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)