Beijing's Best Events That Won't Leave You Hungover, Oct 16-20

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Our Events Watch series aims to highlight happenings that aren't focused on alcohol and drinking, but instead take a more educational or productive approach. Events include comedy, talks, networking events, markets, dinners, and more.

Wednesday, Oct 18

Newman Tours' Unique Public Warlord Tour
Take a tour of 1920s Beijing with a soldier of fortune and get the lowdown on the ferocious warlords that tore China apart. During the tour, you will learn how a bad foot helped the real last Emperor ascend to the throne; discover why the most powerful man in China fell from power and become a lowly landlord, and find out how the "dog meat general" earned his nickname. The two-hour tour with a native English-speaking guide will open your eyes to the history all around you. RMB 190, RMB 120 for kids under 14. Contact Newman Tours for times and locations.

Thursday, Oct 19

Teatr Semianyki of Russia Semianyki: The Family
Think The Addams Family meets Modern Family – in the words of the organizers: "Semianyki: The Family traces the joys, the craziness, and the survival strategies of a family trapped in its own version of 'home sweet home.'" It looks and sounds like a potentially heartwarming tale of family love, presented by a group of disheveled hobo clowns (another clown event! Keep 'em comin', Beijing!). Unfortunately (for those afraid of clowns and clown-like performers), the description warns that the show gets a little interactive, involving the audience in the on-stage action. The theater troupe, based in St. Petersburg, is composed of the six original creators of the show bearing the same name. The artists were part of the first graduating class of the School for Theatre and Mime, founded by the famed Teatr Licedei, "Russia’s premier clowning school." RMB 60-320. 7.30pm. National Centre For The Performing Arts (NCPA).

Friday, Oct 20

Hugoeast Screening: The Second Sex
UCCA Friday Cinema's theme this month is The Second Sex, inspired by Simone De Beauvoir’s eponymous polemic written in 1949. This film screening series focuses on the rights and social status of women, and explores contemporary female living conditions. All ten directors of these films are women, and so are the screenwriters. Among these films, Petersburg. A Selfie is a combination of seven short stories directed by seven female directors. Most members of the film crew for The Levelling were female, whereas We Used to Be Cool is a story centered on a female director. This series provides the audience with a set of unique perspectives in order to delve into the subjectivity of these creative female directors. All films are either in English or subtitled in English. RMB 30, RMB 100 (all four screenings). 7.30pm. UCCA.

Images courtesy of the organizers

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