London March events with a Chinese twist. A roundup of all the best Chinese-related events in London during April. Art exhibitions, book launches, academic talks, musical performances, and more are happening this month. Read on to find all the details.
Shanghai Dolls
Ibsen’s A Doll’s House, they quickly become inseparable. But as political upheaval rips through China, their tumultuous friendship will alter not only the course of their lives, but the course of history. One will become China’s first female director. The other, the architect of the Cultural Revolution. Amy Ng’s newest play looks at the untold story of two of the most influential women in Chinese history – Madame Mao and Sun Weishi – and how the personal truly is political.
When: 3rd April – 10th May
Where: Kiln Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Rd, NW6 7JR
Website: https://kilntheatre.com/whats-on/shanghai-dolls/
Sino-Western Integration: The integration and development of Chinese entrepreneurs in the UK
This panel discussion explores the problems, challenges, and opportunities Chinese entrepreneurs face when integrating into British society. It will also address the challenges that emerge with the introduction of security legislations and the rise of a sceptical view of the Chinese immigrants in recent years. The underlying assumption is that the better integration of Chinese entrepreneurs in the UK will improve their social image and status, and will also contribute to the prosperity and development of the UK and to better UK-China relations.
When: Friday 4th April, 5:00pm – 6:30pm
Where: SOAS, Thornhaugh Street, Russell Square, WC1H 0XG
Website: https://www.soas.ac.uk/about/event/sino-western-integration-integration-and-development-chinese-entrepreneurs-uk
Precious Encounter
An original composition concert with meaningful stories and memorable moments. The concert will present 10 original compositions from talented musicians, including but not limited to the format of piano, pipa, Beijing opera, strings, trio and choir pieces. Performers include Xinyi Guo, Sino-British Ensemble, and London Chinese Philharmonic Choir.
When: Tuesday April 8th, 1:00 – 2:00pm
Where: St James’s Church, Sussex Gardens, W2 3UD
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/precious-encounter-tickets-1285883605479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
ESEA Archives Book Club – Jenny Lau: Is food my love language?
Join author Jenny Lau for a close reading of selected chapters from her book An A-Z of Chinese Food (Recipes Not Included). While food is often seen as a love language in the Chinese diaspora, what happens when this narrative overshadows more complex intergenerational dynamics? Through a critical discussion, Jenny examines how food functions as both a site of intimacy and expectation, nostalgia and obligation, community and constraint.
When: Thursday 10th April, 6:30 – 8:30pm
Where: ESEA Community Centre, 12-14 Englefield Road, N1 4LS
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/esea-archives-book-club-33-jenny-lau-is-food-my-love-language-registration-1262576894479?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Elegance and Charm of Sichuan
Performed by the Performing Troupe from Sichuan Normal University the show includes martial arts, dances, and instrumental music. Comprising award-winning pieces from international and national competitions, these programs are highly entertaining and artistically valuable.
When: Friday 11th April, 6:00 – 8:30pm
Where: The Octagon, Queen Mary University Of London, 327 Mile End Road, E1 4NS
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/elegance-and-charm-of-sichuan-tickets-1295048959299?aff=ebdssbdestsearch&keep_tld=1
Call Me Ishmaelle: Xiaolu Guo in conversation
Call Me Ishmaelle is a landmark reimagining the epic battle between man and nature in Herman Melville’s Moby Dick. Xiaolu Guo has crafted a dramatically different, feminist narrative that stands alongside the original while offering a powerful exploration of nature, gender and human purpose. Xiaolu Guo will discuss her latest novel at this Waterstones talk.
When: Tuesday 22nd April, 6:30pm
Where: Waterstones, 11 Islington Green London N1 2XH
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/call-me-ishmaelle-xiaolu-guo-in-conversation-islington-tickets-1145637104419?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Red Pockets: Alice Mah in Conversation
At Waterstones Gower St, Alice Mah will be discussing her new book Red Pockets, a haunting blend of memoir, cultural history and environmental exploration. Here Mah chronicles her journey from the rice villages of South China to her home in post-industrial England, through the Chinatowns of Western Canada where she grew up, to the isles and industry of Scotland where she now lives. As years pass and fires rage on, she becomes increasingly troubled by her ancestors’ neglected graves.
When: Wednesday 23rd April 6:30pm
Where: Waterstones, 82 Gower Street, WC1E 6EQ
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/red-pockets-alice-mah-in-conversation-gower-st-tickets-1252867453279?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
An Improvised Evening_2: Nüwa Mends the Sky
Beibei Wang, Zhiyan Cai and Cheslav Singh will bring Nüwa’s grand story of putting the world back in order. With Wang’s world-class percussive virtuosity, Cai’s future-folk 3D visualizations and Singh’s multiplicitous prepared piano, be ready to experience ancient Chinese mythology like never before.
When: Saturday April 26th, 7:00 – 8:30pm
Where: St Paul’s URC Church, 22 Newton Road, London, W2 5LS
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/an-improvised-evening-2-nuwa-mends-the-sky-tickets-1298386421739?aff=ebdssbdestsearch
Goldsmiths Summer Term
Summer term is starting at Goldsmiths, University of London. They offer a collection of Chinese related courses by the universities Confucius Institute including Mandarin, Chinese Dance, Chinese Martial Arts, Chinese Instruments, and more.
When: Starts at the end of April
Where: Goldsmiths, University of London, New Cross, London SE14 6NW
Website: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/cc/goldsmiths-ci-short-courses-summer-term-2025-1994439
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