FRIDAY, DEC. 1 

Impeachment Banner Fridays at 6:45 to 8 a.m. on the Berkeley Pedestrian bridge between Seabreeze Market and the Berkeley Aquatic Park, ongoing on Fridays until impeachment is realized. www. Impeachbush-cheney.com 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Jon Rosenberg, M.D. on “Infectious Diseases.” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 526-2925.  

“Hasta Cuando?” The Other Face of Mexico” with singer, stroyteller and activist Francisco Herrera at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker School, Marian Hall, 2nd flr., 2125 Jefferson St. (Not wheelchair accessible). 845-4740. 

Berkeley Theater Troup “Pirate Winter Fest” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Tickets are $15-$25. Fundraiser for the January musical. 647-5268. 

“The Motorcycle Diaries” at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., between Broadway and Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Bay Area Green Health Care Awards at 7:30 p.m. at McKinnon Institute, 2940 Webster St., Oakland. Tickets are $15. RSVP to 558-7285. 

ASUC Benefit Art Sale from noon to 5 p.m. at ASUC Art Studio, Lower Sproul Plaza, UC Campus, through Dec. 2. 642-3065. 

Bay Area Homeschoolers’ Craft Fair from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. Donation of $3 and up goes to the Daytime Women’s Drop In Shelter. 

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 

Help Restore Cerrito Creek Plant natives and help to control erosion. Meet at 10 a.m. at Creekside Park, south end of Santa Clara St., El Cerrito. Wear clothes that can get dirty and shoes with good traction. Heavy rain cancels. 848-9358.  

Berkeley Farmers’ Market Holiday Crafts Fair from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Center St. at Martin Luther King Jr. Way with local craftspepole, live music and prepared food. Benefits the Ecology Center. 548-3333.  

American Indian Child Resource Center Pow Wow with Native singing, crafts, foods and activities for children arem 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and SUn. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Laney College Gymnasium, 900 Fallon St., Oakland. 208-1870. www.aicrc.org 

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant’s Crafts Fair Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Proceeds benefit local refugee work, women’s coops in Central America, Africa and Asia, and street children in Haiti. 540-5907. 

Palestinian Handicraft Sale From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Berkeley Friends' Meeting, 2151 Vine, with embroidery, olive oil, olive woodcrafts, hand blown glass and ceramics, soaps, honey, textiles and more. 548-0542. 

Fungus Fair, a celebration of wild mushrooms from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

Berkeley Historical Society Walking Tour “Historic Claremont Hotel and Gardens” at 10 a.m. Cost is $8-$10. To register call 848-0181.  

“How to Prune and Divide Perennials” With Aerin Moore at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens, 729 Heinz Ave., off Seventh St. 644-2351. 

“Lead Safety for Remodeling, Repair, and Painting” This class leads to a Notice of Completion in training and meets the minimum training requirements for some federally assisted housing including Section 8. From 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Alameda County Lead Poisoning Prevention Program Main Office, 2000 Embarcadero, #300, Oakland. Call for cost and to register. 567-8280. www.aclppp.org/ledtrain.shtml 

Sick Plant Clinic Dr. Robert Raabe, plant pathologist, and Dr. Nick Mills, entomologist, will diagnose plant illnesses and recommend remedies. Bring a piece of the plant in a securely sealed container. A zipperlock bag is ideal. From 9 a.m. to noon at Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Dr. 643-2755. 

Small Press Distribution Open House from noon to 4 p.m. with music and author readings and book sale, 1341 7th St. at GIlman. 524-1668. 

Healing Circle for Animals at 4 p.m. at RabbitEars, 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington. Cost is $25. 525-6155. 

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

SUNDAY, DEC. 3 

Richmond Art Center Holiday Arts Festival with silent art auction, art and craft sale, art activities for children and more, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave. at 25th St. 620-6772. www.richmondartcenter.org 

Fungus Fair, a celebration of wild mushrooms from noon to 5 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

Recycled Craft Sale sponsored by The Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave., near Dwight Way. 548-3402.  

Benefit for Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters with live music and buffet at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 1305 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $8. 548-3113. 

People’s Weekly World/Nuestro Mundo Banquet honoring organizations and leaders for peace, equality, labor and immigrant rights, at 2 p.m. at the Snow Building, 9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland. Cost is $40, reservations required. 251-1050.  

“The Divine Feminine in the World’s Religions: Hinduism and Buddhism” with Anna Matt of the GTU at 9:30 a.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. 525-0302, ext. 306. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Lama Palzang and Pema Gellek on “Sacred Tibet” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 843-6812.  

MONDAY, DEC. 4 

The People’s Park Community Advisory Board meets at 7 p.m. at Trinity Methodist Church, 2362 Bancroft at Dana, to discuss the removal of the buffer mounds and trees on the edges of the Community Gardens in People’s Park. People concerned about preserving the natural environment and volunteer history of this famous Park should attend.  

“Corte Madera Watershed” with Charles Kennard at the Friends of Five Creeks meeting at 7 p.m. at the Albany Community Center, 1249 Marin Ave. Free and open to all. 848-9358. www.fivecreeks.org 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. Join us to work on current issues around police misconduct. 548-0425. 

Sleep Soundly Seminar at 6:30 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Lakeview Branch, 550 El Embarcadero.  

TUESDAY, DEC. 5 

UC Regents Meeting in SF to decide the fate of the oak trees in Berkeley. Save the Oaks at the Stadium will arrange carpools to the meeting, scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at UCSF’s Mission Bay campus in the Community Center building, 1675 Owens St. in SF. Contact us for information and to share rides info@saveoaks.com or 841-3493.  

The Future of Lower Codornices Creek is in Your Hands The Codornices Creek Watershed Council is sponsoring a meeting so that the public can learn about restoration plans for the lower portion of Codornices Creek above Frontage Road and I-80 to the Union Pacific railroad tracks. It will include a presentation by Far West Restoration Engineering on restoration designs and land use scenarios for this area. From 7 to 9 p.m. at Four Corners Room, University Village Community Center, 1123 Jackson St., Albany. Enter UC Village from 8th St. 452-0901. 

“Surviving the Next Pandemic: Bird Flu and Other Emerging Infectious Diseases” with Michael Greger, M.D. at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Free, but RSVP requested. 925-487-4419. 

“When the Environment and Politics Collide: Recent Developments in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta” With Mike Taugher, environmental raporter, Contra Costa Times, at 5:30 p.m. at Golman School of Public Policy, Room 250, UC Campus. 642-2666. 

Senior Strength Training at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley YMCA, 2001 Allston Way. Free and open to the public. To register call 848-6834, ext. 502. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Wreath Making Workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $25-$30. Registration required. 643-2755. 

Discussion Salon on Homeland Security at 7 p.m. at JCC, 1414 Walnut.  

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. 

Berkeley Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m., at the Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. 548-3991.  

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6  

Wreath Making Workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. at the UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive. Cost is $25-$30. Registration required. 643-2755. 

“Liberty and Leviathan” An evening with Robert Higgs discussing his new book “Depression, War and Cold War” and Thomas S. Szasz. Reception at 6:30 p.m., program at 7 p.m. at The Independent Institute, 100 Swan Way, Oakland. Cost is $10-$15. 632-1366.  

“The Role of Petroleum in the International World of High Finance” with Al Goldman at 1 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center, 1901 Hearst Ave. 981-5190. 

“Skiing Colorado’s 14ers” with free skier Chris Davenport at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

New to DVD “40 Up” at 7 p.m. at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

“Shadya” a documentary of a young Muslim girl in Israel who becomes a karate champion at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200.  

Red Cross Blood Drive from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m at UCB Fiji fraternity, 2395 Piedmont Ave. To schedule an appointment see www.BeADonor.com 

Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 10 a.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Registration required. 594-5165. 

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. 

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.  

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 

Returning the Oakland School Oakland School District to Local Control, with Sandre Swanson, Betty Olson-Jones, Dan Siegel and others, at 7 p.m. at OUSD, 1025 Second Ave., Oakland. 

Avatar Metaphysical Toastmasters Club meets at 6:45 p.m. at Spud's Pizza, 3290 Adeline at Alcatraz. namaste@avatar. 

freetoasthost.info 

ONGOING 

UN Association’s UNICEF & Fair Trade Gift Center Closing Sale, Tues.-Sat. noon to 5 p.m. to Dec. 16, 1403 Addison St. 849-1752. 

Holiday Food Drive Sponsor a Food Drive. Help the Food Bank reach its goal of collecting food for families in need during the holiday season. 635-3663, ext. 318. www.accfb.org  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon. Dec. 4, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

Parks and Recreation Commission meets Mon., Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5158.  

Peace and Justice Commission meets Mon., Dec. 4, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5510.  

City Council meets Tues., Dec. 5, at 7 p.m in City Council Chambers. 981-6900. 

Commission on the Status of Women meets Wed., Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5190.  

Disaster and Fire Safety Commission meets Wed., Dec. 6, at 7 p.m., at the Emergency Operations Center, 997 Cedar St. Gil Dong, 981-5502.  

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed. Dec. 6, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Energy Commission meets Wed., Dec. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Neal De Snoo, 981-5434.  

School Board meets Wed. Dec. 6, at 7:30 p.m., in the City Council Chambers. 644-6320. 

Housing Advisory Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5400.  

Landmarks Preservation Commission meets Thurs., Dec. 7, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Gisele Sorensen, 981-7419.

FRIDAY, DEC. 1 

THEATER 

Altarena Playhouse “ The Man Who Saved Christmas” at holiday family musical Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 1409 High St., Alameda, through Dec. 17. Tickets are $15-$18. 523-1553.  

Aurora Theatre “Ice Glen” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through Dec. 10. Tickets are $38. 843-4822.  

Berkeley Theater Troup “Pirate Winter Fest” at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. at Bonita. Tickets are $15-$25. Fundraiser for the January musical. 647-5268. 

Berkeley Rep “All Wear Bowlers” at the Roda Theater, 2015 Addison St. through Dec. 23. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2949. 

Berkeley Rep “Passing Strange” at the Thrust Stage, 2025 Addison St. through Dec. 3. Tickets are $45-$61. 645-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater, “And Then There Were None” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave., at Moeser, El Cerrito, through Dec. 9. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132.  

Impact Theater “Jukebox Stories” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through Dec. 10. Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468.  

Masquers Playhouse “Company” by Stephen Sondheim and George Furth, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through Dec. 16.. Tickets are $18. 232-4031.  

Naked Masks “Far Away” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. Sun. at 7 p.m. at Berkeley City Club. Tickets are $10-$20. Runs through Dec. 17. 883-9872. www.nakedmasks.org 

Shotgun Players “The Forest War” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through Jan 14. Sliding scale $15-$30. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The 99 Cent Show” Reception at 7 p.m. at Boontling Gallery, 4224 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 295-8881. 

“Small Works: A Members’ Show” opens at 6 p.m. at Mercury 20 Gallery, 25 Grand Ave. at Broadway, Oakland.  

FILM 

Janus Films: “The Rules of the Game” at 7 p.m. and “Samurai Rebellion” at 9:10 at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Blue Collar Poems-Journeyman Songs” with Armando Garcia-Davila and David Madgalene, bilingual poetry and prose, at 7:30 p.m. at PSR Chapel, Pacific School fo Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. 707-836-9586. 

“California as Muse: The Art of Arthur & Lucia Mathews” A walk through the exhibition with curator Harvey L. Jones at 7 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“How We Almost Lost the Marais” A slide-show with Leonard Pitt on the historic district of Paris, at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Jennifer Abrahamson will discuss her new book, “Sweet Relief: The Story of Marla Ruzicka” the human rights activist who was killed by a road-side bomb in Iraq, at 7:30 p.m. at Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$12 at independent bookstores. 415-255-7296 ext. 253.  

Sabrina Orah Mark and Susan Maxwell, poets at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Berkeley High School Jazz Ensemble Fall Concert at 7:30 p.m. at the Florence Schwimley Little Theater, Berkeley High School campus. Tickets are $3-$10, available only at the door, Free for BHS students and staff. 528-4074.  

Tallis Scholars at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way Pre-performance talk at 7 p.m. Tickets are $46. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

“Hasta Cuando?” The Other Face of Mexico” with singer, stroyteller and activist Francisco Herrera at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker School, Marian Hall, 2nd flr., 2125 Jefferson St. (Not wheelchair accessible). 845-4740. 

Young Musicians Program Sing-Along Messiah at 7:30 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $15. 642-2686. 

Jesse De Natale at 3 p.m. at Down Home Music, 10341 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. 525-2129. 

Carne Cruda at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568.  

Jim Ryan in Trio at 8 p.m. at 1510 8th St., Oakland. Donation $5-$15. sfjazzmusic@yahoo.com 

Culture Shock and Miss Kim’s World Hip-Hop Showcase at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $12-$18. 800-521-8311. 

John Santos Quartet “Standards the Latin Way” at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $10. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Kenny Washington & His Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Albany Music Fun Benefit with Rhythm Bound and Albany High School Jazz Band at 8 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Patrick Landeza, Hawaiian Christmas celebration at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Ravines and Stevie Barsotti at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Chow Nasty, The Dead Hensons at 9 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Nels Cline Singers, Rova Saxaphone Quartet at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $8. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Taj Mahal Trio at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200.  

SATURDAY, DEC. 2 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Los Mapaches, traditional songs from the Andes, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Dinosaur Alphabet” with author Harry S. Robins at 1 p.m. at the Junior Center of Art & Science, 558 Bellevue Ave, off of Lake Merritt, Oakland. 839-5777. 

Fratello Marionettes “The North Pole Review” at 2 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, Montclair Branch, 1687 Mountain Blvd. 482-7810. 

“Chain Letter” Illustrator Doug Dworkin will tell stories and teach you how to create a linking chain, from 1 to 4 p.m. at Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., Oakland. Free. 465-8770. www.mocha.org 

“Little Nemo in Circusland” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $8-$14. 925-798-1300. www.juiamorgan.org 

Elmwood Theater Matinee Benefit for local schools showing “Sponge Bob Square Pants” at 10 a.m. and noon, and noon on Sun. Cost is $2. Sponsored by Elmwood merchants. 843-3794. 

Andy Z with musical pirates, squirrels, dinosaurs and more at 11 a.m. at Studio Grow, 1235 10th St. Cost is $6. 526-9888. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Winter Bright” ceramic sculptures by Elizabeth Orleans, and acrylic paintings by Rosalie Cassell and Diane Rusnak. Reception at 4 p.m. at the Community Art Gallery, Alta Bates Summit Medical Center, 2450 Ashby Ave. Exhibit runs through Jan. 5. 204-1667.  

THEATER 

Living Arts Playback Theater at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. Sliding scale $12-$18. Reservations recommended. 655-5186, ext. 25. 

FILM 

Janus Films: “Beauty and the Beast” at 5 p.m. and Jacques Rivette “La belle noiseuse” at 7 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Lisa Robertson, Stephen Ratcliffe, Marvin White and others read at 2 p..m. at Small Press Distribution Open House 1341 7th St. at GIlman. 524-1668. 

Bay Area Poets Coalition open reading at 3 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge dining hall, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. 527-9905. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Dulcimates, dulcimer music at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Free. 228-3218.  

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra presents Bernstein’s Chichester Psalms, Copland’s “American Songs” and others at 8 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org 

The Maybeck Trio, Roy Zajac, clarinet, Elaine Kreston, ‘cello, Jerome Kuderna, piano, at 8 p.m. at Trinity Chapel, 2320 Dana St. TIckets are $8-$12. 549-3864 www.trinitychamberconcerts.com 

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra performs Bach’s complete “Christmas Oratorio” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $29-$67. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

Parranda Navideña, with the Venezuelan Music Project at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Zoe & Dave Ellis at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Anoush’s Last Farewell Dance with Brass Menazheri at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Balkan dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $11-$13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Culture Shock and Miss Kim’s World Hip-Hop Showcase at 7:30 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $12-$18. 800-521-8311. 

Sotaque Baiano, Brazilian, at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10. 548-1159.  

David Serotkin and Brad “The Dudeboy” Rogers at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344.  

Fishtank Ensemble at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761.  

Kenny Washington Quartet at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $12-$18. 845-5373.  

Ben Adams Jazz Group at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. Cost is $3. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Mirthkon, Kids & Hearts at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Jean White and Friends, folk, blues, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7-$10. 558-0881. 

Dekoiz, The Abuse, 2nd Class Citizen, Violation at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $5. 525-9926. 

SUNDAY, DEC. 3 

CHILDREN 

“Little Nemo in Circusland” at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts. Tickets are $8-$14. 925-798-1300. www.juiamorgan.org 

Freddi Zeiler introduces “A Kid’s Guide to Giving” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Los Hilos de la Vida: Threads of Life” Latina themed folkloric story quilts by women and children from Anderson Valley opens with a reception at noon at Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery, 5741 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 601-4040, ext. 111. 

“Generations in Wood” Art Exhibition at Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St. Sidewalk reception at 4 p.m. Exhibition runs to Jan. 14. 981-7541.  

“The Gift of Art” Group show of small art works through Jan. 7 at Cecile Moochnek Gallery, 1809-D Fourth St. www.cecilemoochnek.com 

Semina Culture: Wallace Berman and His Circle Guided tour at 1 and 3 p.m. in Gallery 2, Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

FILM 

Beat-Era Cinema “Tarzan and Jane Regained ... Sort Of” at 2 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Yiddish Films “Mamele” at 3 p.m. and “Kitka and Davka in Concert” at 4 p.m. at the JCC, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Pen Oakland-Josephine Miles National Literary Awards, hosted by Tennessee Reed and Lucha Corpi, at 2 p.m. at Oakland Public Library, West Auditorium, 125 14th St. Free. 228-6775. 

Aurora Script Club with Paul Heller and Lauren Grace on Chekov’s “The Seagull” at 7:30 p.m. at The Aurora Theater. 843-4822. 

“Ira Nowinski’s San Francisco” a panel discussion with Jack Hirschman, Malcom Margolin and Ira Nowinski at 3 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

Readings of New Books from Zeitgeist Press at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Poetry Flash with Jennifer K. Sweeney and Clare Rossini at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Community Chorus and Orchestra presents Bernstein’s “Chichester Psalms,” Copland’s “American Songs” and others at 4:30 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations welcome. www.bcco.org 

The Temescal Trio “Music for Marfan” Benefit Concert, chamber music at 3 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. 415-665-7244. 

Sorelle, woman’s vocal ensemble performs choral selections at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Free. 228-3218.  

California Bach Society “In Dulci Jubilo” at 4 p.m. at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2300 Bancroft Way. TIckets are $10-$35. Receptionfollows. 415-262-0272;. www.calbach.org  

Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra performs Bach’s complete “Christmas Oratorio” at 7 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $29-$67. 415-392-4400. www.philharmonia.org 

Voci Women’s Vocal Ensemble “Voices in Peace” music from the Americas at 3 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$20. 531-8714. www.vocisings.com 

Cantare Con Vivo performs Bach, Gabrieli, Boito and Grieg at 3 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 27th and Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $10-$32. 925-798-1300. 

The Takacs Quartet at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Pre-performance talk at 2 p.m. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Handel’s “Messiah” Sing Along at 6 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Suggested donation $10. 525-0302. www.uucb.org 

Mercury Dimes, Pat Nevin and others in a benefit for the Bay Area Coalition for Headwaters at 6 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 1305 Shattuc Ave. Cost is $8. 548-3113. 

Twang Cafe featuring Brian Joseph and Lila Nelson at 7:30 p.m. at Epic Arts, 1923 Ashby Ave. Cost is $5-$10, all ages welcome. www.twangcafe.com 

The Bills at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $17.50-$18.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Bill Jackman Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Jeannie Cheatham at 4:30 at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Boots Riley, Ise Lyfe, Ras Mo and others at 7 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $7-$10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sam Misner & Megan Smith at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

MONDAY, DEC. 4 

EXHIBITIONS 

“The Quarterly at Latham Square” Work by Raymond Haywood, in the lobby at Latham Square, 1611 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. Open weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 763-9425. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Gregory M. Franzwa on the transcontinental road from Manhattan to San Francisco “The Lincoln Highway” at 7 p.m. at the Rockridge Branch of the Oakland Public Library, 5366 College Ave. 597-5017. 

Actors Reading Writers “Christmas Past,” works by Truman Capote and Dylan Thomas at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. 

Amy Gorman will talk about “Aging Artfully: 12 Profiles: Visual and Performing Women Artists Aged 85-105” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Last Word Poetry Series with Janell Moon, Jeanne Wagner and Alice Templeton at 7 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Poetry Express with Hassan Jones-Bay and Jamie K at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. berkeleypoetryexpress@yahoo.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Guinga at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, DEC. 5 

EXHIBITIONS 

“eARTh MATTERS” A exhibition of environmental art opens with a reception at 4 p.m. at the June Steingart Gallery, Laney College Campus, Tower Bldg, 900 Fallon St. and runs through Dec. 22. 841-0588. 

FILM 

Radical Closure “War: The Visible Signs” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Piri Thomas reads from “Stories from El Barrio” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Frank Portman reads from “King Dork” at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Janell Moon, poet, and Kaylah Marin, singer/songwriter, at Works in Progress Women’s Open Mic, at 7:30 p.m. at Montclair Women's Cultural Arts Club, 1650 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. Cost is $10. 276-0379. 

Sandor Katz on “The Revolution Will Not Be Microwaved: Inside America’s Underground Food Movements” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave. 548-2220. 

Freight and Salvage Open Mic at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $4.50-$5.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

The Canadian Brass at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $24-$48. 642-9988. www.calperfs.berkeley.edu 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun/zydeco dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

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

Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta II at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

WEDNESDAY, DEC. 6 

CHILDREN 

Fratello Marionettes “Peter and the Wolf” at 7 p.m.. at Oakland Public Library, Main Library Children’s Room, 125 14th St. 238-3615. 

THEATER 

Azeem’s “Rude Boy” Wed.-Thurs. at 8 p.m. at The Marsh, 2120 Allston Way, through Dec. 14. Tickets are $15-$22. 415-826-5750. www.themarsh.org 

FILM 

“Shadya” a documentary of a young Muslim girl in Israel who becomes a karate champion at 6 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak Sts. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. www.museumca.org 

“Still Kicking” a documentary on six older women who are still performing at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Benefit for the Over 60 Health Center. Donation $10. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Switch Off” A documentary on the struggle of Chile’s indigenous people to control their water at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Julia Scheeres describes growing up in a Christian fundamentalist family in “Jesus Land” at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way at Telegraph. 848-1196. 

Richard Abrams discusses “America Transformed: Sixty Years of Revolutionary Change 1941-2001” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

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 www.starryploughpub.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Chamber Chorus and University Chorus “A Child Was Born” at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Music for Advent with Ron McKean, organist, at noon at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

WomenSing “Welcome Yule” at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $18-$20. 925-974-9169. www.womensing.org 

Calvin Keys Trio at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $6. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Whiskey Brothers Old Time and Bluegrass at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

Lost Weekend at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Western swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $9. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Rumbache, at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Salsa dance lessons at 8 p.m. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Mysterioso, Gypsy and Klezmer tunes, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

“Music as an Expression of Universal Harmony” Concert and lecture with Chris Caswell and Jon Schreiber at 6 p.m. at the Breema Clinic, 6201 Florio St., Oakland. 428-1234. 

THURSDAY, DEC. 7 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fresh” New work in a variety of media. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Kala Art Institute, 1060 Heinz Ave. Runs through Jan. 27. 549-2977. www.kala.org 

“Whitework Embroidery” at Lacis Museum of Lace and Textiles, 2982 Adeline St. Runs through Feb. 5. Hours are Mon.-Sat. noon to 6 p.m. Free. lacismuseum.org 

Semina Culture: Wallace Berman and His Circle Guided tour at 12:15 and 5:30 p.m. in Gallery 2, Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

Montclair Artists Group Exhibition Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Montclair Gallery, 1986 Mountain Blvd., Oakland. 339-4286. 

THEATER 

Checkov International Theatre “Twelfth Night” at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Playouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $65. 642-9988. 

FILM 

“Intensive Care” short works from the Middle East on the emotional response to violence and conflict at 5:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Free first Thursday. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

M. Nevin Smith on “Native Treasures: Gardening with the Plants of California” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585.  

Michael Lewis talks about his new novel of football “The Blind Side: Evolution of a Game” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Christina Hutchins, poet, at 7 p.m. at the Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 17. 

Lunch Poems with Jack Marshall at 12:10 p.m. in the Morrison Library, in the Doe Library, UC Campus. http://lunchpoems.berkeley.edu 

Tom Laird reads from “Story of Tibet: Conversations with the Dalai Lama” at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

MLK Jr. Middle School Jazz Band and The Potentials Annual Winter Jazz Concert and Fundraiser at 7:30 p.m. at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School Auditorium, 1781 Rose St. at Grant. Admission is free, donations requested. 

Marlon Asher & The Ganja Farmer, from Trinidad, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is tba. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Cris Williamson with Teresa Trull and Barbara Higbie at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Tarabinis with Yancie Taylor at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Eddie Palmieri y La Perfecta II at 8 and 10 p.m. Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $22-$26. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Voodoo Economics, Plot Against Rachel, Farwell Typwriter at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Everyday Stranger, Deep Hello at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $5. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

THE STORY OF A HUMAN RIGHTS ACTIVIST 

Jennifer Abrahamson will discuss her new book, Sweet Relief: The Story of Marla Ruzicka, the human rights activist who was killed by a roadside bomb in Iraq, at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Hillside Club. Tickets can be purchaced for $10-12 at local independent bookstores. 2286 Cedar St. (415) 255-7296 ext. 253. 

50 YEARS OF CLASSIC ARTHOUSE CINEMA 

Pacific Film Archive will continue its tribute to Janus Films with screenings of two French clasics. Jean Renoir’s The Rules of the Game (1939), considered by many to be one the greatest films ever made, shows at 7 p.m. Friday, and Jean Cocteau’s Beauty and the Beast (1946) shows at 5 p.m. Saturday. $4-$8. 2575 Bancroft Way. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu. 

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS WITH BACH 

The Philharmonia Baroque Orchestra will perform Bach’s Christmas Oratorio at 7:30 p.m. Saturday and again at 7 p.m. Sunday at the First Congregational Chuch. $29-$67. 2345 Channing Way. (415) 392-4400. www.philharmonia.org. 

QUILTS EXHIBIT TELLS LATINA STORIES 

“Los Hilos de la Vida: Threads of Life,” an exhibit of Latina-themed folkloric story quilts by women and children from Anderson Valley, will open with a reception at noon Sunday at the Women’s Cancer Resource Center Gallery. 5741 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 601-4040 ext. 111.

Anselm Kiefer was born in Germany in 1945, a few months before the end of World War II. The horror of the Nazi regime and the divided nation in which he grew up find stronger response in his work than it has in many of his contemporaries. In fact, it is the most powerful work to come out of Germany, Kiefer delves into history and mythology—Greek, Nordic and especially the Bible and the Kabbala. He is well versed in modern poetry as well as art and its history. 

The superb exhibition, entitled “Heaven and Earth” deals with grand themes of life on this planet, which is dark. But earthly destruction, in Kiefer’s universe, is allied to heavenly knowledge. The artist made many beautiful paintings of battlefields after the war when the earth was scorched and its surface ashen.  

In “Falling Stars” (1995) a man—his own likeness—naked from the waist up, is stretched out on the earth, the sky and its innumerable stars. In ancient myths celestial bodies determined human destiny, which was “written in the stars.”  

In other canvases, such as “In the Beginning” (2003) and “Melancholia” (2004) we see geometric figures in grey skies above turbulent seas. The polyhedron in the latter refers to the famous “Melancholia” by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Durer. As Michael Auping, the curator of this exhibition writes in the catalogue, in “Im Anfang” and “Melancholia” Kiefer pits the rational architecture of the mind against the potentially unformed nature of the cosmos, imagining one explanation for our origin.  

He has said “It is the artist’s job to imagine the most impossible things. There are no answers. They are just possible entries into hidden things.” 

Kiefer’s canvases are painted with thick heavy materials. He may use combinations of oil, shellac, acrylic, straw, semen, achieving a powerful solidity that confronts the viewer and makes him/her stop in astonishment in front of these mural-like paintings. And the three-dimensional objects in the show are made of lead.  

The monumental “Wings” (1992-94) is a massive tome, which lies open on a high lectern. It has majestic wings which spread out to a width of 13 feet. Or “The Secret Life of Plants” (2001) is more than six feet high. He has said that ancient forests and plants “may contain secret knowledge.” He is fond of double meanings that may provide entry to the mysteries of the world. In his mysterious field of stars on the lead pages of the heavy book he has added the NASA identification numbers. 

This amazing fusion of mythology and science is essential to Kiefer’s work. Many of the sheets of lead were taken from the roof of Cologne Cathedral’s building which has played a significant role in German history and folklore. Lead, of course, was the material which the alchemists hoped to transform into gold. They also believed that this transformation could lead to higher consciousness, which of course, is the ultimate function of art. At this time, with the market rather than the artists’ work driving the art world, we rarely encounter such transcendence. Anselm Kiefer is one of the few living artists who accomplishes this task with the utmost painterly skill and with fervent passion. 

ANSELM KIEFER: HEAVEN AND EARTH 

Through Jan. 21 at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art. 151 Third St. San Francisco. (415) 357-4000. www.sfmoma.org. 

Photograph: Sternenfall (“Falling Stars”) (1995). (1992-94).

Pacific Film Archive will present a series of seven samurai films beginning today and running through Dec. 17. 

Most of the films come courtesy of Janus Films, the great American distributor of foreign arthouse cinema whose 50th anniversary PFA has been honoring in another ongoing series.  

But the samurai series ain’t quite as highbrow as all that. Not on the surface, at least. These are popular entertainments, full of action and humor. But look closer and you’ll see films full of art and artistry, of complex themes and human struggle worthy of the highest forms of art, here dressed in violent period melodrama. 

Of course no samurai series would be complete without the best samurai film of them all, Akira Kurosawa’s Seven Samurai (1954). Seven Samurai gave rise to an American version, The Magnificent Seven, but the western version pales in comparison to the original. Kurosawa takes his time with each character, presenting a fuller, richer, more engaging ensemble than the swaggering icons played by Yul Brynner et al.  

Kurosawa is represented in the series by two other films as well: Throne of Blood (1957), his samurai adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, and Yojimbo (1961), a brilliant and funny film inspired by American westerns and later remade as a western, albeit an Italian western: Sergio Leone’s Fistful of Dollars. 

But most enlightening films in the series are the lesser-known classics of the genre.  

The series starts with this weekend with two films by Masaki Kobayashi, Samurai Rebellion (1967) and Harakiri (1962). 

Harakiri is a stunning film, a gradually unfolding tale of heartbreak and misfortune that builds toward a climactic act of revenge. Most of the film consists of conversations in which the characters play out a tense, strategic battle of wills, yet now and then the slow-burning tone is punctuated with scenes of sudden violence. 

Kobayashi and photographer Yoshio Miyajima establish themselves quickly as masters of interiors with an opening credits sequence of slow tracking shots which delineate the architectural splendor of a great mansion. The pattern continues throughout the film with beautiful but discreet compositions and graceful tracking shots through corridors and into rooms, with pillars and doors and windows and figures arranged perfectly like stones in a garden.  

Kobayashi often maintains a certain distance from his subjects, unobtrusively watching them as they go about their business. But when the action starts and the tone shifts, so too does the camera, zooming in like a Sergio Leone telephoto shot or tilting toward canted angles a la Orson Welles, signaling a shift in the dramatic action as well as the strategic repositioning of characters within fragile alliances. But Kobayashi also demonstrates his talent for outdoor shots with a one-on-one battle on a windswept plain that contains echoes of Bergman.  

The plot concerns the requisite lone samurai, this time seeking to destroy the facade of nobility and honor maintained by a great clan, and he does so, for the most part, without action but with words. It is like one of those extended endgame scenes in a James Bond movie where the villain stops the show to explicate in great detail for the hero’s benefit the machinations of his nefarious scheme. Only here it lasts two hours and results in a tour de force of swordfight choreography as Tatsuya Nakadai takes on the house’s company of samurai and by extension the entire feudal system. He smashes down doors, breaks through walls, smears the house insignia with the blood of his enemies and dismantles the interiors that Kobayashi had photographed with such care throughout the film, the architecture that had sustained the house and masked its cowardice.  

The series also features two films by director Kihachi Okamoto: Kill! (1968) and Sword of Doom (1966).  

While Kobayashi’s work embodies much of what of what is best in the samurai genre, the films of Kihachi Okamoto elaborately deconstruct these elements in gleeful parodies that, like the Italian westerns of Leone, are equal parts satire and homage. Okamoto’s Kill!, made just six years after Harakiri, picks apart the genre’s stock features and embellishes its humor-laced plot with a score that deconstructs the genre’s musical themes as well, combining Japanese instrumentation with the cartoonishly grand orchestrations of the spaghetti western scores of the 1960s. 

For more information on the samurai series, see Pacific Film Archive’s website: www.bampfa.berkeley.edu

Two new documentaries opening today at Shattuck Cinemas depict complementary aspects of America’s social conscience. The first, Wrestling With Angels, examines the artistic side of social and political engagement in the person of Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Tony Kushner. The second, Beyond the Call, tracks a more grounded, more blue-collar form of humanitarianism by tracking the exploits of a man named Ed Artis who, along with two comrades, stages his own missions to war-torn nations, providing food and supplies to the needy.  

Wrestling with Angels director Freida Lee Mock won an Academy Award for Maya Lin: A Strong, Clear Vision, a portrait of the designer of the Vietnam War and Civil Rights Movement memorials. Her new film follows Tony Kushner around the country during three busy years in his career, from New York to Chicago to Louisiana and even to Berkeley, where Homebody/Kabul played at the Berkeley Rep. It’s an engaging film because Kushner is an engaging man, but viewers hoping to glean deeper insight into his work or into the circumstances of its creation may leave disappointed, for the film provides plenty of details about the man but surprisingly little insight into the artist.  

We hear much about what is great in his work by way of testimonials from friends and actors and from footage of performances, but we hear little criticism. We do hear that there is criticism—in fact, we hear that from Kushner himself—but we hear virtually nothing of its contents.  

What we do learn is that Tony Kushner is an all-around good guy. We know his work gives him great anxiety, and has at times driven him to the consolation of overeating, but the Kushner we see on screen is always smiling, rarely showing signs of inner turmoil or artistic struggle. What elements of his work does he struggle with? What does he see as his weaknesses? What do his critics see as his weaknesses? These questions go unanswered. We hear much of his strengths, much of his successes, but only passing mention of mixed reviews, leaving us apparently to assume that his critics are simply wrong-headed, that they have failed to understand his work. We do not hear the views of detractors, nor of fellow playwrights. What we’re left with is something just slightly more enlightening than a reality show, a glimpse into the lauded life of a man at the peak of his fame. It’s good, but it’s slight. 

Beyond the Call takes a different approach. Adrian Belic, director of the acclaimed Genghis Blues, brings us the tale of less likely heroes, of men whose names you’ve never heard and which you likely won’t remember. This film shows the more practical, pro-active side of social conscience. There is no art or artifice here, no curtain calls, no Pulitzer Prizes or commencement addresses. It is the story of a 50-something man named Ed Artis who decided to apply his talent and determination to the procurement of food and supplies for those who suffered under the Taliban in Afghanistan. This was before 9/11. Yet it was just after the attacks, when most westerners were getting out, that Ed and cohorts Jim Laws and Walt Ratterman went in.  

And they didn’t stop there. This was just the first of many missions that continue today. Knightbridge, as they call themselves, seeks out the most troubled spots on the planet, bringing money, food, tents, medical supplies and even solar equipment to those whose needs have gone unmet by the traditional providers of aid. The trio works by their motto: “High Adventure and Service to Humanity.” They do not engage in proselytizing; there is no agenda. As Artis himself puts it, “We’re not here to change anybody’s politics, we’re not in the God business, and we pay our own way.” 

These are not perfect men by any means. They’re salt-of-the-earth types with the vernacular to back it up. These are simple, behind-the-scenes kinda guys, can-do men of great competence and courage, men with no hesitation or fear. Their achievements and dedication are enough to make you want to put in your notice, sell off all your possessions and join the good fight, the one that doesn’t involve guns or politics or ideology, but merely struggles to ensure the simple dignity of humanity.  

Sure, these are proud men. Sure, they enjoy the attention of the camera. And sure, they get caught now and then in minor acts of grandstanding or patriarchal posing. But they’re easily forgiven. If each one of us had just a fraction of the dedication and follow-through of Ed, Jim and Walt there wouldn’t be half as many problems in this world in need of solutions. And if that knowledge results in a few demonstrations of pride, so be it. They’ve more than earned it. 

Photograph: Ed Artis and Jim Laws travel the world providing humanitarian aid in Beyond the Call.