Thu., Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Fri, Dec. 5, 8 p.m.; Sat. Dec. 6, 2 and 8 p.m., $32-$48, Annenberg Center, 3680 Walnut St., 215-898-3900, pennpresents.org

Theater of Public Secrets, Thu. and Fri., Dec. 4 and 5, 8 p.m., and Sat., Dec. 6, 2 p.m.; Negative Spaces, Sat., Dec. 6, 8 p.m., Sun. Dec. 7, 7 p.m., $25-$35, Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 S. Broad St., 215-751-0959, koreshdance.org

The Determining Factor investigates circumstances that shape attitudes and actions regarding views of gender, sexuality and spirituality.

Israel is a place where daily routines occur in normal fashion, yet acts of terrorism and threats of war are an ongoing reality. Shaker initially portrays a scene that appears quaint and magical, but beneath the surface, menace and disquiet abound.

Chung's works are often quite detailed, although her most essential concern is the "evocation of a mood or a feeling."

Swartz is more excited than usual (and that's saying a lot) to present this work — and he's equally elated to have the opportunity to turn Philadelphia dance fans on to the Israeli-based Inbal Pinto company.

This notion has offered inspiration to plenty of movies and TV shows. But there's no time machine here; Bellomo promises something more scintillating will convey the shifts to past, present and future.

The most fundamental rule of art collecting is this: Buy what you like. It's that easy.

The private Greg Giovanni is a voracious bookworm. But on the public side, he's recognized for being a provocative and often outrageous director/playwright/actor.