TUESDAY, APRIL 25 

Shakespeare’s Birthday Celebration with actors, scholars and musicians on “Shakespeare and his religion, from Agnosticism to Zen” at 7 p.m. at the Northbrae Church, 741 The Alameda. 843-6798. 

Return of the Over-the-Hills Gang For hikers 55 years and older who are interested in nature study, history, fitness, and fun. This month we’ll enjoy spring wildflowers and mining history at the Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve on a 3-mile hike. To register call 525-2233.  

The BHS Site Council meets at 4:30 p.m. at Berkeley High Conference Room B. On the agenda are a vote on a proposal for a Site Council bylaw change, First Semester Grade Reports, Small Schools Data, Algebra Project Update, Student Coordination Update. 

Cancer Prevention and Survival Cooking Course begins at 6:30 p.m. at Keller Williams, 4341 Piedmont Avenue, 2nd Floor, Oakland, and runs to June 13. Sponsored by The Cancer Projec. To register, call 531-2665. 

Raging Grannies of the East Bay invites new folks to come join us the 2nd and 4th Tues, of each month, from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. to sing and have fun at Berkeley Gray Panthers office, 1403 Addison St., in Andronico’s mall. 548-9696. 

Earthquake Retrofitting and Home Safety Seminar at 1:15 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5190. 

Green Health Care at 7 p.m. at the Teleosis Institute, 1521B 5th St. To register call 558-7285. 

Berkeley PC User Group meets at 7 p.m. at 25 Dartmouth, in the Hiller Highland area. For questions and directions email rhs@surfbest.net  

Trance Drumming Workshop with Auntie Matter from 7 to 9 p.m. at Change Makers, 6536 Telegraph Ave. at 66th, Oakland. Cost is $40. www. 

changemakersforwomen.com  

Family Story Time at 7 p.m. at the Kensington Branch Library, 61 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Free, all ages welcome. 524-3043. 

Tuesday Tilden Walkers Join a few slowpoke seniors at 9:30 a.m. in the parking lot near the Little Farm for an hour or two walk. In case of questionable weather, call around 8 a.m. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

Free Handbuilding Ceramics Class 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at St. John’s Senior Center, 2727 College Ave. Also, Mon. noon to 4 p.m. at the South Berkeley Senior Center. Materials and firing charges not included. 525-5497. 

“Jewish Insights on Transformation” at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Buddhist Monastery, 2304 McKinley St. at Bancroft. 527-2935. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. Share your digital images, slides and prints and learn what other photographers are doing. Monthly field trips. 548-3991. www.berkeleycameraclub.org 

St. John’s Prime Timers meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. We offer ongoing classes in exercise and creative arts, and always welcome new members over 50. 845-6830. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26  

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds, who may be accompanied by an adult. We will learn about the seasons from 3:15 to 4:45 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

Public Workshop on Community Choice Aggregation at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, Classroom A. The cities of Berkeley, Oakland and Emeryville are exploring the creation of a public agency that would purchase power and build power plants to serve customers in Berkeley. 981-5434.  

“Iraq: Strategies to Get Out” with Andy Lichterman at 1:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. Sponsored by the Berkeley-East Bay Gray Panthers. 548-9696. 

Bayswater Book Club meets to discuss becomming a Democratic Central Committee Chartered Club of Alameda County, and to discuss “Sell Now! The End of the Housing Bubble” by John R. Talbott at 6:30 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, El Cerrito. 433-2911. 

Lonely Planet Travel Series with Morgan Konn on Thailand at 6 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, 124 14th St. 238-3136. 

Free Prostate Screening for men ages 35-70 at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, Herrick Campus, 2001 Dwight Way. Free, but appointments required. 869-8833. 

Early Childhood Safety: Choke Saving Skills at 11 a.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. 

Repetitive Stress Injury Learn how to take care of yourself before you get carpal tunnel syndrome at 7:30 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200. 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets every Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. Everyone is welcome, wear comfortable shoes and a warm hat. 548-9840. 

The Berkeley Lawn Bowling Club provides free instruction every Wed. and Sat. at 10:30 a.m. at 2270 Acton St. 841-2174.  

Fresh Produce Stand at San Pablo Park from 3 to 6:30 p.m. in the Frances Albrier Community Center. Sponsored by the Ecology Center’s Farm Fresh Choice. 848-1704.  

Sing your Way Home A free sing-a-long at 4:30 p.m. every Wed. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720. 

Prose Writer’s Workshop An ongoing group made up of friendly writers who are serious about our craft. All levels welcome. At 7 p.m. at BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. georgeporter@earthlink.net 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at 6:30 p.m. at the Berkeley BART Station. www.geocities.com/vigil4peace/vigil 

“Kabbalah of Creation: The Mysticism of Isaac Luria” with Rabbi Eliyahu Klein at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $10-$20. 848-0237. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 

Teach-In and Vigil on U.S. Torture Policy, every Thurs. from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. outside the classroom of Prof. John Yoo, Boalt Hall, UC Campus. Weekly speakers. Sponsored by the Buddhist Peace Fellowship and other organizations. www.bpf.org 

Introduction to BASIL Bay Area Seed Interchange Library Learn about what we do and volunteer opportunities at 5:30 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 658-9178. 

Workplace Bullying A special workshop with Gary Namie, Workplace Bullying & Trauma Institute, at 5:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst. Sponsored byt the Commission on Labor. 981-6903.  

Easy Does It Disability Assistance Board of Directors’ Meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. Public is welcome. 845-5513. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Dining Out for Life Over 60 restaurants will donate a portion of their proceeds to Vital Life Services. For a list of participating restaurants, see www.diningoutforlife.com 

Ask a Union Mechanic from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at Parker & Shattuck, until the strike is settled. They will offer advice on all makes of car. 

World of Plants Tours Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at 1:30 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $5. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

“Dancing with Wonder: Self Discovery Through Stories” with Nancy King and Susan Felix at 7:30 p.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5, reservations required. 848-0237. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 

Reduced City Services Today Call ahead to ensure programs or services you desire will be available. 981-CITY. www.cityofberkeley.info 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with David Bain, space scientist on “Mars” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $13.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925 or 665-9020.  

How Did You Become an Activist? with Paul Larudee, co-founder International Solidarity Movement and Barbara Bechnel, journalist, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Unitarian Universalist Hall, 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $10. 528-5403. 

Historical & Current Times Book Group meets on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1249 Marin Ave. 548-4517. 

Early Childhood Safety: Earthquake Safety at 3 p.m. at Habitot, 2065 Kittredge St. Cost is $5-$6. 647-1111. 

Berkeley Chess School classes for students in grades 1-8 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A drop-in, rated scholastic tournament follows from 7 to 8 p.m. at 1581 LeRoy Ave., Room 17. 843-0150. 

Berkeley Chess Club meets Fridays at 8 p.m. at the East Bay Chess Club, 1940 Virginia St. Players at all levels are welcome. 845-1041. 

Women in Black Vigil, from noon to 1 p.m. at UC Berkeley, Bancroft at Telegraph. wibberkeley@yahoo.com 548-6310, 845-1143. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 

Open the Farm Join us to greet the animals in the morning, help feed them, collect eggs and do a few chores. Dress to get dirty. From 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Little Farm in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

3rd Annual Green Home EXPO from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, next to Farmer’s Market. Trade in your old incandescent light bulbs, learn about energy savings and lead safe painting. Panel discussion on Energy Independence at 1 p.m. www.GrennhomeEXPO.org 

Free Universal Waste Drop-Off from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park for batteries, computers and other electronic equipment. Also Safe Medicine Disposal Event: Safely dispose of your old expired or unused medicines, including over-the-counter medicines. www.GreenHomeEXPO.org  

El Cerrito Earth Day Join the city in planting trees along San Pablo Ave. from 9 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., follwed by a barbeque for volunteers at noon. Call for specific locations. 215-4353. www.el-cerrito.org 

“Celebrating North Richmond History” with art and culture exhibits, speakers, music and community resources, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shields-Reid Community Center, 1416 Kelsey St., Richmond. Sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services. 925-313-6862. 

Mt. Wanda Wildflower Walk in the hills where John Muir took his daughters. Meet at 9 a.m. in the Park and RIde lot at the corner of Alhambra Ave. and Franklin Canyon Rd., Martinez. Wear walking shoes and bring water. 925-228-8860. 

Redesign of the Downtown Berkeley BART Station and Transit Zone The public is invited to an open house to view four different design options from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, third floor community room, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-7065. 

Berkeley Poetry Festival with featured poets and open mikes. Jack Hirschman, Poet Laureate of San Francisco, will read his latest haikus. From noon to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 549-3345. 

Crowden Community Music Day with concerts, instrument petting zoo, instrument workshop and more, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 1475 Rose St. 559-2941. 

Sports Medicine for Young Athletes with Michelle Cappello, Director of the Sport Medicine Center for Young Athletes at Children’s Hospital, Oakland at 6 p.m. Coaches, parents, players, trainers, and interested others all welcome. Refreshments will be served. For ticket and event location information call 528-9026.  

Benefit Gala for the Oakland Museum of California with dinner and entertainment. TIckets are $300-$600. 239-2919. 

UC Botanical Garden Annual Plant Sale with cacti and succulents, ferns, new perrennials, and rare trees and shrubs from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 200 Centennail Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Annual Junktique Sale from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in a benefit for the First United Methodist Church, 201 Martina, corner W. Richmond Ave., Pt. Richmond 236-0527. www.pointrichmond.com/methodist 

“The Five Secrets to Permanent Weight Loss” with Dr. Jay Sordean, at 12:30 p.m. at South Berkeley Curves, 2855 Telegraph Ave. Sponsored by the Doctors Speakers Bureau. RSVP to 849-1176. 

Free Garden Tours at Regional Parks Botanic Garden Sat. and Sun. at 2 pm. Regional Parks Botanic Garden, Tilden Park. Call to confirm. 841-8732. www.nativeplants.org 

Around the World Tour of Plants at 1:30 p.m., Thurs., Sat. and Sun. at UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. 643-2755. http://botanicalgarden.berkeley.edu 

Car Wash Benefit for Options Recovery Services of Berkeley, held every Sat. from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lutheran Church, 1744 University Ave. 666-9552. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 

Berkeley International Food Festival from noon until 5 p.m. at the intersection of University and San Pablo Aves. The Festival will showcase restaurants and markets, and will feature related cultural activities. www.berkeleyinternationalfoodfestival.com 

Berkeley Citizen Action Economic Development Forum from 4 to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 549-0816. 

Children’s Book Day from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Children’s Library, 4th floor, Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. Musician, clown and refreshements. 981-6107.  

Wonderous Wildflowers An easy stroll through the Tilden Nature Are to see what is blooming. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center. 525-2233. 

“Get Inspired to Green Your Garden” Bay-Friendly Garden Tour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A free and self-guided tour throughout Alameda County. Registration required to receive the guide book and garden directions. www.BayFriendly.org 

Secret Gardens of the East Bay A tour with marketplace and opportunity to visit with professional garden designers from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $45. Benefits Park Day School. 653-0317, ext. 103. www.SecretGardenTour.org 

SF South Bay Restoration Project Tours of the salt pond project from 2 to 4 p.m. Please meet at Menlo Park’s Bayfront Park, at the corner of Marsh Road and Bayshore Expressway. From 101, exit Marsh Road, and head west into Bayfront Park. Tour will repeat on May 6 and May 21. Reservations required. 792-0222, ext. 43. 

“Darwin’s Nightmare” A documentary on the importation of the Nile Perch to Lake Victoria, which decimated the native fish population and impoverished local villagers, at 2 p.m. at the Parkway Theater, 1834 Park Blvd., Oakland. Proceeds benefit Priority Africa Network. 527-3917. 

“Making Connections: Israeli-Palestinian Peace and U.S. Middle East Policy: Where do we go from here?” Discussion presented by the Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, East Bay Branch, at 1 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. 665-5459. 

Using Art to Teach Science Biological Illustration as a Way of Seeing. A workshop with biological illustrator Vicki Jennings,m from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $50-$60. 238-3818. 

Save Our Steinway Benefit Concert, to restore the 1909 Steinway at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian-Universalists at 2:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5. 841-4824. 

“Come Spot, Come” A recall workshop for your dog from 3 to 4 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2128 Cedar St. Cost is $35. To register call 849-9323. companyofdogs.com 

Tour of the Flora Lamson Hewlett Library, rare books and a comprehensive theological collection, at 4 p.m. at 2400 Ridge Rd. Reservations required 649-2420. 

Hands-On Bicycle Clinic on bicycle safety inspections from 10 to 11 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. Free. 527-4140. 

“Fledglings and Fly In” Bird walk accompanied by a dance performance by Patricia Bulitt at 4 p.m. on the patio behind the Lakeview Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 238-7344. 

“Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal” Reception and book signing with author Anthony Arnove at 2 p.m. at Middle East Children’s Alliance, 901 Parker St. 548-0542. 

Lake Merritt Neighbors Organized for Peace Peace walk around the lake every Sun. Meet at 3 p.m. at the colonnade at the NE end of the lake. 763-8712. lmno4p.org 

Tibetan Buddhism with Rosalyn White on “Is Tibet Forgotten?” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812. www.nyingmainstitute.com 

ONGOING 

Poll Workers Needed in Alameda County for June 6 Primary Election. Poll workers must be eligible to register to vote in California, have basic clerical skills. Training classes begin in May. To sign up call 272-6971. 

CITY MEETINGS 

City Council meets Tues., April 25, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. www.ci. 

berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil 

Civic Arts Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 6:30 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Mary Ann Merker, 981-7533. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/civicarts 

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Gil Dong, 981-5502. www.ci.berkeley.ca. us/commissions/disaster 

Energy Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/energy 

Planning Commission meets Wed., April 26, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Janet Homrighausen, 981-7484. www.ci.berkeley. ca.us/commissions/planning 

School Board meets Wed. April 26, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. Mark Coplan 644-6320. 

Commission on Labor Special Meeting on Workplace Bullying on Wed., April 27, at 5:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Delfina M. Geiken, 981-7550. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/labor 

Zoning Adjustments Board meets Thurs., April 27, at 7 p.m., in City Council Chambers. Mark Rhoades, 981-7410. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/commissions/zoning    

TUESDAY, APRIL 25 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Tell It On Tuesday Original storytelling at 7 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Cost is $8-$12 at the door. www.juliamorgan.org 

Joel Beinin introduces “The Struggle for Sovereignty: Palestine and Israel, 1993-2005” edited by Joel Beinin and Rebecca L. Stein at 5:30 p.m. at Unversity Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Morris Bermanon introduces “Dark Ages America...” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

David Mitchell reads from his new novel “Black Swan Green” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054.  

Larry Vuckovich, jazz piano, at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810. 

Ellen Hoffman Trio and Singers’ Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ.  

Dave Douglas Quintet at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$18. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Randy Craig Trio at 7:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Jazzschool Tuesdays at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 26 

THEATER 

The Marsh Berkeley “Faulty Intelligence”satirical songs by Roy Zimmerman, Wed.-Thurs. at 7 p.m. at 2118 Allston Way, through April 27. Tickets are $15-$22. www.themarsh.org 

FILM 

Film 50: History of Cinema “Wings of Desire” at 3 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Berkeley Treasures “A Conversation with Karl Kasten,” painter and printmaker, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. 644-6893. 

Jonathan Safran Foer introduces his novel “Extremely Loud & Incredibly Close” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Elisa Southard, author of “Break Through the Noise: 9 Tools to Propel Your Marketing Message” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698.  

Cynthia Taylor on her new book “A. Philip Randolph: The Religious Journey of an African American Labor Leader” at 5:30 p.m. at Unversity Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. 

Writing Teachers Write, monthly reading, at 5 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Berkeley Poetry Slam with host Charles Ellik and Three Blind Mice, at 8:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5-$7. 841-2082  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, “Javanese Gamelan” at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley Opera “Chrysalis” by Clark Suprynowicz and John O’Keefe at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300. www.berkeleyopera.org 

UC Jazz Ensembles at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. 841-JAZZ.  

Ned Boynton Trio at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Helsinki Skylight, with bassist Sam Beven, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Track Fighter, The Main Event, The Great Divorce at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886.  

Dave Douglas Quintet at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$18. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, APRIL 27 

EXHIBITIONS 

“100 Families Oakland: Art & Social Change” artwork created by individuals and families from the neighborhood of West Oakland. Opening and family celebration at 6 p.m. at the African-American Museum & Library, 659 14th St., Oakland. 594-3763. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Nomad Spoken Word Night at 7 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Louis Uchitelle discusses “The Disposable American: Layoffs and Their Consequences” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Daniel Alarcón discusses his collection of short stories “War by Candlelight” at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Public Library, 125 14th St. 238-3134. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

“I’m A Performer” Concert with Malcolm X and LeConte students at 8:30 a.m. at Malcolm X School, 1731 Prince St. 841-2800. 

Kitka “Spirit Voices” with Bulgarian folk singer Tzvetanka Varimezova at 8 p.m. at First Unitarian Church, 685 14th St., at Castro, Oakland. Tickets are $20-$22. 444-0323. www.kitka.org 

New Century Chamber Orchestra performs Puccini, Beethoven, Bermel and Rhode at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $28-$42. 415-357-1111. www.ncco.org 

Girl Talk at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $5. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Tom Huebner, Steven Pile, Powell St. John at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

Eric Muhler Duo at 8 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Showtime @ 11 Hip Hop at 10 p.m. at the Ivy Room, 585 San Pablo Ave. at Solano. 524-9220. www.ivyroom.com  

John Jorgenson Quartet, American gypsy jazz, at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $14-$20. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Selector: Project Pimento at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 28 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “The Devil’s Disciple” by G.B. Shaw, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through May 6. Tickets are $12. 649-5999. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Aurora Theatre “Small Tragedy” Wed.-Sat at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 14. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

BareStage “The Fantasticks” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. April 23 and 30 at 2 p.m., through April 30, at the basement of Cesar Chavez Student Center, UC Campus. Tickets are $8-$12. 642-3880. barestage.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley Rep “The Glass Menagerie” at 8 p.m. at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. Tickets are $59. Runs through May 31. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Animal Crackers” at 8 p.m. Fri and Sat., and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Contra Costa Civic Theater, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito, through May 20. Tickets are $12-$20. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Impact Theater “Money & Run Episode 4: Go Straight, No Chaser,” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave. Cost is $10-$15. Runs through May 27. 464-4468. www.impacttheater.com 

Masquers Playhouse “Relative Values” by Noel Coward. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through May 6. Tickets are $15. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Subterranean Shakespeare “Richard III” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. at Rose in Live Oak Park, through May. 20. Tickets are $12-$17. 276-3871. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Unfinished Story” Art exhibit on the interplay between traditional and modern Vietnamese culture by Chau Huynh. Reception at 6 p.m. at Worth Ryder Art Gallery, 116 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. 961-1682. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Strictly Speaking: Michael Feldman’s Whad’Ya Know? at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Michael Pollan describes “The Omnivore’s Dilemma: A Natural History of Four Meals” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera “Chrysalis” by Clark Suprynowicz and John O’Keefe at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300. www.berkeleyopera.org 

Berkeley Dance Project 2006 Works by Margaret Jenkins, Reggie Wilson and Ellis Wood Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $8-$14. 642-9925. 

Paufve Dance “The Big Squeeze” at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz at College. Tickets are $10-$15. Reservations required. 428-9713. www.paufvedance.org 

Tito y Su Son, traditional Cuban dance music at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $12. 849-2568.  

Full on Fly Head, Quadraped, The Ghost Next Door at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886.  

E.W. Wainright’s African Roots of Jazz at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $7. 841-JAZZ.  

Vismaya Lhi, soprano, Cara Bradbury, piano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12. 848-1228.  

Zazen with guitarist Joaquin Lievano and bassist Andy West, at 7:30 p.m. at Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $5-$15. www.zazentour.com  

Sambadá, Brazilian, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Listen, meditative sound recordings at 8 p.m. at Studio Rasa, 933 Parker St. Cost is $10-$18. 843-2787. www.studiorasa.org 

Ron Thompson, blues, at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Kathy Larisch & Carol McComb at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Bob Dalpe Quartet at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Kenny Dinkin and Lemon Juju at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Rube Waddell, Acoustic Virgin, Vermillion Lies at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Monster Squad, Action, Peligro Social at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Brazuca Brown at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Rachelle Ferrell at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $15-$30. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, APRIL 29 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Celebrating North Richmond History” with art and culture exhibits, speakers, music and community resources, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Shields-Reid Community Center, 1416 Kelsey St., Richmond. Sponsored by Contra Costa Health Services. 925-313-6862. 

Paintings by Keeyla Meadows Reception at 4:30 p.m. at Bucci’s, 6121 Hollis, Emeryville. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

6th Berkeley Poetry Festival from noon to 6 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst St. Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to poet Maggi H. Meyer. Free. 981-5190. 

“Chinese American Voices: From the Gold Rush to the Present” A panel discussion with Judy Yung, Him Mark Lai, Ling-chi Wang and others at 2 p.m. at Heller Lounge, MLK Student Union, UC Campus. Sponsored by Eastwind Books of Berkeley. 548-2350.  

Sebastian Junger looks at race and justice in “A Death in Belmont” at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. 845-7852.  

Celebration of the Life & Work of Octavia Butler at 3 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Dance Project 2006 Works by Margaret Jenkins, Reggie Wilson and Ellis Wood at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $8-$14. 642-9925. 

Paufve Dance “The Big Squeeze” at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz at College. Tickets are $10-$15. Reservations required. 428-9713.  

“Migrating Woman with Bird” dance performance by Patricia Bulitt at 3 p.m. at Lakeview Public Library, 550 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 238-7344. 

Zakir Hussain, tabla, presents Masters of Percussion at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$46. 642-9988. twww.calperfs.berkeley.edu  

World Dance Salon performances by KaUaTuahine Polynesian Dance Company, Chhandam School of Kathak North Indian Classical Dance and Bharata Natyam of South India at 8 p.m. at the Mahea Uchiyama Center for International Dance, 729 Heinz Ave. Free. 845-2605. 

The 15th Annual Opera Scenes at 8 p.m. at Valley Center of the Performing Arts, Holy Names University, 3500 Mountain Blvd. Oakland. Tickets are$5-$15. 436-1330. 

¡La Gran Noche de la Nueva Canción! Grupo Raiz’s 2006 reunion concert, a benefit for the La Peña Community Chorus at 8 p.m. at La Peña. Tickets are $22-$24. 849-2568.  

Slammin’ at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Kotoja at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. African dance lesson at 9 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Cutty Ranks at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.  

Ira Marlowe and Megan McLaughlin at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

House Jacks at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Room, The Hills, Breakpoint at 9 p.m. at Blakes on Telegraph. Cost is $8-$10. 848-0886. www.blakesontelegraph.com 

Mark Levine Trio at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Rhonda Benin & Soulful Strut at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Nathaniel Cooper at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

Cast of Thousands, The Plus Ones, Mike Park at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. All ages show. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Fourtet with Chase Michaels at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Go It Alone, Paint It Black, The Loved Ones at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Rachelle Ferrell at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $15-$30. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, APRIL 30 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Full Circle: Mandala” Paintings by Margaret Lindsey and Susan St. Thomas and pine needle and clay vessels by Melissa Woodburn. Reception at 4 p.m. at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Exhibit runs through May 12. 204-1667. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Iraq: The Logic of Withdrawal” Reception and book-signing with author Anthony Arnove at 2 p.m. at Middle East Children’s Alliance, 901 Parker St. 548-0542 . 

“Jewish Women’s Voices in Prose and Poetry” with Chana Bloch and Elizabeth Rosner at 10:30 a.m. at the BRJCC, 1414 Walnut St. Cost is $5, reservations required. 848-0237. 

Poetry Flash with Luis Garcia, David Gitin, and Belle Randall at 7:30 p.m. at Cody’s Books. Donation $2. 845-7852. www.codysbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Opera “Chrysalis” by Clark Suprynowicz and John O’Keefe at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Theater, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $15-$40. 925-798-1300. www.berkeleyopera.org 

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra presents the Beethoven Mass in C Major, Faure Pavane for Chorus and other musical highlights at 4:30 p.m. at Saint Joseph The Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free admission, donations always welcome. www.bcco.org  

Octangle Wind Quintet presents a benefit concert for Healing Muses, with music by Beethoven, Haydn, Mozart and Jacob at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. 644-6893.  

American Recorder Orchestra of the West “Musical Traditions of Eastern Europe” at 3 p.m. at All Souls Episcopal Church, 2220 Cedar St. richgeis@jps.net 

The Pacific Collegium presents works for double-choir by J. S. Bach and Antonio Vivaldi at 3 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 114 Montecito Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $8-$12.  

“Festival of Spirituals” with Kalil Wilson, tenor and Jeannine Anderson, soprano at 3:30 p.m. at Beth Eden Baptist Church, 1183 Tenth St., at Adeline, Oakland. Tickets are $8-$10. 414-0599. 

College of Alameda Jazz Band performs a free jazz concert from 2 to 6 p.m at the Oakland Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. Families welcome. 748-2213. 748-2312. 

Berkeley Dance Project 2006 Works by Margaret Jenkins, Reggie Wilson and Ellis Wood at 2 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $8-$14. 642-9925. 

Afro-Cuban Folkoric Dance Benefit for the Diaz Dance Foundation at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Paufve Dance “The Big Squeeze” at 8 p.m. at Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, 2704 Alcatraz at College. Tickets are $10-$15. Reservations required. 428-9713.  

Ballet Folklorica “Quetzalli” de Veracruz at 3 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $22-$40. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Charlie King and Karen Brandow at 3 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 2951 Derby St. Donation $10-$20. 

Save Our Steinway Benefit Concert, to restore the 1909 Steinway at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian-Universalists at 2:30 p.m. at 1924 Cedar at Bonita. Donation $5. 841-4824. 

Ronny Cox at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761.  

Brazilian Soul at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

Maria Marquez Quartet at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$15. 845-5373.  

Flamenco Open Stage with Yaelisa & Her Students at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Adrian West at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Saros, Ocean, Embers, The Makai at 5 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $6. 525-9926. 

Rachelle Ferrell at 2 and 8 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $15-$30. 238-9200.

It’s hard not to seem rude and inattentive while talking with Margot Schevill in her home in Berkeley. Hard to keep your gaze from wandering over the walls, tables, and chairs, decorated with colorful paintings and textiles, many from Central America. 

I have known Margot Schevill for about twenty years, but I knew of her—as Margot Blum—more than half a century ago, when we were both students at the old San Francisco State College. I was an unimpressive music major; Margot was an already well-known and rising singer, enrolled in a couple of courses outside the music department, her very presence there a source of pride for my professors. 

When did she start singing? “Oh, I always sang. As a child, when I was Margot Helmuth, I sat out on the front steps of our house on Green Street (in SF, where her widowed mother had moved from Stockton) singing, I hoped, like Deanna Durbin.” 

We laugh, both of us old enough to remember the perennially teenaged, round-faced movie star who sang well enough to do the light classics sometimes inserted into the movies of the 1940s. 

“My mother loved all kinds of music, used to bring home jazz musicians. My brother played stride piano and made records, classical and jazz, in his own studio.  

I started piano lessons at seven. But it wasn’t until I was at Lowell High that a friend talked me into taking singing lessons.” 

A year later she had progressed far enough to sing an aria from Samson and Delilah at her graduation. 

Margot was accepted to Stanford, but her mother suggested that she take a year off to devote herself to music, and find out if a singing career was possible. 

“That meant full time studies in voice, solfeggio, piano, dramatic technique, French.” 

She reels off the names of music teachers who epitomized the best in the San Francisco of the 1950s. 

“Plus ushering at opera, concerts—total immersion,” followed by studies at UC Berkeley in harmony and counterpoint, then at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, studying with John Charles Thomas and Lotte Lehman. 

In 1951 she began singing on high holy days at Temple Emanuel. Soon she was hired to sing at services on all Friday evenings and Saturday mornings. At about the same time she married and became Margot Blum. The next five or six years became the classic juggling act of the woman artist—she had two children, and sang with ensembles of all kinds, including the Civic Light Opera’s 1957 production of South Pacific. 

It was Mary Martin who stopped her after a rehearsal and said, “Why are you wasting your time here?!” She gave Margot the courage to audition for the Merola Program, which grooms promising young soloists for the San Francisco Opera. She was one of the chosen few accepted into the intensive program, which includes free coaching in languages and stage deportment. “You know, like, how to fall and die gracefully.” 

Margot had almost arrived. Almost. 

“There was one problem I already knew about: my voice wasn’t big enough for the San Francisco Opera House. My best chance in opera was to build a career in Europe, where there were many companies and many fine smaller houses.” 

Margot shakes her head. “Impossible.” 

In those days, barely a decade past the Holocaust, the idea of an American Jewish couple raising their children in Europe was unacceptable.  

“It was time to give up my ‘golden ambition’ to do opera.” 

But not to give up singing. Margot hired an agent who kept her busy during the early 1960s, singing at concerts and on radio, performing with numerous ensembles, large and small. 

One high point was Berlioz’s Requiem with the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by the legendary Pierre Monteux. Another was a series of four performances (two Bay Area, two in New York) of Hugo Wolf’s Italian Lieder Book. Margot and James Schwabacher sang (in German) as James Schevill recited his new English translation of the lyrics. 

Around that time her marriage was unraveling, as was Jim’s. They fell in love and  

were married in 1966. By 1968 they were settled in Providence, Rhode Island, where, for the next twenty years, Jim Schevill was to teach and write poetry and plays at Brown University. 

At that point Margot’s story could have become that of the faculty wife with a few music pupils, an occasional singing gig, and—like the vast majority of our best practitioners of all the arts—occasional twinges of regret for the fame and fortune bestowed on the lucky few. Instead, she made a surprisingly smooth turn in a new direction. 

As a faculty wife, she could take classes, gratis, and there was still that B.A. she’d never finished. 

“A friend mentioned Anthropology. I had started weaving. Suddenly or gradually—I don’t know, it all seemed so natural—these two things came together.” 

In 1977 Margot visited Guatamala, her first trip to Central America, and, “I was stunned! The textiles, the colors, the story in every pattern.” 

For the next few years (along with performing and teaching music) Margot studied anthropology at Brown and studied weaving from indigenous masters in Guatamala. Her M.A. thesis: The Persistence of Backstrap Weaving in the Highlands of Guatamla.  

“Everything I’ve done ever since has followed from that.” 

She hasn’t slowed down since she and Jim returned to Berkeley in 1991. She  

has written and co-written many books, most recently The Maya Textile  

Tradition and Maya Textiles of Guatemala: The Gustavus A. Eisen collection,  

1902. 

For several years, whenever you walked through the San Francisco Airport you might see (in those glass cases) Margot’s influence. She was on the team of artists, art historians, and researchers who selected the art displays for the Airport Art Museums. She has curated numerous exhibits, most recently the Southwest Native American Textiles from the collection of Ruth K. Belikov, displayed on the walls of the Mills Building Foyer in downtown San Francisco in 2005. 

Her latest title is advisor to Endangered Threads Documentaries, a project of documentary filmmakers Paul G. and Kathleen M. Vitale, aimed at increasing awareness of indigenous art forms threatened by global economies.  

Check out their beautiful website at www.endangeredthreads.com where you’ll learn how to get Splendor in the Highlands, a DVD narrated by Margot. 

Plans for the future? Margot has been named curator for “Maya Textile Tradition,”  

a major exhibit at the Phoebe A. Hearst Anthropology (Lowie) Museum at the  

University of California, scheduled to open in January 2009. 

Mention music, and Margot will give an informed recommendation for the best  

performances in the Bay Area, most of which she attends. No more singing?  

She shakes her head. “My grandchildren keep nagging me to sing for them, so  

I’ve hit on a compromise. I’ve pulled out all my old tapes and I’ll make a CD for them. That’s like curating too—I have to sort through and select what they might like. Their tastes are so different from ours.” 

By Ken Bullock 

All of us to be replaced 

By a smiling china face ... 

A screen of translucent panels parts reveals a bed with a blonde woman (Marnie Breckenridge as Nelle) in profile, her hand poised above the bed. Running her fingers along the covers, she brings about a curious, profane resurrection that is touched on throughout Berkeley Opera’s Chrysalis. 

Cosmetics magnate Ellen Ermaine (Buffy Baggott) is gently lifted from sleep, while her double, Nelle, crouches behind the bed, watching her impishly, intently, as Ellen fields cellphone calls, regards herself with care in a hand mirror (Nelle always on the other side of the glass), dresses and on to her Big Day, announcing her new beauty line, named after “Hathor The Golden One, Mistress Of Heaven.” 

So the present-day romance of transformation by John O’Keefe unfolds to Clark Suprynowicz’s score in the world premiere of Chrysalis at the Julia Morgan Theatre, an event no aficionado of the performing arts will want to miss.  

Suprynowicz has used other euphemisms for Chrysalis besides opera, but it accomplishes very much what an opera is supposed to: a compounding of the arts through performance, the result of a brilliant collaboration. All at once, it’s splendid orchestral music (by the 20-piece San Francisco Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Berkeley Opera’s Jonathan Khuner, alternating with Sara Jobin), singing, theater and expertly designed spectacle (stage direction and design by Mark Streshinsky). 

John O’Keefe’s libretto is wonderfully operatic, a modern Gothic tale of frantic industry and repressed passion, that reaches back to the Baroque allegories that proliferated as masques and what Monteverdi and Purcell scored. 

The tale is satiric—with a truly satyric chorus—and compels much knowing laughter from the audience. But it’s not Opera Buffa nor Comique, having an air of the fantastic, perhaps distantly reminiscent of The Tales of Hoffmann in tone. 

And the music’s no fantasia. Firmly grounded in the evolution of modern orchestration through the composer’s integral use of the full ensemble, the score touches on various points in that history, from chromaticism to contemporary developments without quoting or becoming a showcase of “hommages.” 

It’s supple enough as a whole piece to move quickly and effortlessly from the shimmer of bright, ascending chords and shimmering allusiveness, but not Impressionistic atmospherics, to wonderful melodic intervals and tunes that are every bit the refreshing airs of true opera, not academic echoing of famous arias. There are excellent passages of flute and percussion, including cymbal and xylophone, and a recurrent mysterious throbbing hum, arrived at by different means (including Rachel Erickson’s electric keyboard) that resembles the sound of a bullroarer, epop—or archaic throat-singing. 

The singers’ excellence extends to their acting, Baggott driven yet more and more haunted as executive Ellen, and Breckenridge pert and insouciant, more kid sister than evil twin. 

Her escape from the mirror and assuming of Ellen’s identity draws universal comment that the metamorphosis is an improvement. 

Igor Vieira as Ellen’s paramour, Timothy—dismissed by rampaging Nelle—inverts his romantic persona in a triumphant display of his own personal cosmetic branding in one of the more outrageously amusing theatrical coups. And John Minagro plays psychiatrist Dr. Zehn with a humorous deadpan, as he glides in and out of the action, seated in his office behind fetishes and statuettes, like the illustrious founder of his profession. 

Mark Streshinsky’s stage design and direction shows the deft, light touch that characterizes Chrysalis throughout. His use of the mobile screen flexibly defines space, from bedroom to psychiatrist’s office to corporate headquarters to the bar where chorus and principals meet and gossip, silently gliding in and out and across stage, clapping shut only once, when the screen seems to swallow the figures it framed. 

Mary Gallahue’s costumes mirror the simple, effective color scheme, from black for the principals and clinical white for chorus and psychiatrist, that allows for the sudden burst of color at the end when Nelle “comes out,” trailed by now-sidelined Ellen. 

“Beauty isn’t skin deep any more.” 

Perfect timing and staging throughout broke down only for a moment as the collaborators appeared together for a happily ragged curtain call. 

Clark Suprynowicz is an occasional contributor to the Berkeley Daily Planet. 

Berkeley Opera presents Clark Suprynowicz’s Chrysalis at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday;  

8 p.m. Friday; and 2 p.m. Sunday.  

Julia Morgan Theatre, 2640 College Ave. For more information or tickets, call (925) 798-1300 or see www.berkeleyopera.org. 

Contributed photo  

Plastic surgery is the topic of the new opera Chrysalis at the Julia Morgan Theatre