pm on Saturdays
■ On Fridays, minimum charge of one drink. On Saturdays, minimum charge is NT$300
All-girl punk band BB Bomb (BB彈), pop-minded punks Peppercats (胡椒貓) and Braces (牙套) perform tomorrow at The Village Cafe (村落餐廳), a bar and cafe located at the Taipei Artist Village (台北國際藝術村), which hosts shows every Saturday night.
■ 7 Beiping E Rd, Taipei City (台北市北平東路7號), tel: (02) 3393-7377, X207
■ Tomorrow at 9pm
■ Entrance is NT$300, includes one drink
The Wall (這牆) programs regular live rock shows at Kaohsiung’s Pier 2 Arts Center (高雄駁二藝術特區). Tonight it’s happy-go-lucky indie rock band Relax One (輕鬆玩). Mando-pop singer Roger Yang (楊培安) takes to the stage tomorrow.
■ 1 Dayong Rd, Yancheng Dist, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市鹽埕區大勇路1號). On the Net: pier-2.khcc.gov.tw, www.thewall.com.tw
■ Shows start at 7:30pm.
■ Entrance is NT$400 tonight, tomorrow’s show is NT$800
The Mercury (水星酒館), an indie rock club in Kaohsiung, hosts expat garage rock group Deadly Vibes and blues rock duo MudBros tomorrow.
■ 46 Liwen Rd, Zuoying Dist, Greater Kaohsiung (高雄市左營區立文路46號), tel: (07) 550-8617. On the Net: mercurybar.blogspot.com
■ Show starts at 9pm
■ Entrance is NT$250, which includes one drink
Events
Taipei Discussion and Learning meets every Sunday at Cafe Bastille to hear lectures and discuss topics such as philosophy, science, anthropology, globalization and alternative medicine. All discussions and lectures are conducted in English. This Sunday’s topic is entitled Meditation — Meaning, Preparations, Techniques.
■ Cafe Bastille, 7 Wenzhou St, Taipei City (台北市溫州街7號), tel (02) 2362-9981
■ Every Sunday at 7:45pm
■ Entrance is free. For more information visit www.taipeidiscussionandlearning.blogspot.com
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