After an eerily quiet CNY period in Shanghai (literally, thanks to a surprisingly well enforced fireworks ban), things looks to be getting back up to speed this week with more than a full handful of top events to choose from over the next seven days.
Russell Peters
Sat 20, Shanghai Centre Theatre, 680-1,280RMB
Canadian comedian Russell Peters brings his Almost Famous tour to the Shanghai Centre. Peters, known for his lampooning of racial, ethnic and cultural stereotypes, has sold out arenas across the globe with his stand up and promoters insist that the show makes Peters 'the first top rank international standup comedian to perform in Mainland China'. The somewhat pricey tickets are on sale now - you can find details on our website.
99 Women
Until Feb 29, Zurita, Free
Liz Hingley is a British photographer and anthropologist who has been based in Shanghai for over two years. Inspired by 'the dynamism and strength of women in Shanghai', she has produced a series of alternative portraits of women in collaboration with stylist Natali D. The images were used as illustrations for a theatre project written by Geneviève Flaven, featuring 99 women from the streets of Shanghai performing on one stage.
Answer Code Request
Thu 18, The Shelter, 50RMB
Patrick Gräser was essentially a complete unknown when he released his Subway Into EP in 2011 under the Answer Code Request moniker. Since then, Answer Code Request has become a familiar name to anyone with even a passing interest in the German techno scene, thanks to a string of acclaimed releases and Gräser's residency at legendary Berlin club Berghain. He’ll be joined at The Shelter by Bassment organiser James Lealand, plus Another Pawn and Donn with Chromaphase working the visuals.
Elsewhere, ED Banger boss and former Daft Punk manager Busy P isn't too busy to pass up a show in Shanghai - he's performing at Le Baron on Thursday night. Admission is free, if you can get past the picky doormen.
NT Live: Hamlet
Sat 20, Shanghai Grand Theatre, 100-200RMB
China loves Benedict Cumberbatch - and luckily, there's been plenty of Benny to go around. After the feature-length Sherlock special hit Shanghai cinemas last month, he's back this week with a live screening of Lyndsey Turner's Hamlet at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Time Out London's reviewer described the show as 'one of the most visually and atmospherically stunning productions I’ve ever seen, of anything, ever' - and you can be sure this will look glorious on the big screen.
METZ
Feb 19, Yuyintang, 120RMB (100RMB presale)
Hard-rocking Canadian noise-punks METZ pound their instruments within a fret of their lives, channeling the heavy legacy of their Sub Pop labelmates past and present: Mudhoney, Rapeman, No Age and even Bleach-era Nirvana. The intense chugging of their down-tuned guitar storm is something to witness live, but avoid the front rows if you're precious about personal space: things should get pretty crazy.
Support comes from Schoolgirl Byebye, a new local punk act formed by From the Red's guitarist Yang Yue. Check out our interview with the band about their seven year tour and visiting China - you can find it on our website.