City guide (June 25 - August 11)

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