The 5 best events this week
July 4-8: Classic Picture Book Puppet Theatre: The Way Back Home
When a boy discovers a single-propeller airplane in his closet, he does what any young adventurer would do; he flies to outer space. Even though he is millions of miles from home, as it turns out, he is never alone. The Way Back Home is a simple, yet profound tale, about conquering the fear of the unknown and making a meaningful friendship, which will bring your little ones some food for thought.
July 4-5, 7.30pm; July 6, 10.30am or 7.30pm; July 7-8, 10.30am or 3.30pm or 7.30pm; RMB340 (2 tickets) or RMB480 (3 tickets). Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
July 5-8: PAW Patrol Live! "Race to the Rescue"
If your child is a diehard PAW Patrol fan, then you are in luck because the live show is coming to Shanghai. The TV series is popular around the world and has aired in over 160 countries. The stage show features dsimilar action scenes and delivers practical knowledge for kids to learn. What are you waiting for? Take your kids to the adventure-packed show with many surprises and laughter in store.
English version: Sat July 7, 3.30pm. Chinese versions: Thu-Fri July 5-6, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10.30am; Sun July 8, 10.30am or 7.30pm. RMB180-580. Shanghai Culture Square. See event listing. Book tickets here.
July 5-8: Dora the Explorer Live - Search for the City of Lost Toys
Everyone's favorite explorer is embarking on a live musical adventure in Nickelodeon's Dora the Explorer LIVE! Search for the City of Lost Toys. Dora the Explorer has lost her teddy bear Osito, and the search is on to retrieve him. Dora the Explorer fans will delight in the story, which invites them to think, sing and play along.
English: Thu July 5, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10.30am; Sun July 8, 3.30pm. Chinese: Fri-Sat July 6-7, 3.30pm & 7.30pm; Sun July 8, 10.30am & 7.30pm. RMB180-480. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
July 6-7: Family Show: Adventure in the Universe
With the perfect combination of animation and live performers, the show centers upon a little boy named Xiaoyin. He must journey to a vast universe to save his father, who has been abducted by aliens. The performance will inspire your children's imagination and leave them intrigued by science.
Fri July 6, 7.30pm; Sat July 7, 10am or 4pm; RMB120-450. ET Space. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Till July 9: From Bologna to the World - Masters & New Voices of Illustration (1967-2017)
Half a century ago, the Bologna Illustrators Exhibition was a benchmark for anyone involved or interested in the production of children’s books. Over the years, it has grown to be known as an internationally acknowledged avenue for excellence and innovation in the field of illustration. Incredibly 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.
Till July 9, 10am-6pm; RMB98 (adults); RMB78 (kids). Duo Yun Xuan Art Museum. See event listing.
The 5 Upcoming events
Jul 20-22: Classic Picture Book Play: Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny
Based on classic bedtime stories, the play features likable rabbit characters with the soothing rhythms of bunny banter and dream-like imagery that never fails to engage young viewers. Mermaid’s staged adaptation of Goodnight Moon and The Runaway Bunny will bring a new sense of appreciation to stories that have delighted several generations.
English versions: Sat July 21, 2.30pm or Sun July 22, 10.30am. Chinese versions: Fri July 20, 7.30pm; Sat July 21, 10.30am or 4.30pm; Sun July 22, 2.30pm. RMB180-480. Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Aug 10-11: Children's Ballet of Kiev: Swan Lake
One hundred and thirty-five years ago, audiences heard Swan Lake music by the great Russian composer Tchaikovsky for the very first time. From that moment on, the world of ballet has never been the same. This time, the classic is brought to you by The Children's Ballet of Kiev, a company from Ukraine which has years of experience performing masterpieces from renowned ballet masters.
Fri Aug 10, 7.30pm; Sat Aug 11, 10.30am or 3.30pm; RMB180-680. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Aug 19: The Children Choir of Austria: The Sound of Music
Founded in 1966, Salzburger Children Choir has performed in numerous music festivals and Christmas activities. This time, directed by the talented conductor Helmut Zeilner, the choir from Austria will perform songs from The Sound of Music, the world-renowned film which took the world by storm and won five Oscars.
Sun Aug 19, 10.30am; RMB180-580. Shanghai Centre Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Sep 7-9: La Baracca-Testoni Ragazzi "Spot"
Founded in 1976, La Baracca has been working in the field of theatre for children for the past 40 years. Until now, they have developed 150 shows which generate amazement while maintaining simplicity to ensure children understand. By watching this show, kids will explore the essence of light and shadow following the performance of the actors.
Fri Sep 7, 3.30pm or 7.30pm; Sat-Sun Sep 8-9, 3pm or 5pm; RMB340 (two tickets) or RMB480 (three tickets). Shanghai Children's Art Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.
Nov 10-11: Acrobuffos: Air Play
Presented by Acrobuffs Theater, this circus-style show tells a story of two siblings’ adventure in a surreal world of air, with a wonderful display of flying umbrellas, giant balloons and floating fabrics. Merging circus and street theatre, this visually stunning performance will take you to an enchanted world where you will forget about real-life for a while. Head down to the 1862 Theatre and enjoy this aerial spectacle that will enthrall the young and young at heart.
Sat Nov 10, 10.30am or 7.30pm; Sun Nov 11, 10.30am; RMB180-580. 1862 Theatre. See event listing. Book tickets here.