Nottingham Lakeside Arts welcomes the Year of the Dog, which officially begins on Friday 16 February, with a celebration of Chinese traditional and contemporary culture in which people of all ages can participate and enjoy.
This year’s events include Chinese language film, activities for families, an exhibition, and a special Gala event.
How fabulous does that sound!
Film
On Thursday 25 January the Djanogly Theatre will host a screening of Jia Zhang-Ke’s film, Still Life (15). Set against the spectacular landscape of the Three Gorges Region, this humane and moving film tells two contemplative and compassionate stories of a man and a woman searching for absent spouses in Fengjie. It is a Chinese language film (with English subtitles)
This remarkable film will be followed by a free panel discussion considering the current state of the documentary in China, as well as the challenges and opportunities facing the country’s young film-makers today.
Family Crafts
On Saturday 17 February families visiting Lakeside Arts will be able to take part in the free drop-in Chinese Arts and Crafts workshops where participants will learn how to create attractive Chinese lanterns and window flowers.
Gala
Also on 17th February the Djanogly Theatre will host the Nottingham Confucius Institute’s Chinese New Year Gala where audiences will experience a kaleidoscope of fresh and fascinating performances by performers including Sichuan Opera face-changing and Kung Fu of the highest standard. All proceeds from this performance will be donated to the Children’s Brain Tumour Research.
Art
Until Sunday 18 February visitors to Lakeside’s Wallner Gallery can also enjoy Jiang Hongsheng’s stunning exhibition of Chinese brush paintings where all scrolls on display are available for sale. Hongsheng is the winner of a National Golden Prize for Chinese painting
Dance
Join Lakeside Arts audiences on a richly imaginative journey led by two dancers on Friday 23 February at the end of half-term week, in Panda’s Home. This performance is suitable for ages 4+, will teach children about the Chinese Five Elements through encounters in bamboo forests, and with fireworks, kites, and monsters.
Sport
Concluding the programme of events is the 6th Si Yuan Cup Table Tennis Tournament at the David Ross Sports Village on Saturday 3 March. Table tennis players of all ages, ethnicities and abilities are welcome to enter the tournament. Free taster sessions will also be on offer.
For more details on these, and other Chinese New Year events taking place across Nottingham, please visit Lakeside’s website at www.lakesidearts.org.uk/CNY
