Art beat in August

Degree in fear

Monsters University, a prequel to the 2001 groundbreaking Monsters, Inc., follows Mike and Sullivan back to their campus days. In Monsters University, they learned not only how to scare children as a potential career, but also the importance of confidence and integrity. The film does not push boundaries of storytelling, as did the first Monsters film 12 years ago. It is formulaic and safe, but still a solid tale that caters both to children and adults. The Pixar 3-D animation combines the tear-jerking drama of Toy Story series and the ceaseless fun of Ratatouille. While Billy Crystal and John Goodman dub the film's English version, in China two local top comedians Xu Zheng and He Jiong contribute their voices to the lead characters. The film, with versions in both languages, will open in China on Aug 23.

Primitive production

Rob Becker's one-person play Defending the Caveman will be presented in Chinese. The antagonism between two sexes has accompanied the whole civilization process. The play illustrates the difference between men and women with examples in modern daily life, and traces the sexual conflicts back to the primitive age, when men hunted and women collected. Xu Shengnan will be on stage leading his one-man battle defending the "cavemen". The play is the maiden work of director Xie Shuai.

7:30 pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 2 pm, Saturday-Sunday, Aug 23-Sept 22. Theater Salon-Shanghai Dramatic Arts Center, 3F, 288 Anfu Road Shanghai. 021-6473-0123.

Evergreen beats

What will the music of Vivaldi, J. S. Bach and The Beatles sound like after they have been interpreted by a percussion group? Li Biao and his percussion group will give you the answer in a concert, titled From Baroque to Beatles. As the opening show of the fourth Mercedes-Benz International Music Festival, they will also bring Astor Piazzolla's Tango Suite and Tobias Brostrom's Bridging the World. For years, Li's percussion group, which formed in 2005 with a variety of gifted musicians from different countries, has been touring around the world and playing diverse music genres, such as classical, jazz, pop and rock. With nearly 100 musical instruments weighing five tons in total, their performance is also a dazzling visual feast.

7:30 pm, Aug 24. National Center for the Performing Arts, 2 West Chang'an Avenue, Xicheng district, Beijing. 010-6655-0000.

12 Angry Men takes to the stage

The Chinese production of the play 12 Angry Men will be presented soon in Shanghai. The play created by American author Reginald Rose in 1954 became very popular with Chinese audiences when the Chinese production was released last year. The story about the jury debate of a homicidal trial attracted groups of Shanghai prosecutors to the theater. This summer, the production will celebrate its 100th show, and embark on a national tour after Shanghai. The upcoming performances will feature a new cast.

7:30 pm, Aug 20-Sept 15. D6 Space-Shanghai Dramatic Art Center, 288 Anfu Road. 021-6473-0123.

Nature and music fest

[Photo/China Daily]

The theme of this year's annual Great Wall Tanglewood Forest Music Festival is embracing nature and music together. This is the third installment of the event to be held under the Great Wall at Yanqing county. With six performances in Tanglewood Forest Valley, the festival will have crossover lineups, including cellist Zhu Yibing, New Zealand soprano Hayley Westenra, veteran pop singer Tsai Chin (pictured) and pop duo Shui Mu Nian Hua. Beijing Wind Orchestra will also give a fairy-tale theme concert under the baton of Li Fangfang.

Aug 24, 25. Drive along Badaling Highway and exit at Shuiguan Great Wall Exit. Or, take Bus 919 from Deshengmen in North Second Ring Road. 400-610-3721.

Heaven and earth

Kan Tai-keung is considered the father ofHong Kongdesign and has been practicing his profession since 1967, with Bank of China and Wing Wah logos as some of his most recognizable creations. The celebrated designer and artist will showcase his work in his solo show Infinite Quest. In this exhibition, he explores the Chinese philosophical concept of Tao, the creator of heaven and earth, and the driving force behind life. The exhibition will show commercial and artistic projects, including posters, books and stamps.

Until Aug 26. C1, Redtory Art Center, 128 Yuancun Siheng Road, Tianhe district. 020-8557-4417.