Pencil This In: February 8-12

This week is marching in, and with it comes a wide and wild variety of events to check out, from horrible 90s movies to special burlesque shows to a ballet about Marco Polo.

Monday: Troll 2

Not Me is showing a screening of Troll 2, also known as “the worst movie of all time.” In the movie, which has no relation to Troll 1 and shows no trolls whatsoever, a family vacations in a world inhabited by vegetarian goblins and must avoid eating food that will turn them into plants. The 50 RMB open bar might help you get through it.
8 PM. Not Me, 21 Dongping Lu near Hengshan Lu (东平路21号 近衡山路) No cover

Tuesday: Lesinshanghai Drinks

The second Tuesday of every month, this group for lesbian, gay, and bisexual women gather to meet, socialize, network, and organize future events. While they’re very friendly and welcome anyone to come along, it’s for women only.
7:30-11:30 PM. Cotton’s, 132 Anting Lu near Jianguo Xi Lu (安亭路132号 近建国西路)

Celebrating its 10th anniversary, Shanghai Centre Theatre puts on a production of Shanghai Beauty, famous dancer (and one of the most high-profile Chinese transsexuals) Jin Xing’s best-known piece. Shanghai Beauty is based on the philosopher François Jullien’s musings about the differing conceptions of beauty and this dance performance aims to examine the contrasting views of beauty held by China and the West. For tickets, email jinxingdancetheatre@yahoo.com or call 6327 0578
7:45-10PM. Shanghai Centre Theatre 上海商城剧院 Add: 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu 南京西路1376号近西康路, Tickets from ¥100-380

Wednesday: Marco Polo Ballet

“The Last Mission of Marco Polo” tells the story of Marco Polo as he escorts a Mongolian princess to meet her groom in Persia. Produced by the Shanghai Ballet Theatre and performed by some of its leading dancers, the ballet also features costumes designed by Pierre Cardin.
7:15 PM. Shanghai Grand Theater, 300 Renmin Da Dao near Huangpi Bei Lu (人民大道300号 近黄陂北路) Tickets ¥80-580

Thursday: People’s Republic of Chinatown

You’ve probably heard and/or frequented burlesque house Chinatown, but did you ever wonder how it got there? Through music, comedy, and stripping, this special show tells the story of how owners Norman Gosney and Amelia Kallman made the move from New York, and their “quest to revive burlesque in Shanghai” (a move for which many are thankful).
Doors open 7:30, show begins 8:30 PM. Gosney & Kallman’s Chinatown, 471 Zhapu Lu near Haining Lu (乍浦路471号 近海宁路) Tickets ¥80 presale, ¥100 at the door

Friday: Lady in Red Special

Spanish tapas lounge Azul is closing for Valentine’s Day weekend, so if you want an early V-Day treat, head here on Friday night for some Latin spice. They’re offering a three-course set dinner for ¥498/couple (¥298 if you’re single), and any fair ladies wearing red clothing get to enjoy free sangria all night.
7-10 PM. Azul, 18 Dongping Lu near Wulumuqi Lu (东平路18号 近乌鲁木齐路)