The 5 best events this week

Jun 12-14: Theatre de la Feuille: Papa

Founded by Ata Wong Chun Tat in 2010 in Paris, Théâtre de la Feuille is a physical theatre which creates with Western methodology from Jacques Lecoq along with Eastern artistic traditions. The show centers on the concept of family. It is about old and young; forgetting and remembering; encounter and departure. It is a sketch of the family that will bring you home for dinner.

7.30pm; RMB180-280. Huangpu Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Jun 16: Lightwire Th eater: Darwin the Dinosaur

DINO-LIGHT, formerly known as Darwin the Dinosaur, was the recipient of the prestigious Jim Henson Foundation Grant and is the first feature-length theatrical production created and performed by creators Ian Carney and Corbin Popp. This glow-in-the-dark adventure is visually stunning and has been praised for its cutting-edge blend of puppetry, technology and dance, by audiences all over the world.

Sat Jun 16, 10.30am & 2pm; RMB180-380. 1862 Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

June 16-17: Le Loup Sentimental

This puppet theater tells the story of Lucas the Wolf who, upon coming of age, realized he is too nice to eat other animals. Produced by a group of enthusiastic dramatists and actors at the Shanghai Puppet Theatre, Le Loup Sentimental challenges young audiences to look beyond their enemies’ skins and search for the humanity that lies within.

June 16-17, 10am; RMB80-100. Ciro's Performing Arts Theater. See event listing. Book tickets here.

June 16-July 1: Martha

Famed for its reproduction of classic fairy-tales, the award-winning Catherine Wheels Theatre Company is bringing Shanghai audiences a slightly different imaginary tale. Martha tells the story about the importance of independence and friendship, narrated through live action and puppet theater.

June 16-18 & 23-24 & 30 & July 1, times vary; RMB240. Art Space for Kids. See event listing. Book tickets here.

All Month: From Bologna to the World - Masters & New Voices of Illustration (1967-2017)

Half a century ago, the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition was first held as a benchmark for anyone involved or interested in the production of children’s books. Over the years, it has grown as an internationally acknowledged window for excellence and innovation in the field of illustration. Extremely diverse in themes and techniques, the exhibition opens a bridge between picture book illustration and contemporary art and is visually stimulating for both adult and young visitors.

10am-6pm; RMB98 (adults); RMB78 (kids). Duo Yun Xuan Art Museum. See event listing.

The 5 best upcoming events

June 21-24: Shanghai Dance Theatre: Dance Drama Crested Ibises

Crested ibis, a beautiful and precious species symbolizing happiness and auspiciousness, is known as the 'bird of good fortune.' As we ran hastily towards modernization and urbanization, the birds gradually faded away from our sight. Presented by Shanghai Dance Theatre, the dance drama of two acts will recreate the elegance and subtleness of the birds through traditional Chinese aesthetics.

June 21-24, 7.30pm; RMB80-480. Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 14: Russian Far East Children’s Ballet: Alice in Wonderland

Brought to Shanghai by Russian Far East Children's Ballet, the production will reproduce the world-renowned fairy tale in the form of ballet. If you haven't planned anything this week, it’s always worth booking tickets for the ballet, and you can't go wrong with the classics.

Sat July 14, 3pm or 7.15pm; RMB180-580. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

July 28-Aug 4: Shanghai Ballet: Grand Version Swan Lake

Directed by ballet maestro Derek Deane, this production of the Swan Lake is a masterpiece you shall not miss. Instead of the usual 16 swans, there are 48 swans in this unique production. The Shanghai ballet company will bring an enchanting, magical performance, which in appearance and perfection is not inferior to the Mariinsky or Bolshoi Ballet and The Royal Ballet in London.

July 28 & Aug 3-4, 7.30pm; RMB80-680. Shanghai International Dance Center Grand Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Oct 11-21: STOMP

Matchboxes, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters and more fill the stage with energizing beats at STOMP. This innovative and invigorating stage show blends dance, music and theatrical performance in one electrifying rhythm. This Broadway musical shows the globe that even the most ordinary objects can do extraordinary things when put in the right hands.

Oct 11-12 & 17-19, 7.30pm; Oct 13-14 & 20-21, 3.30pm or 7.30pm. RMB180-702 (early birds); RMB180-780 (regular price). ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.

Dec 20-30: Chicago the Musical

"Murder, greed, corruption, exploitation, adultery and treachery…all those things we hold near and dear to our hearts”…so begins the award-winning international musical, CHICAGO is coming. With 6 Tony, 2 Olivier, 1 Grammy, 2 Bafta and 6 Academy Awards, Chicago truly is “The sharpest, slickest show on the block." It's the show you can always count on to give you the thrills and memories that only come from seeing a Broadway musical.

Dec 20-21 & 24 & 27-28, 7.30pm; Dec 22-23 & 29-30, 2pm or 7.30pm. RMB280-1080. Majestic Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.