Asia House
Programme June-August 2012
Cover Image Photo taken by Bahador Nemati. Leila Hatami in There Are Things You Don’t Know.
Welcome to Asia House!
Business and Policy
Arts and Culture
Asian Ambassadors’ Reception p 4
An Evening with Satish Kumar p 6
Spend the summer exploring cultural connections. From June to August, our programme is focused on bringing members together to create dynamic links with Asia. Save the date for the Friends’ Summer Drinks Reception on 5 July and let us share our plans for the rest of the year with you. Our Corporate Members are invited to congregate to discuss the Asian Growth Challenge in June. Our cultural programme features a Chinese Well-being Day to refresh your mind and body as well as our usual selection of great events. This year’s Asia House Summer School is focused on Iran. Our week of workshops covering Persian calligraphy, Iranian cinema, native people’s Iranian music, preparing traditional Persian celebrations and Persian poetry, is designed to help students explore Iran’s cultural landscape. Enjoy the summer, enjoy Asia House.
Chinese Cookery with Fuschia Dunlop p 6 Chinese Wellbeing Day p 10
Asia House Founder Stakeholders
Asia House Summer School Norouz: a guide to preparing for a traditional Persian Celebration p 8 New Iranian Cinema Workshop with Parviz Jahed, Film Critic p 9 Native People’s Music of Iran with Amin and Parham p9
Business and Policy Date Page Asian Ambassadors’ Reception 13 June 4 Annual Corporate Members’ Reception 14 June 5 Arts and Culture Launch Party - Friends of the Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit 11 June 14 An Evening with Satish Kumar 12 June 6 Chinese Cookery with Fuchsia Dunlop 20 June 6 Hu Jintao - China’s Silent Ruler 27 June 7 Friends of Asia House Summer Drinks Reception 5 July 10 Asia House Summer School: Persian Calligraphy Workshop 9 July 8 Asia House Summer School: Persian Poetry 10 July 8 Asia House Summer School: Norouz’s Preparation Guide 11 July 8 Asia House Summer School: New Iranian Cinema Workshop 12 July 9 Asia House Summer School: Cross-Cultural (Mis)Communication 13 July 9 Asia House Summer School: Native People’s Music of Iran 13 July 9 Chinese Well-being Day: Dynamic Health in the Year of the Dragon 14 July 13 Museum Tour at British Museum: ‘A History of Asia in 15 Objects’ 3 August 10 Manu Joseph - The Illicit Happiness of Other People 22 August 7 Museum Tour at V&A Museum: ‘A History of Asia in 15 Objects’ 31 August 10 Exhibitions Mongolian Art Exhibition re:new tohoku
11 June - 15 June 9 July - 15 July
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Calendar Asia House
Asia House
The Asian Growth Challenge In Asia, rising economic powers hold the promise of becoming the largest consumer markets in the world. Economic reforms and financial market development have accelerated the growth of a multitude of new investment opportunities. The region’s diversity creates important synergies which are yet to be fully realised. But how will this burgeoning growth impact political systems, social welfare, cultural norms and the expanding demand for natural resources? How should the west assess the set of growth challenges emerging from the Pan-Asian region and which challenges should be prioritised over 2012? The Asia House Business and Policy Programme creates a synergy between business leaders and policy experts’ views on pan-Asian growth and its global implications. It also introduces the social, historical and cultural trends vital to building UK-Asia relationships.
Asian Ambassadors’ Reception
Young Business Programme
Ambassadors and High Commissioners of Asian countries based in London congregate for a convivial evening at Asia House. This reception will bring together the voices of the Asian diplomatic community to build bilateral and multilateral policy dialogue.
Asia House launches the Young Business Ambassador (YBA) Programme in September 2012, in partnership with the Singapore International Foundation.
Wednesday 13 June, 18.30 - 20.00
This Reception is open to Asia House Stakeholders and Champion Supporters only. Registration is required.
Ambassadors’
Four Singaporeans under the age of 35 will be attached to Asia House Corporate Member firms for a period of 10 weeks, and in return, four Corporate Member firms are invited to send one of their high potential professionals to Singapore to be attached to the respective Singapore firms.
Annual Corporate Members’ Reception
Thursday 14 June, 18.30 - 20.00 Hosted by Sir John Boyd KCMG, Chairman, and the Trustees of Asia House, with Nick Baird, Chief Executive of UK Trade and Investment.
Corporate Membership
Outstanding business intelligence We offer our Corporate Members outstanding business intelligence through our exclusive events and private meetings arranged by Asia House. Please contact: Priya Shah, Programme Manager: Priya.Shah@asiahouse.co.uk
Business and Policy
An Evening with Satish Kumar
Chinese Cookery with Fuchsia Dunlop
‘The East needs the West and the West needs the East’
Wednesday 20 June, 18.45 - 20.30
Tuesday 12 June 18.45 - 20.30 Join Satish Kumar, a much sought-after writer, environmentalist and trainer, for a thought-provoking talk on how the East needs the West and the West needs the East. Kumar will explain why he disagrees with Kipling’s comments: “East is East and West is West and never the twain shall meet.” The former Jain monk who walked 8,000 miles across the world for peace fifty years ago will give insights into how the East and West can work well together and why holistic integrated thinking is essential in the new global village we find ourselves in. Tickets £10 Concession £8 Asia House Friends £6
Learn more about the subtleties of southern Chinese food with Fuchsia Dunlop. Fuchsia trained as a chef at China’s leading cooking school and is internationally renowned for her delicious recipes and brilliant writing about Chinese food. Her latest book, ‘Every Grain of Rice’, is inspired by the healthy and vibrant home cooking of southern China, in which meat and fish are enjoyed in moderation, but vegetables play the starring role. Hear Fuchsia’s comprehensive introduction to the key seasonings and techniques of the Chinese kitchen, as well as the ‘magic ingredients’ that can transform modest vegetarian ingredients into wonderful delicacies. Tickets £10 Concession £8 Asia House Friends £6
Satish Kumar
Culture
Asia House
Fuchsia Dunlop
Hu Jintao - China’s Silent Ruler Kerry Brown of Chatham House in conversation with Nick Butler
Manu Joseph: The Illicit Happiness of Other People in conversation with Patrick French
Wednesday 27 June, 18.45 - 20.30
Wednesday 22 August, 18.45 - 20.30
Hu Jintao, the President of the People’s Republic of China, Chair of the Central Military Commission, and Party Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), will relinquish at least two of his three positions later this year. In the first English language biography of Hu, Kerry Brown provides an analytical assessment of Hu Jintao’s leadership of China during the crucial first decade of the twenty-first century, examining the policy successes and shortcomings of Hu’s leadership in such critical areas as Chinese economics, foreign policy, the Chinese Communist Party, and social stability.
Join author Manu Joseph as he launches his latest book: ‘The Illicit Happiness of Other People’.
Kerry Brown is Head of the Asia Programme at Chatham House, and leads the Europe China Research and Advice Network. He will be speaking with Nick Butler, Asia House Trustee and Chair of the King’s Policy Institute at King’s College, London. Tickets £10 Concession £8 Asia House Friends £6
In this satirical tale of contemporary India – set to rival White Tiger - Joseph uses his fine humour to illuminate a fast moving society still held in thrall by its fearsome contradictions. Seventeen-year-old Unni has done something terrible. As his father, a nocturnal anarchist whose wife fantasises about his early death, begins investigating, he unravels a secret that shakes his family to the core. Set in Madras in the 1990s, this powerful and darkly comic story probes into a dangerous interpretation of absolute truth, a circle of talented schizophrenics and the love of a boy for a beautiful girl. Manu Joseph is deputy editor and Mumbai bureau chief for OPEN magazine and author of the Man Asian In Prize shortlisted Serious Men. 2007 he became a Chevening Scholar, a British award for journalists who will shape opinions in the future. He will be speaking with Patrick French, author of India- A Portrait. Tickets £10 Concession £8 Asia House Friends £6
Manu Joseph
Asia House
Summer School Monday 9 July - Friday 13 July
A series of expert workshops and classes on the traditional and contemporary cultures of Iran. All sessions are suitable for beginners. Persian Calligraphy Workshop with Ali Mahvelati, leading expert Monday 9 July, 14.00 – 16.00 Following the great success of last year’s workshop, Ali Mahvelati offers an introduction to the historical and cultural aspects of Persian calligraphy. Watch as the different styles of scripts are revealed before being guided in the creation of your own calligraphy. Participants will not only gain a better understanding of the historical background of ancient writing scripts, but they will also discover the meaning behind the artistic symbols. Tickets £40 Concessions £30 Asia House Friends £25
Persian Poetry - from ancient Persia to Contemporary Iran with Professor Tajalli Keshavarz Tuesday 10 July, 14.00 – 16.00 Professor Tajalli Keshavarz, poet and author, offers the opportunity to explore the world of Persian poetry. In an insightful and interactive workshop, lovers of Persian culture will be introduced to the philosophy behind Persian poetry and learn more about the epic, mystic and lyric style. The poetry reviewed in the session will range from ancient to modern texts and will look at the renowned works of poets including Ferdowsi, Omar Khayyam, Rumi, Nezami, Saadi and Hafez to Nima, Shamlou, Farrokhzad, Azad and Sepehri. Tickets £35 Concessions £25 Asia House Friends £20
Norouz: a guide to preparing for a traditional Persian celebration Wednesday 11 July, 14.00 – 16.00 Due to popular demand, we have invited Jila Dana Haeri the co-author of the book ‘New Persian Cooking’, back to Asia House. For this workshop, Jila would love to explain the importance of Norouz and ways to prepare for the Persian New Year. Covering the origins and symbolism of the festival as well as the practical preparations taken for a traditional celebration, join this workshop to inspire you to celebrate Norouz next Spring. There will also be a chance to try out some Persian nibbles. Tickets £40 Concessions £30 Asia House Friends £25 Photo: Jila Dana Haeri, Norouz table
New Iranian Cinema Workshop with Cross-Cultural (Mis)Communication The Root Causes of Misunderstanding Parviz Jahed, Film Critic between Iranians and English Speakers Thursday 12 July 10.00 – 12.00 A Language Teacher’s Perspective, Iranian filmmakers are increasingly making Abdi Rafiee an impact on the international scene. In this workshop session you will learn more about the key contextual and sub-textual features required in order to effectively understand and critically analyse Iranian cinema.
Join Parviz Jahed, film critic, journalist, filmmaker and lecturer, for a fascinating and in-depth study of new Iranian cinema. The session will start with an overview of the film industry and its current state before moving on to introduce the concepts needed to read the distinct Iranian cinematic codes, which may not be found in American or European film culture. Tickets £35 Concessions £25 Asia House Friends £20
Friday 13 July, 10.00 – 12.00
“Learning a foreign language without bothering about the culture-specific norms governing the use of that language would be like learning how to drive a car without bothering about the Highway Code!” Adbi Rafiee shares some of the insights he has learned during his 30 years teaching Persian. Join this session to learn more about the cultural factors, beliefs and assumptions that impact on Farsi and English speakers communicating effectively in each other’s native languages. So if you are learning Farsi, have an interest in languages or would like to pick up some transferable communication skills, then sign up for this entertaining and informative class. Tickets £25 Concessions £15 Asia House Friends £12
Native People’s Music of Iran with Amin and Parham Friday 13 July, 14.00 – 16.00
Images from There Are Things You Don’t Know, above, Leila Hatami
Amin, Parham and Zartosht from the acclaimed Iranian roots band ‘Ajam’ will conduct an interactive session on the native people’s music of Iran. In many ways this will be an alternative view on traditional Iranian music as it will focus on the epic and untamed spirit of the ritualistic and custom music of different regions. This entertaining workshop will include a musical map of Iran illustrating the geographic spread of various folk musical traditions and cultures. Amin and Parham will play various pieces using wind, stringed and percussive instruments to illustrate some regional variations in timbre and accenting as well as presenting the eccentric quirks and idiosyncrasies of various performance styles. During the session there will be some opportunity to try out a selection of the instruments and to join in and try your hand at learning some regional rhythms and motifs. Tickets 40 Concessions £30 Asia House Friends £25
For bookings: 020 7307 5454 or enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk Asia House 63 New Cavendish Street London W1G 7LP www.asiahouse.org
Summer Drinks Reception Thursday 5 July 18.00 - 20.00 Tickets FREE to Friends but booking essential Friends’ guests £10 refundable if your guest becomes a Friend on the evening.
‘A History of Asia in 15 Objects’
Join us for an evening at the British Museum and the V&A Museum for a tour inspired by Neil McGregor’s acclaimed radio series, ‘A History of the World in 100 Objects’. Expert guides and curators take us on a journey through these magnificent collections, selecting the objects that reflect and shaped the histories, cultures and religions of Asia. From the Indus Seal to the Mauryan Pillar of Ashoka, the Chinese Zhou Ritual
bowl to the Borobudur Buddha head. The British Museum has an unrivalled range of Asian artefacts spanning thousands of years. At the V&A the visit explores Japanese and Korean fine and decorative arts and the Islamic collections, including the famous Ardibil Carpet. Places are limited so please book early. Priority given to Friends and Patrons of Asia House. British Museum Friday 3 August 18.30 - 20.00
V&A Museum
Friday 31 August 18.30 - 20.00
Tickets £15 AH Friends £10 Chinese Tang tomb figures, c. 728 AD, Henan Province, China. What taking a civil servant, a demon and a camel into the afterlife tells us about this golden age of China’s history. © The Trustees of the British Museum
Join Us Asia House Friends, Young Leaders and Patrons Friends from £50 Become a friend and support Asia House’s mission to build dynamic links with Asia. Enjoy a variety of special discounts and become part of a vibrant community celebrating the arts, culture, and current affairs of Asia. Patrons from £500 Patrons have access to an exclusive programme of events encompassing the Asian business, culture and policy sectors. With events including ambassadorial dinners, private meetings with leading experts on key Asian topics, and private viewings of leading museum and gallery collections. Young Leaders from £250 For individuals who are dynamic, motivated and successful in their chosen field; and who wish to connect with other future leaders who will take forward the relationship between Europe and Asia. Young Leaders, in addition to receiving Patron level benefits, will profit from specially tailored networking and programmed events, with the opportunity to widen professional networks. To find out more, please contact: Mia Gulati Individual Memberships and Patrons Mia.Gulati@asiahouse.co.uk
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Product showcase “re:new tohoku - a tradition of perfection brought to life for you” Monday 9 July - Sunday 15 July 10.00 - 18.00 Monday - Saturday 11.00 - 17.00 Sunday A high-tech exhibition of intriguing products from areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster in Japan. Strikingly original and beautifully made, many of the objects offer fascinating insights into the factors that contribute to Japan’s extraordinary kaleidoscope of creativity and trademark commitment to perfection. The event is presented by Japanese and British companies and is made possible by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Items on display can be purchased
Admission Free
Saturday 14 July 11.00 - 16.00 In the Year of the Dragon, we can begin to fully experience the essential nature of balance and stability in Chinese medicine. According to the Zodiac system, this year will be quite a volatile one, representing an upward surge of energy, that when hanessed will naturally align with growth, insight, creativity, and expansion. Join us to learn about traditional philosophies of health and wellbeing, everything from acupuncture treatments, diet, exercise, to understanding your attitude to life to help you reap the benefits of the Dragon Year. The day will include a five element acupuncture class by The Source Clinic and a Qi Gong workshop by Jodi Smith. Classes and therapy sessions vary. Check website for further information. For information and prices, please contact Mia Gulati: mia.gulati@asiahouse.co.uk
Chinese Well-being Day
Dynamic Health In The Year of The Dragon
Monday 11 June - Friday 15 June Open Daily 10.00 - 18.00
Admission Free
Launch Party Monday 11 June, 18.30 – 20.30 You are invited to a reception to launch the Friends of the Mongolia and Inner Asia Studies Unit (MIASU). Come to hear about current research from members of the Unit and meet other people interested in up-to-date information about this fascinating region. Centred on Mongolia it extends across the steppes from Siberia to the Himalayas. Free admission with refreshments available. For more information or attending, please e-mail: friends@innerasiaresearch.org (or) phone Bruce Huett: +44 (0)1763 232855
Exhibition Mongolian Art An exhibition of artwork by the renowned Mongolian artist Wuriqiefu, Professor of Art at Inner Mongolia Normal University in Hohhot, Inner Mongolia. The collection of beautiful woodcut and silk
screen prints are inspired by Mongolian religious, totem and ecological culture. Wuriqiefu has exhibited previously in Germany, Austria, France, Romania, Japan and Malaysia as well as China.
Hire our beautiful 18th century premises for your conference, exhibition, or wedding. Contact: Philip Woodford-Smith __ Telephone +44(0)20 7307 5443 philip.woodfordsmith@asiahouse.co.uk
Asia House Asia House, the leading pan-Asian organisation in the UK, exists to build dynamic links with Asia, important now more than ever. By providing unique insights into culture, policy, business and education, Asia House promotes informed understanding and the mutual exchange of ideas, building stronger relationships between the diverse communities of Europe and Asia. Asia House is a non-profit, non-political organisation. Join us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter: @asiahouseuk
Asia House 63 New Cavendish Street London W1G 7LP +44(0)20 7307 5454 enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk www.asiahouse.org
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How to book Telephone +44 (0)20 7307 5454 Email: enquiries@asiahouse.co.uk Online: eventbrite.co.uk Booking is required for all events Tickets are not issued but bookings are confirmed by email Your name will appear on a guest list held at reception Bookings are not refundable or transferable Seats will be held only up to the start of the event and may be released to those on the waiting list Latecomers will not be admitted
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