What’s in the Movies and on Stage this August in Tianjin

If you find yourself sitting around in Tianjin and wondering what to do this August, look no further than this eclectic round-up of great events. From an electronic party to a modern dance performance and Harry Potter mania to folk music, there’s something here for everyone.

Photo: covershut.com

1) Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2
Calling all Harry Potter fanatics out there! Whip out those wizard hats and black cloaks and get ready for the highly anticipated follow-up of The Deathly Hallows! Harry Potter hits the big screen in Tianjin on August 4th, but only those tactical and quick enough will even have the slightest chance of snatching up tickets in the opening week. Don’t worry however, the film should stay in cinemas for at least a month. For a synopsis and preview of the trailer, visit the film’s official site: harrypotter.warnerbros.com

When: from August 4th onwards
Where: Wanda International Cineplex, 53 Tianjin Dadao, Hedong District, Tianjin (天津市河东区津滨大道53号万达广场C座四层)
Tel: 022 2418 9018
Website: www.wandafilm.com

The Smurfs lost in New York. Photo: techperspec.com

2) Smurfs – 3D
If you’re seeing blue this August, it may just be because the Smurfs are in town – in 3D! If you’ve ever wondered what would happen when these blue little creatures leave their magical world behind and enter the ‘real’ world (a.k.a. that of humans), then this film is made for you. Unleash that inner child in you and enjoy a bit of light-hearted fun on the silver screen. And did we mention it’s in 3D?

When: from August 8th onwards
Where: Wanda International Cineplex, 53 Tianjin Dadao, Hedong District, Tianjin (天津市河东区津滨大道53号万达广场C座四层)
Tel: 022 2418 9018
Website: www.wandafilm.com

Photo: soniccalligraphy.com

3) Wu Na Guqin Concert - Aug 14
Wu Na is an award-winning Chinese musician, celebrated for her experimental use of the guqin (seven-stringed zither), one of China’s oldest traditional instruments. She began studying the guqin at the age of twelve at the prestigious Central Conservatory of Music and in 2004 she became the first person in China to receive a masters degree in guqin performance. What has made Wu Na stand out from all other classically trained musicians in China is her courage in fusing the guqin with modern sounds. One of her most notable collaborations was with Cui Jian, China’s godfather of rock n’ roll; but she has since collaborated with many great musicians, traversing a myriad of musical genres. This performance comes highly recommended!

When: Aug 14, 19:30
Where: Tianjin Concert Hall
How much: TBA
Tel: 022 2332 0068 (Tianjin Concert Hall ticket hotline)

Photo: douban.com

4) Dance Performance by Duke University Students
Duke University’s dance programme is renowned in the States and this August 12 of the university’s finest dancers will dazzle Tianjin audiences with their bold mix of 12 dance genres including ballet, jazz, hip hop, street dance, tango and bollywood. If you don’t believe that a group can fuse so many genres into one performance and make it seem coherent and together, then come along and see for yourself what all the buzz surrounding this talented group is about.

When: Aug 18, 19:30
Where: Tianjin Concert Hall
How much: TBA
Tel: 022 2332 0068 (Tianjin Concert Hall ticket hotline)

Photo: douban.com

5) Zhou Yunpeng
On August 30th, Beijing-based singer and poet Zhou Yunpeng performs at Tianjin Concert Hall, a mark up from his usual gigs at smaller and more intimate live music venues across the country. But there’s surely a reason why he’s playing at the Tianjin Concert Hall, which can sit several hundred. Blind since the age of nine, Zhou’s music manages to capture a power and rawness that’s hard to come by. His songs range from matters of the heart to tragic news stories and critiques of society. Perhaps it’s these haunting lyrics or his perseverance to describe a harsh world through sounds that has captured everyone’s heart.   

When: Aug 30, 19:30
Where: Tianjin Concert Hall
How much: TBA
Tel: 022 2332 0068 (Tianjin Concert Hall ticket hotline)
 

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