Now See This

Get Out!

Published: Apr 10, 2007

reading
Kiran Desai

With her 2006 novel of frustration and globalization The Inheritance of Loss, Indian-born Kiran Desai became the youngest woman to ever win the Man Booker prize. Since then it's been a whirlwind of attention, and she's said she's felt more like a lecturer than a writer of fiction. Regardless, her appearance at the Free Library should be enlightening and memorable.

Thu., April 12, 7 p.m., free, Philadelphia Free Library, Central Branch, 1901 Vine St., 215-567-4341, www.library.phila.gov.


theater
The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial

Eighty years before the intelligent design trial in Dover, the Scopes (or "Monkey") trial held America in thrall, as two of its greatest lawyers, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, were locked in combat over the future of education. That trial was famously dramatized as Inherit the Wind, but the play and movie took many theatrical liberties. Now, the esteemed L.A. Theatre Works company goes back to the roots with The Great Tennessee Monkey Trial, based on the actual court transcripts, and promises more accuracy. Starring Ed Asner, John de Lancie and Jerry Hardin, it also promises theatrical fireworks.

April 18-22, $34-$44, Penn Presents at the Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, www.pennpresents.org.


gallery
Albert Reyes

The act of spitting, from lowbrow to high art: hawking phlegm on the sidewalk, splattering beer on screaming groupies, using the muscles of one's jaw to create street art that lasts only until it dries. That last one is a frequent practice of Albert Reyes, who will be exhibiting (and expectorating?) at Jinxed Gallery along with Adam5100, Nathan Thomas Wilson and Mildred (it's a dude, we think). Get out your handkerchiefs.

April 13-May. Opening Reception Fri., April 13, 7-10 p.m., Jinxed Clothing, 620 S. Fourth Street, 215-978-5469, www.jinxedclothing.com.


dance/workshop/music
Gamelan Semara Santi

Tired of the same old (Western) music? Check out Gamelan Semara Santi, an ensemble of 25 musicians playing Indonesian instruments. These gongs, bells, drums and gangsa (a xylophone with bronze keys) create distinctive "waves" of sound that inspired Debussy back in 1889. The program includes three pieces by special guest I Wayan Dibia, a Balinese dancer and composer who will dance to the music with original choreography.

Sun., April 15, 3 p.m., free, Scott Amphitheater, Swarthmore College, 500 College Ave., Swarthmore, 610-328-8533, www.swarthmore.edu/Humanities/music/Gamelan.


theater/fundraiser
Eventa du Schmancy

Those born long after Swanee River and Mae West's figure passed into showbiz memory have a one-night-only opportunity to see the whole gang live again, with 1812 Productions' The Big Time: Vaudeville Bill Deluxe. This year's incarnation of the comedy troupe's annual fundraising gala, Eventa du Schmancy (these names, these names), reunites the original cast of 1812's vaudeville holiday show, which debuted in 2000. First dinner, then glory.

Mon., April 16, dinner 6:30 p.m., Konak Turkish Restaurant, 228 Vine St., The Big Time 8:30 p.m. at The Painted Bride Art Center, 230 Vine St., full evening $150, The Big Time only $35, 215-592-9560, www.1812productions.org.

 

Comments

Be the first to comment on this article.



Also In This Week's Arts Section

Culture Shock:
Things That Matter To People Who Matter
Art:
The Fallen Painter
by Mary Wilson

Tech Fetish:
Palm Reader
by David Dritsas

Book Review:
Charles in Charge
by Will Dean

Theater Review:
Totaled
by Mark Cofta

Theater Review:
Shrew to Form
by Mark Cofta

Arts Picks:
Jim Houser
by Rachel Frankford

Arts Picks:
Jeanne Ruddy Dance
by Deni Kasrel

Arts Picks:
Design Philadelphia
by Rachel Frankford

Arts Picks:
Donald Hall
by Mary Wilson

 
 
ADVERTISEMENT