Another LA traffic jam — for COVID-19 shots

Cars lined up on Tuesday at the mass COVID-19 vaccination site at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, with the downtown skyline in the background. The site, one of the largest inoculation sites across the country, reopened along with five other city-run sites, after closures for several days due to delayed vaccine shipments caused by Midwest winter storms. — AFP

THE Shanghai Oriental Art Center and Shanghai People’s Farce Co will co-present hilarious galas to celebrate the Lantern Festival tomorrow, which falls on the 15th day of the first lunar month every year.

The galas, to be held on the evenings of February 26 and 27, will feature diverse forms of acts by famous local comedians such as Wang Rugang, Chen Guoqing, Qian Yi and Pan Qianwei.

They will present

both traditional and new original farce excerpts to display the charm of the city and its people.

Shanghai farce, or huajixi, is a regional art form that mainly tells amusing stories about ordinary people.

Originated in Shanghai in the early 20th century, the performing art blends multiple elements of monologue, dialogue, improvisation, mime and traditional opera. It was included on the list of the nation’s intangible cultural heritage in 2011.

According to farce artist Wang Rugang, attending a Shanghai farce show used to be a tradition for the elder generations of local people to celebrate the Chinese New Year. He said it is important to preserve and promote the Shanghai dialect and farce art among youngsters.

Dates: February 26-27, 7:15pm Venue: Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Opera Hall

Tickets: 80-380 yuan

Address: 425 Dingxiang Rd, Pudong