Four Australian men, who make up the Urban Dream Capsule (UDC),
will live in a 65-square-metre glass capsule in Shanghai's
Xintiandi area, a major entertainment hub, for two weeks from June
17.
A model of the capsule, which contains a small apartment with a
bedroom, kitchen and bathroom, was unveiled yesterday in
Xintiandi.
Visitors will be able to watch them eat, wash, cook, sleep and
entertain.
It will be the first time the performing group has brought the
attraction to the Chinese mainland, having already appeared in Hong
Kong. The four have previously performed in many other cities
including London, Chicago, and Sydney.
"Interaction is a key element of the performance," said Karen
Chang, producer of the event.
During the event, people can e-mail, fax or put messages on the
glass walls of the capsule to communicate with the performers.
"They won't turn off the lights or pull down the curtains. They
show their whole life, from getting up to going to bed," Chang
added.
In earlier shows, onlookers were most interested when the men
took their showers. "People like to watch them taking a shower --
and they have to shower at least two times a day," she said.
"Of course, one can't see the key body parts because there is
non-transparent glass in the bathroom."
To make the Shanghai event unique to the city, the capsule will
be decorated in a Shanghainese style.
To prepare for the event, the four are taking intensive language
lessons in Australia so that they can interact with the
audience.
"They will also do Taijiquan every morning," Chang said.
There is no charge for viewing the capsule.
(China Daily May 11, 2006)