for the most part, today passed like any other day in Beijing… there was a brief rainstorm (cloud seeding perhaps?) but overall, nothing. I asked a lot of people, friends, old-time Beijingers, young people and old people… with the exception of expats and bloggers, most people didn’t really even remember that there was anything important about today, let alone a 20th anniversary.

sure, traffic was worse than normal, and every retired granny was on the sidewalk with a “public safety officer” badge on her arm. ooh, and evidently there was a bit of a hullabaloo between a Chinese police officer and a foreign journalist (but seriously, is that the best we can get?). oh yeah, and the blocking of even more websites.. but that’s what I have my vpn for (sigh).

all of this is perhaps a reminder that China has grown up a lot, too quickly maybe, and young people place more importance on other things. personally, I don’t like revolution, I’m more into evolution, but I do think its important to learn from the past, rather than forget it completely…

/political commentary

now. back to listening to an old Nick Cave album and editing some photos. peace.

~ Elyse

By Liu Jie (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-01 08:26

Anand Selva (left), executive vice president of Citibank (China) Co Ltd, shakes hands with students who perform a play depicting characters in the book of “Agent Penny and Will Power in Operation Finance” at the Peking University Supplementary Primary School in Beijing. File photo

Citibank (China) Co Ltd recently launched the second phase of a financial education program for children aged between 8 and 12 in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

The program is centered around a comic book, entitled Agent Penny and Will Power in Operation Finance (Agent Penny II). It follows the launch of the first book, The Adventures of Agent Penny, Featuring Will Power in Shanghai in 2007.

To coincide with the launch, a play depicting characters in the book was performed at Peking University Supplementary Primary School. Scenarios included in play reflected commonly used financial tools and concepts, such as budgeting and compound interest, as well as the formation of healthy financial habits, including making and meeting financial goals, maintaining discipline and differentiating between needs and wants. More than 500 students and teachers watched the play.

“Financial literacy is a necessary life skill and a lifelong learning process, and should be imparted to children, especially in their formative years,” said Anand Selva, executive vice-president of Citibank (China) Co Ltd.

After launch of the first Agent Penny program in China, the company received overwhelmingly positive feedback from both students and teachers. Teachers said the program contributed to the education of students regarding the financial decisions they must make as they go through life.

“The first Agent Penny series was a successful initiative that communicated important financial knowledge in the interesting and easy-to-absorb context of a comic book and drama play,” said Yin Chao, principal of the Peking University Supplementary Primary School, adding that he welcomed the launch of Agent Penny II and looked forward to the newly incorporated elements, such as English vocabulary.

As with the first phase of the program, Citi China has once again worked with a professional drama company to produce a play based on the stories in the comic book.

The drama company will visit between 40 and 50 schools in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen over the next ten months, and the play is expected to be seen by around 20,000 children.

Funded by the Citi Foundation, an independent charity foundation supported by Citibank, the comic book forms part of the banking company’s financial education series in China to promote financial literacy among children of different ages.

Citi shares the belief that a strong financial education raises the quality of life for individuals, families and institutions, and strengthens communities around the world.

The Adventures of Agent Penny, Featuring Will Power was first performed in Singapore in February 2005. Today the program runs in Malaysia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

(China Daily 06/01/2009 page8)

http://comic.iheartbeijing.com

Announcing the launch of my new web comic I’ve toyed with a couple of ideas in these designs… still haven’t settled on a specific style just yet, so I’d appreciate any comments that people have. Thanks!

~ Elyse

《天下收藏》展示王者之木 紫檀木的风采
首播：北京卫视 5月29日 21：35

　　紫檀，亚热带常绿乔木，木质甚坚，色赤，入水即沉。紫檀是红木中最高级的用材。是一种颜色深紫发黑的硬木。最适于用来制作家具和雕刻艺术品。这是由于紫檀木生长缓慢，非数百年不能成材。我国古代认识和使用紫檀木始于东汉末期，晋·崔豹《古今注》有记载，时称“紫檀木，出扶南，色紫，亦谓之紫檀。”到了明代，此木为皇家所重视，开始大规模采伐。由于紫檀木数量稀少，很快将国内檀木采光，随后即派官吏赴南洋采办，此后遂成定例，一直延续到明朝灭亡。

　　用紫檀制作的器物经打蜡磨光不需漆油，表面就呈现出缎子般的光泽。因此有人说用紫檀制作的任何东西都为人们所珍爱。本期《天下收藏》就将向大家展示王者之木的风采——紫檀木。

　　此件宝物可大有来历。紫檀木在中国明清以来，一直是受王家所欢迎的，而且在清代的时候，网罗天下所有的紫檀，这件紫檀的八宝箱，特别是用浮雕、平雕等工艺，雕出龙凤的艺术，它所有的金属丝片是皇宫造办处做出的，据专家考证此件宝物乃是皇家皇帝大婚时候用的，且工艺精湛。

　　北京电视台节目主持人潮东；著名的音乐人雪村；美国姑娘——中国国际广播电台的节目主持人柳素英。中外嘉宾组合会如何向藏宝人发难？可爱的藏宝人向观众、嘉宾们展示的自己得意地宝贝，三件个性藏品令人大开眼界，柳素英直言不讳说藏宝人的藏品让她想起美国卫生纸的盒子? 潮东为何说这样的东西连二环都进不了?藏宝人鉴定宝物的妙招, 是否靠谱?专家做何点评？王刚的护宝锤是否再次发威？更多精彩尽在5月29日北京卫视21：35《天下收藏》 “紫”气东来！

首播：北京卫视 2009年5月29日21：35分

BTV财经 2009年6月7日 11：58分

With a lively drama by the Cheeky Monkey Theater on May 8, 2009, Citi China announced the second phase of a financial education program for children aged between 8 and 12 years old in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

The program is centered on a comic book, entitled “Agent Penny and Will Power in Operation Finance” (”Agent Penny II”), following the launch in Shanghai in 2007of the first book, “The Adventures of Agent Penny, Featuring Will Power”, which was subsequently rolled out to Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen.

As with the first phase of the program, a play based on stories in the comic book was staged at the Primary School Attached to Peking University. More than 500 students of Grade 4 as well as teachers attended the event and watched the play.

Scenes based on stories of daily life present students with commonly-used financial tools and concepts, such as budgeting and compound interest, as well as the formation of healthy financial habits. With amusing words and humorous performances, this 30-minute play did a good job of arousing students’ enthusiasm.

“Such activities are very interesting and useful,” said Wang Wenyi, a student at the scene. “My parents always give me some pocket money. After watching the play, I would like to save it for necessities rather than simply spending it at random.”

“Agent Penny and Will Power, seemingly full of magic, are just like our big sister and brother. We can turn to them for advice if we are caught in some money trouble,” He Mingyi and Zhang Yuyang were quite excited at the end of the drama.

According to Anand Selva, executive vice president of Citi China, this program is funded by the Citi Foundation with the support of the Learning Society, a public-service organization with the goals of promoting and supporting progressive educational programs for adults and children.

“Financial literacy is a necessary life-skill and a lifelong learning process, and should be imparted to children, especially in their formative years,” said Selva. “We are delighted to launch phase two of the program, which will contribute to the education of students regarding the financial decisions they must make as they go through life.”

Yin Chao, principal of the Primary School Attached to Peking University, also expressed her gratitude for the support of Citi Group. “Financial education is a distinctive course at our school. The first Agent Penny series was a successful initiative that imparted important financial knowledge in the interesting and easy-to-absorb context of a comic book and drama play. As for the second, new elements are incorporated, such as English vocabulary and teachers’ training activities. In directing students towards the appropriate financial values, it helps with the development of well-rounded young people.”

At the end of the launch ceremony, Selva, on behalf of Citi China, presented over 300 comic books to students at the Primary School Attached to Peking University.

According to schedules of the program, the Cheeky Monkey Theater, presenting itself as the world’s first Chinglish Theater Company, will visit between 40 and 50 schools in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen over the next ten months, and this play is expected to be seen by around 20,000 children.

I’ve just gotten back from a wonderful show at Yugong Yishan, the Norwegian alt-jazz band MOTIF was playing as part of the Nine Gates Jazz Festival.

I particularly enjoyed the general geekiness of the band, they were really into their music, and genuinely having a good time playing with the sounds, which is always a good sign Overall, really good tunes, plus it was a chance to share drinks and conversation with some friends… all of which is a fabulous way to pass a Tuesday evening.

Earlier tonight, I created the first in what I hope to be a long-running series of comics called “I Heart Beijing” (I know, totally original ha). As a photographer, its great to finally have something to do with those 200G worth of photos I’ve been hoarding away on my hard drive. As a playwright, this is a lot easier than producing a play… so, I hope you guys like it. I’d love to hear peoples’ thoughts on the concept so far

click on the image for a larger version

In The Spotlight: Elyse Ribbons
Luke Holden

Producer, writer, actress, inspirer. An artist in Beijing.

On a sunny afternoon in downtown Beijing, that’s sat down with Cheeky Monkey Theater owner and manager Elyse Ribbons to hear how and why she started one of the few drama companies producing original works in the city. From its official origin in 2007, Cheeky Monkey Theater has staged plays in both English and Mandarin to great success. It currently employs three full-time staff and an intern with an eye to expansion both at home and abroad. Elyse explains the reasons behind her success. Interview by Luke Holden

that’s: Why did you decide to start a theater group in Beijing?

Elyse: A friend of mine asked me if I could join in with the Dashanzi International Art Festival. They were doing a version of the Vagina Monologues. I did it and I really, really enjoyed it. The feeling of being on stage, it’s like a drug - the audience, loving you like that. It’s the most powerful feeling. I auditioned and got a part in a Chinese play at the People’s Art Theater that summer. It was very disorganized and I thought if these guys can do it, then I could too.

that’s: Cheeky Monkey - why the name?

Elyse: Well, for two reasons. One, I was born in the year of the monkey. And Cheeky Monkey, in both languages, translates to be a sly, clever, entertaining creature. A monkey is seen as a very playful and fun thing. It actually translates freakishly well.

that’s: Do you write all the Cheeky Monkey pieces?

Elyse: I haven’t written all of the pieces that Cheeky Monkey has produced, but certainly most of them. There’s a lack of playwrights in the city. The whole point is that I want Cheeky Monkey producing original works, about Beijing, about China, about what everyone here is dealing with.

that’s: Are you investing your own money in it?

Elyse: I have invested all my money. There’s no investing, it’s all gone. But with these two shows (Green Eyes on Chinese and Kung Pao Shakespeare), I think they will be very good pieces. I’ve found amazing actors and the scripts are very solid because we’ve been working them with the crew. I’d love to do a production every other month, and have every language possible.

that’s: You have been called the only expat doing original theater in Beijing. Is that fair?

Elyse: I don’t want to take credit for being the only, but maybe I’m the only one who’s addressing a Chinese audience as well. My goal is to be a kind of bridge, culturally, and to share the best of the west with the east, and the best of the east with the west.

that’s: The soon-to-be-staged Green Eyes on Chinese is performed in Mandarin. What’s it about?

Elyse: It’s about learning Mandarin. It’s kind of like this extended stand-up comedy routine where I talk about learning Mandarin, because the storyline is that I am preparing for an exam the next morning. There’s a modern dancer who represents my id. She grows into a beautiful piece of art, expanding on what I’m talking about to become a new character, yelling at me to study more. Then there’s a girl-on-girl tango; it’s very hot.

that’s: And what about Kung Pao Shakespeare, the English language play?

Elyse: It’s a play within a play about a yuppie Chinese director who hires a really talented Chinese assistant who studied theater in the UK and then hires a fully expat cast even though the director himself doesn’t understand English. The expat cast is a very big mix of professionals and ‘unprofessionals’. One of the actresses is actually the director’s mistress. There’s drama, there’s controversy, there’s lots of fire.

that’s: Do you plan to stay in Beijing for the rest of your life?

Elyse: Beijing is like an abusive boyfriend. You love Beijing, you hate Beijing, you get in fights with Beijing and Beijing smacks you and beats you up and makes you swear “I’m going to leave you, go away. I’m sorry, goodbye.” And you try to leave but you can’t. There’s something about this city that’s really stimulating. It’s certainly not the easiest place to live in, but as an artist it is the most inspiring.

Green Eyes on Chinese
Performed by Elyse Ribbons and Hua Lingyun at Peng Hao Theater (located next to the Central Academy of Drama, off Nanluoguxiang) on April 24th, 25th and 26th at 7:30pm. Tickets are 100RMB (60 for students). Call 15810803034 or email greeneyes@cheekymonkeytheater. com for details. Performed in Mandarin.

Kung Pao Shakespeare
Performed by a global cast at the Canadian International School (near the Kempinski Hotel) on May 15th, 16th, 17th, 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at 7:30pm. Tickets are 120RMB (60 for students). Call 15810803034 or email tickets@ cheekymonkeytheater.com for details. Discounts available for groups of 20 or more. Performed in English. www.cheekymonkeytheater.com

Last night was my best opening night evah! The lighting was on time, the music was (mostly) perfect, the actors didn’t (really) forget any lines. Overall, it was really really great I’m heading off to the theater in a few minutes to work out the last few little kinks… can’t wait for tonight!

These two blogs recently interviewed me (about restaurants/bars/high heels) and this is a fabulous excuse for me to let readers on my blog know about these great sites. They’re both written by long-term Beijing expats, who both happen to be well-known epicureans in their own right. (Thanks to Jim Boyce and Badr Benjelloun!)

Elyse Ribbons: You can eat your Kung Pao and see it too — BeijingDaze

Top five watering holes: Elyse Ribbons of Cheeky Monkey Productions — Beijing Boyce

In the latest round of the top five watering holes series, Elyse Ribbons - best known as the woman behind Cheeky Monkey Theater - gives her picks for best spots to grab a drink in Beijing. Her newest production, Kung Pao Shakespeare, a comedy about a Beijing theater company putting on Taming of the Shrew, will be performed this Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (there are details on her site about the play and tickets. See also her post on Facebook).