By Andrew Chin
Sep 8 & 10: Pelléas et Mélisande
Shanghai Grand Theatre opens its 2016-17 season with the world premiere of its adapatation of Claude Débussy’s only opera. In partnership with the Xinchan Centre for Theatre Arts, this show will feature contributions from award-winning director Yi Liming (Coriolanus) and Maestro Muhai Tang, arguably the most important conductor in China’s music history.
Sep 8 and 10, 7.15pm, RMB180-680. Shanghai Grand Theatre, 300 Renmin Da Dao, by Huangpi Bei Lu
Sep 8-10: Stephen K. Amos
Praised as “the embodiment of charisma,” Stephen K. Amos has conquered the English stand-up world and regularly tours around the world. Also a gifted actor who has starred in numerous films and TV programs, the award-winning stand-up will be charming China as part of Punchline Comedy organized tour.
Sep 8, 8.30pm, RMB290. The Camel Bar (Puxi), 1 Yueyang Lu, by Dongping Lu.
Sep 9, 8pm, RMB290. The Exchange, Basement, River Wing, Pudong Shangri-La,33 Fucheng Lu, by Lujiazui Huan Lu.
Sep 10, 8.30pm, RMB290. Kerry Hotel Pudong, 1378 Huamu Lu, by Fangdian Lu.
Sep 10: WWE Live
The kings of professional wrestling have been busy making moves in the Mainland inking streaming deals with PPTV and bringing a live show to Shanghai for the first time in three years. It's a star-studded card with John Cena taking on The Big Show and matches from champions (past and present) Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns and Charlotte. The show will be extra notable with the in-ring debut of the company's first Mainland wrestler, Bin Wang. For more, check out our interview with The Big Show.
Sep 10, 7pm, RMB180-1,380. Mercedes-Benz Arena, 1200 Shibo Da Dao, by Yaohua Lu.
Sep 8-11: Photofairs | Shanghai
Now entering its third year, the formerly named Photo Shanghai has established itself as Asia’s largest art festival solely dedicated to photography. Last year, 26,000 people attended and organizers expect this year’s to be even bigger with 52 galleries participating showcasing iconic photographers like Robert Mapplethorpe and Wim Wenders, with many speaking at public workshops like Denis Darzacq and Michael Wolf.
Sep 8-11, 6-9pm (Thurs), 11am-6pm (Fri-Sun), RMB400 (Thurs), RMB100 (Fri-Sun) or RMB600 for Vip tickets. Shanghai Exhibition Center, 1000 Yan'an Zhong Lu, by Shaanxi Lu
Sep 9: Kenny G
The Grammy Award-winning saxophonist is the best-selling instrumental musician in the modern era, with over 75 million records sold worldwide. His last disc was inspired by the bossa nova sounds of Brazil, while he enjoys continual ubiquity in China with his track ‘Going Home’ remaining the unofficial closing time signal for malls, schools and train stations.
Sep 9, 7.30pm, RMB180-980. Shanghai Oriental Art Center, 425 Dingxiang Lu, by Shiji Dadao.
Sep 9-17: Unico Shanghai’s 4th Anniversary
The multi-time That’s Shanghai Food and Drink Award winner reopens just in time to celebrate its birthday. Things kick off on Sep 9 with the China debut of Nicola Conte, one of the leaders of the new Italian jazz scene. On Sep 13, the acclaimed Barrio Latino band rocks the house for an authentic bachata night that kicks off the Shanghai Latin Festival. The king of Latin soul, Joe Bataan, plays his first show in China on September 16 showcasing his distinct mix of Latin boogaloo and American doo-wop. The following night, the anniversary parties close with a truly wild experience at the Amazoonia themed party.
Sep 9, 13, 16 and 17, 10pm, free entry (Sep 9 and 13) and RMB100 (Sep 16, Sep 17 for guys). Unico Shanghai, 2/F, 3 Zhongshan Dong Yi Lu, by Guangdong Lu
Sep 9-Oct 9: Art in the City
The K11 affiliated contemporary art festival returns with a focus on the intersection between the art world and other industries in Take Me Out. Once again, there will be showings devoted to the finalists in the open Blast competition encouraging anyone to submit video and audio art, as well as City Art tours taking guests to the city’s art hubs like m50 and the West Bund, as well as to other exciting shows like Photofairs | Shanghai.
Sep 9-0ct 9. K11 Art Mall, 300 Huaihai Zhong Lu, by Madang Lu
For more events and ticket info, click "Read more" below.