Introduction of Shanghai's theaters

5) Shanghai Concert Hall

Originally called the Nanjing Drama Hall, the Shanghai Concert Hall was founded in 1930. In 1949, it became the Beijing Cinema and, in 1959, it was renamed again - this time the Shanghai Concert Hall.

The Concert Hall was designed by a Chinese architect Fan Wenjiao, but it adopted traditional European style. It seats 1,122.

In order to make way for Yan'an Elevated Road, the hall was relocated in 2007. In an amazing engineering feat that cost 50 million yuan, the Concert Hall was hoisted 1.7 meters in the air and moved 66 meters east. The project was completed on Jan 1, 2008 and the hall reopened on Sept 26, 2008.

The Shanghai Jazz Ochestra will hold a concert in the hall on May 19, playing classical numbers that once dominated the city's radios and theaters, such as Evening Primrose, Nightlife of Shanghai and Shangri-La.

Address: 523 Yan'an Road E

Transportation:

Metro 1, 2, 8 People's Square Station

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6386-2836

6) Dramatic Arts Center

The Dramatic Art Center hosts top English-language productions, including at least two works by Shakespeare every year. Tucked away down Anfu Road in the former French concession, it's an unexpectedly robust structure with an impressive theater.

The center now boasts a modern drama plaza with three separate stages: The Arts Theater, Drama Salon and Studio D6. It also has two rehearsal studios for all types of theatrical productions. Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Doubt will be staged in the center until June 6.

Address: 288 Anfu Road

Transportation:

Metro line 2 Changshu Road Station

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6473-4567, 021-6474-8600

7) Shanghai Circus World

This modern arena for acrobatic and circus performances has a 1,638-seat circus theater with a revolving stage, computer-controlled lighting and state-of-the-art acoustics.

The venue plays host to a variety of large-scale magic, martial arts and acrobatic shows.

At 7:30 pm everyday, the multimedia theatrical acrobatics show, ERA Intersection of Time, is staged at Circus World. The 100-minute show includes Chinese acrobatics, martial arts and contemporary dance.

Address: 2266 Gonghexin Road

Transportation:

Bus No 46, 95, 114, 210, 253, 893, 912, 916

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6652-5468

8) Lyceum Theater

Built in the boom days of 1930s Shanghai, this classic European-style theater began as a home for amateur dramatics societies. It has become a historic Shanghai landmark as one of the city's oldest theaters. The theater was refurbished in 2003 and is now equipped with advanced sound and lighting, and monitoring systems. The theater, with a seating capacity of 680, makes it ideal for drama, small-scale musicals and orchestral performances.

On May 29, the classical children's play I Love Clever A Fanti will be performed at the theater.

Address: 57 Maoming Road

Transportation:

Metro line 2 Shaanxi Road S Station

Box office opening hours:

9 am-7 pm

Admission: Event prices vary

Tel: 021-6217-8530, 021-6258-4832