That's Shanghai takes a look at the best of the week:
Nov 7-8: Shen Wei Dance Company
Acclaimed as “one of the great artists of our time,” Hunan-born choreographer Shen Wei stunned the world with his calligraphy dance and choreography at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony. Based in New York, he's won distinguished prizes at home and abroad. More popular internationally, the Shen Wei Dance Company will bring his landmark works Near the Terrace and Maps on a tour of China showcasing two vastly different styles of dance he pioneered. For more, check out our feature on Shen Wei.
Nov 7-8, 7.15pm, RMB80-880. Shanghai Grand Theater.
Nov 7-Dec 11: ACT Shanghai International Theatre Festival
This massive theatre festival celebrates its 12th edition with award winning shows from across the world like Polish mime maestro’s Trygve Wakenshaw’s Kraken (Nov 13-15, pictured above) and Hong Kong’s groundbreaking physical theatre show Titus Andronicus 2.0 (Nov 18-20).
Nov 5-Dec 11, various times, RMB120-280 per show. Shanghai Dramatic Arts Centre.
Nov 8: Diversity in Sports Forum
Fresh off campaigning for Hillary Clinton, retired NBA player Jason Collins will speak at this forum organized by ShanghaiPRIDE and the Pac-12 Conference. As the first active NBA player to come out, Collins will discuss his career and the reaction he received such as being named as one Time’s Top 40 Most Influential People of 2014.
Nov 8, 6-8pm, free entry. X Space, 77 Jiangning Lu, by Fengxian Lu
Nov 8: Akon
It may be eight years and counting since his last album release, there's no denying Akon’s influence on modern pop thanks to more than 35 Billboard Hot 100 songs including anthems like ‘Smack That.’ He takes over Mercedes-Benz Arena on November 8 for his first Shanghai show in two years and first since his guest appearance on the hit reality show, I Am A Singer. For more, check out our 2014 interview with Akon.
Nov 8, 8pm, RMB380-1,680. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing.
Nov 9: US Presidential Election
Quiet possibly the most depressing American election of all-time will mercifully come to an end and there are plenty of spots across the city showing the results live. Will Democrat candidate Hillary Clinton complete her decades long march to the presidency or will Donald Drumpf successfully complete one of the most surreal political campaigns. Either way, most Americans will be slightly bummed out the day after. So instead, we're reliving Dave Chappelle's iconic Black Bush sketch (featuring Jamie Foxx as Black Tony Blair) in celebration for his upcoming hosting spot on this weekend's Saturday Night Live featuring one of the last musical performances by A Tribe Called Quest (RIP Phife).
Nov 9: Rachel Yamagata
The American singer-songwriter brings her full band to MAO Livehouse mixes old favorites like ‘Duet’ and ‘Dealbreaker’ with tracks from her new album, Tightrope Walker.
Nov 9, 8.30pm, RMB240. MAO Livehouse, see event listing.
Nov 9: Ian Shaw
JZ Club is taking full advantage of its new larger space at Found 158 with this prime booking of the two-time BBC Jazz Award winner for Best Jazz Vocalist. A fixture in London’s jazz and cabaret scene, Shaw has been praised as a pianist, songwriter, comedian and humanitarian.
Nov 9, 9-11.30pm, RMB150. JZ Club.
Nov 9: Knife Party
The Australian duo started as a side project from members of live drum and bass band, Pendulum, to create evil electronic dance music. They’ve succeeded in their mission, thanks to Beatport chart-topping discs like Haunted House. They’ve worked with heavy hitters like Swedish House Mafia, Steve Aoki and Rage Against the Machine’s Tom Morello, who guested on their recent single, ‘Battle Sirens.’
Nov 9, 10.30pm-late, RMB150. MYST, see event listing.
Nov 9-13: West Bund Art + Design Fair 2016
The budding cultural corridor of the West Bund celebrates the third edition of this international art fair, welcoming 31 leading contemporary galleries from around the world. Highlights include the first large scale exhibition from pop art master Alexander Katz (pictured) and the opening of ShanghART’s West Bund gallery.
Nov 9-13, noon-6pm (Wed-Fri), 10am-6pm (Sat-Sun), RMB60-80. West Bund Art & Design Center.
Nov 10: Singularity University and The Innovations in Education
The latest THREE Talk features Dr. Peter H. Diamandis, co-founder and executive chairman of Singularity University. Located in the heart of Silicon Valley with a mission of “educating, inspiring and empower leaders to apply eponential technologies,” the organization provides educational programs, innovative partnerships and a start-up accelerator to individuals and institutions to understand cutting-edge technology like artificial intelligence. Diamandis will discuss innovations in education and how Singularity University explores different ways to use technology to solve world problems.
Nov 10, 3.30-6pm, free entry (RSVP required). Three on the Bund, see event listing.
Nov 10: Tomorrow
Green Drinks screens this documentary featuring activists, organizers and everyday citizens describe their efforts in making the world greener and more sustainable. Ecological rights advocate Cyril Dion and actress-filmmaker Melanie Laurent (Inglorous Basterds) co-directs.
Nov 10, 6.30pm, RMB70 (RMB50 if registered). Haworth Organic Space, see event listing.
Nov 10: Stay in Character!
Started by Drago Lazetich and Marianne Kaulima, this film industry networking night continues for its second year. Film directors, producers, actors and anyone interested in the film and stage industry are encouraged to make those all important connections. Dress code: sci fi.
Nov 10, 7pm, RMB50 (with one drink). La Bota, see event listing.
Nov 10: Nicky Almasy Talk
Our beloved former photographer lent his skills to That's Shanghai from 2009 to 2015 before moving to Bangkok. However, he's back in town this week to work on a project shooting the houses designed by Art Deco master Lazlo Hudec and will give a talk at The Apartment to discuss his eclectic portfolio. Even better, it's two for one drinks. For more, check out our preview.
Nov 10, 8pm, free entry. The Apartment.
Nov 10: Grandtheft
SHFT and Le Baron welcomes the rising Toronto based trap producer and DJ who has remixed Katy Perry, Rihanna and T.I. Last year’s debut EP, Quit This City won wide acclaim.
Nov 10, 10pm, free entry with RSVP. Le Baron, see event listing.
Nov 10: Moritz Van Oswald
For their first anniversary, Say Yes celebrates with the German multi-instrumentalist who became one of the most influential producers in 1990s dub techno. He’s still going strong, collaborating on dream projects like his work with Fela Kuti drummer Tony Allen and with techno original Juan Atkins.
Nov 10, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. The Shelter.
Nov 10-11: Autism Conference on Maximizing Potential
Autism Partnership hosts this two-day workshop featuring renowned experts Dr. Ronald Leaf and Toby Mountjoy discussing effective treatments to maximized the potential of children with autism. Topics include dealing with challenging behavior, enriching the lives of autistic children and developing an understanding of language.
Nov 10-11, 9am-4pm, RMB2,450 (RMB1,960 each for groups of three or more). InterContinental Shanghai Puxi, see event listing.
Nov 10-13: Yummy Planet Festival
Despite the controversy, Shanghai’s first Michelin Guide has only cemented the city as an emerging food mecca. This massive food festival pairs celebrity chefs like André Chiang, who was the former head chef of three-Michelin star restaurant Le Jardin des Sens in France and whose Restaurant André is considered one of Singapore’s best, with homegrown favorites like Alan Wong’s, Wawamama, Liquid Laundry, The MEAT and much more. Kids under 1.3-meters-high can enter for free (limited one per ticket).
Nov 10-13, 10am, RMB190-320 (Thurs) RMB210-380 (Fri-Sun). Shanghai Mart, see event listing.
Nov 10-13: Harlequino
Best known for his roles in The Shawshank Redemption and Mystic River, Academy Award winner Tim Robbins returns to Shanghai with his acclaimed theater group, The Actor’s Gang. He follows his rousing 2014 adaptation of A Midsummer Night’s Dream with an original play that he scripted that celebrates the 16th century art of Commedia dell’Arte, which served as the satirical voice for the poor and powerless of that time. For more, check out our interview with Tim Robbins.
Nov 10-13, 7.15pm (with 2pm weekend matinees), RMB120-680. Daguan Theater, Shanghai Himalayas Art Center, see event listing.
Nov 11: Billy Lynn’s Long Halftime Walk
Academy Award winner Ang Lee directs this British-American-Chinese produced adaptation of Ben Fountain’s celebrated debut novel. Taking place in a single day, newcomer Joe Alywnn stars as the titular Lynn – a 19-year-old army specialist who barely survives a tense battle in Iraq that receives broad news coverage. On his way to being feted during the halftime show of the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game, Lynn struggles with his tragic memories and the raucous welcome he receives when he returns home. Kristen Stewart (Twilight), Chris Tucker (Rush Hour), Vin Diesel (The Fast and the Furious) and Steve Martin co-stars.
Nov 11: M Talk with Maggie Beer
With the Shanghai International Literary Festival a few months away, the organizers are continuing their always illuminating M Talks series. This week, they welcome cooking star Maggie Beer for a literary lunch. Coming up later this month, Paul Armstrong-Taylor will provide a fascinating look on shadow banking in China on November 19. and award-winning second generation Chinese-American writer Gish Jen speaks on November 20.
Nov 11, noon, RMB75 (with one drink). Glam, see event listings.
Nov 11: Story Telling by The Local Elderly
Beyond the Bund holds another story telling session feature locals telling fascinating stories from their time living in 1950s and 60s Shanghai.
Nov 11, 7-9pm, RMB100-150. naked Hub @ Xintiandi, see event listing.
Nov 11: André Hommen
Lola welcomes the famed German DJ who has remixed giants like Fritz Kalkbrenner and Denis Ferrer, while releasing his groovy yet sinister sounds on acclaimed labels like Objektivity and Poker Flat.
Nov 11, 10pm-late, RMB100-200. Lola, see event listing.
Nov 11: Dub Invaders
The High Tone crew have become a household name in the European underground for their live dub shows. They return to China with this Dub Invaders show featuring original productions from Omar Perry (son of the legendary Lee “Scratch” Perry), a set from MC Doubla J and root remixes from the crew.
Nov 11, 10pm-late, RMB80. The Shelter, see event listing.
Nov 11-12: Crested Ibises
Now housed in the recently opened Shanghai International Dance Center, the award-winning Shanghai Dance Theater toasts their new home with their popular production based on the “bird of good fortune.” Once plentiful across China and Japan, crested ibises were driven to near extinction when 20th century urbanization wiped out the blue sky, clean water and tranquil environment they needed to survive. However the discovery of seven wild crested ibises in Shaanxi Province in 1981 has led to joint international scientific efforts to protect and revive the bird’s population. This dance drama tells the story of the bird while celebrating its elegant, yet vulnerable, qualities.
Nov 11-12, 7.30pm, RMB80-280. Shanghai International Dance Center.
Nov 11-13:Shanghai International Kids Fashion Week
China’s first and most high profile kids fashion event returns for its fifth edition. Designers will attempt to redefine the future of kids fashion while celebrating the leading brands in America, Europe, China and across the world will show off their latest seasonal collections and custom series. While the show is invitation only, we are giving away passes. For your chance to win, e-mail rsvp@urbanatomy.com with your name, contact number and the number of kids attending. More info can be found at sikfw.com.
Nov 11-20: Reservoir Dogs
While they may have changed their name from Urban Aphrodite to DreamWeaver, the popular theater company are up to their old tricks, bringing another film classic to the stage. After last year's adaptations of The Princess Bride and Fast Times at Ridgemont High, they kick off their new season by bringing to life Quentin Tarantino's iconic first film success. Stars Mark Edwards, Greg Carew, Ryan Larsen, Mike Griffin, Eric Paci and Liam McDermott. For more, check out our feature on Reservoir Dogs.
Nov 11-13 and 17-20, 8pm showtime, RMB180-200. The Market, tickets.
Nov 12: Pac-12 China Game
Academic powerhouses Harvard and Stanford kick off their college basketball regular seasons in the second edition of the Pac 12 China game, presented by Alibaba. Last year's edition marked the first time an American sport held a regular season game on Chinese mainland and drew in over 8,000 fans. Aired live on ESPN, this game will feature the debut of Harvard's highly touted freshman point guard Bryce Aiken. For more, check out our Pac 12 China preview.
Nov 12, noon, RMB80-980. Mercedes-Benz Arena, see event listing.
Nov 12: Electric Zoo: Countdown Shanghai
The New York mega electronic music festival drew in a record-breaking 83,000 people to this year’s edition. They’re bringing their famed giant octopus stage, animal themed costume performers and an impressive lineup of top DJs like Dada Life, Sander Van Doorn and Hucci when it makes it holds its first China edition. Tickets available through That's here.
Nov 12, 1.30pm-late, RMB299-499. Expo Park, see event listing.
Nov 12: Brash x Yeti Neighborhood Jam
The new Jing’an barber and tattoo parlour officially celebrates its opening by linking with party promoters Yeti for a neighborhood jam. DJs Fader One and Allan Marshall spin, while visitors can check out Brash’s Lower East Side New York hangout inspired vibe. For more, check out our New Shop profile on Brash.
Nov 12, 4-10pm, RMBTBA. Brash.
Nov 12: Chi Fan for Charity
With support from The Good Agency and That’s Shanghai, Chi Fan will host over 500 people at dozens restaurants around the city to raise money for this year’s beneficiaries, Shanghai Young Bakers and Educating Girls of Rural China. Entering its sixth year, Chi Fan for Charity is the largest F&B-related charity event in Asia, which is also hosted in Beijing and Hong Kong. Participating restaurants donate a table for 10 people with a three-course meal and beverage pairings. To date the event has raised over RMB4.7 million for over 20 charities. For more, check out our Chi Fan for Charity series or vist www.chifanforcharity.org.
Nov 12: Future Orients
Formed just three years ago, the young Beijing quartet has captivated their hometown's music scene thanks to an icy sound that channels Foals, Neu! and other acclaimed indie acts. They're embarking on their first national tour to support their fine debut album, Eat or Die, which was released by Maybe Mars and produced by P.K. 14 frontman Yang Haisong.
Nov 12, 9-11.30pm, RMB60-80. Yuyintang.
Nov 12: Gqom Oh!
The leading purveyors of gqom – a new style of apocalyptic bass music emerging from Durban, South Africa – bring their inaugural Asia tour to The Shelter. Derived from an onomatopoeic Zulu word signifying a drum, gqom is “riot music” according to Gqom Oh! label boss, Nan Kolè. He’ll be spinning a set of the raw form of South African house along with producer and self-proclaimed gqom king, DJ Lag. Recommended for fans of UK bass and Chicago footwork.
Nov 12, 10pm-late, RMB80. The Shelter.
Nov 12: Till von Sein
Shiny Shoes and Holly Sh*t team up to present the house favorite known for his euphoric, heart-racing sets that incorporates elements of soul and techno. The last time he came to town, Till Von Sein tore down Lola and he’ll be making his Elevator debut. Miki Discosnot, Charp and Thoma Cher support.
Nov 12, 10pm-late, RMBTBA. Elevator.
Nov 12: Monkey Lounge 7 Years
The Donghu Lu hotspot celebrates seven years in their customarily rowdy style with free flow champagne from 11pm to midnight and plenty of giveaways.
Nov 12, 10pm-late, RMB100 (with two drinks). Monkey Lounge, see event listing.
Nov 12-13: ART021
Named after Shanghai’s area code, this massive contemporary art fair features a who’s who of international galleries. Highlights include Kaw’s memorable Companion (pictured) but there will be plenty of other stellar exhibitions and events for art lovers to enjoy. The festival is part of the Shanghai International Arts Festival.
Nov 12-13, 11am-6pm, RMBTBA. Shanghai Exhibition Center.
Nov 12-Mar 12: Shanghai Biennale
Power Station of Art hosts the 11th edition of this massive contemporary art fair that will emphasize “the possibilities of South-South dialogue within the current scenario of a highly connected world.” The acclaimed Dehli-based Raqs Media Collective (pictured above) curates presenting a destination for many different kinds of exploration and investigation that will also serve as a launching pad for new visions, ideas and artists.
Nov 12-Mar 12, 9am-5pm, RMB20. Power Station of Art.
Nov 13: UFC 205 - Alvarez vs McGregor
After an epic five round battle where he successfully avenged his loss to the larger Nate Diaz, the charismatic shit talking Conor McGregor puts his UFC Lightweight Championship on the line against Eddie Alvarez. Plenty of sports bars around town will screen the big fight for Sunday brunch and PPTV is the official place to legally stream it.
Nov 13: Baconfest '16
For a decade, a society of swine lovers would come together to celebrate everything bacon by competing for the title of First Bacon Lord. For the first time, it’s going public with some of the city’s top pro and amateur chefs taking over the courtyard at 800 Show to serve up their bacon treat. Space is limited to ensure that all attendees will hit their bacon quotient.
Nov 13, 1-5pm, RMB100-150. Ruijin Cajun (courtyard), see event listing.
Nov 13: Flyying Colours
New promoters Haze Sounds have organized a China tour for the Australian group known for mixing shoegaze distortion with post-punk hooks and psychedelic freak outs.
Nov 13, 9pm, RMBTBA. Yuyintang, see event listing.
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