Heading into the lovely hutong courtyard that is the setting of this art project between Switzerland and China, one doesn't know what to expect. And it's better that way. Guests to the Overseas, Close By performances, held regularly until the end of October, wait outside until exactly 7:30, then are led through curtains of hanging crystal beads into a gorgeous, traditional siheyuan. Free to mix and mingle over drinks and food prepared by Cafe Sambal, many wandered in and out of rooms which have been turned into mini-installations, waiting for the performance to begin.

Without giving away too much, the performance is a mix of dance and theater, and draws the audience into the middle of it. Whatever one thinks of the actual performances, the concept is truly unique, and keeps you on your toes. The result of a mishmash of Swiss and Chinese artists who lived in the courtyard -set to be chai'd next year - for the summer, it's a celebration of spontaneous creativity. In a city where most art is shown in galleries, the open-air, interactive Overseas, Close By is a refreshing change of pace.