TUESDAY, APRIL 17 

Berkeley Garden Club Spring Tea and Floral Design Presentation at 1 p.m. at Epworth Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St. Howard Arendtson, owner of H. Julien Designs, will be our guest speaker. Tickets available at the door for $8. 845-4482 . 

Berkeley High School Red and Golden Girls Luncheon for BHS women graduates from the class of 1957 and before at 11 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club. Tickets are $35. 845-5858 or 526-3619. 

Tilden Mini-Rangers An after-school porgram for ages 8-12 to learn about conservvationand nature-based activities. Dress to ramble and get dirty. Cost is $6-$8. 636-1684. 

“Winning the Peace in Afghanistan: Challenges and Opportunities” with Said Tayeb Jawad, Afghan Ambassador to the US, Shamim Jawad, International Chair, Roots of Peace, at 1 p.m. in the Maude Fife Room, 315 Wheeler Hall, UC Campus. 642-9407. 

Climate Protection Lunch for Berkeley Property Owners and Managers on how to take action against global warming at noon at Berkeley Civic Center, 2180 Milvia St., Redwood Room, 6th flr. RSVP to 520-5486. 

“Push and Pull: Free Trade and Immigration” A discussion with journalist David Bacon and Mexican activist Juan Manuel Sandoval, at 7 p.m. at Oakland Workers Center, 2501 International at 25th, Oakland. Suggested donation $10. www.globalexchange.org 

“Climbing the Seven Summits” A slide show with John Christiana who has climbed the highest peak on each of seven continents, at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

“A Game as Old as Empire: The Secret World of Economic Hit Men and the Web of Global Corruption” a discussion with Steven Hiatt, John Perkins, Antonia Juhasz, and others at 7 p.m. at Borders Books, 5903 Shellmound, Emeryville. 654-1633.  

Parent Voices Meeting to organize for Stand for Children Day at 6 p.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 658-7353. 

Discussion Salon on The Job Market 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. 215-7672, 524-9992. 

“Myofascial Pain and Sleep Disorders and Auto-immune Diseases” with Dr. Janet Lord at noon at Maffley Auditorium, Herrick Campus of Alta Bates Medical Center, 2001 Dwight Way. 644-3273. 

Hunger Action Training with the Alameda County Community Food Bank Learn the issues and how to become a successful advocate. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Alameda County Community Food Bank, 7900 Edgewater Drive, Oakland. To register call 635-3663, ext. 307. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Training workshop for volunteers interested in helping the public schools, from noon to 1 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. 644-8833. 

Red Cross Blood Drive from noon to 6 p.m. at East Pauley Ballroom, MLK Student Union, UC Campus. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com (code UCB) 

American Red Cross Blood Services Volunteer Orientation at 6 p.m. at 6230 Claremont Ave., Oakland. Help support the more than 40 blood drives held each month all over the East Bay. Advanced sign-up is required, call 594-5165.  

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

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 

“Blue Grit: True Democrats Take Back Politics from the Politicians” with Laura Flanders at 7:30 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. TIckets are $5, available at independent bookstores. 848-6767, ext. 609. www.kpfa.org 

“Planning for Urban Wildlife” instead of past prectices of extrication and extermination at 1 p.m. at Wurster Hall 315A, UC Campus. http://laep.ced.berkeley.edu/events/colloquium#8  

International Day of Peasant Struggle with an update on Brazil’s Landless Movement at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donations welcome. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

“Antonia” A documentary on female rappers in the outskirts of Sao Paulo at 7 p.m. at 160 Kroeber Hall, UC Campus. Sponsored by the Center for Latin American Studies. 642-2088. 

“Jesus Camp” A documentary about Evangelical Christians at 7 p.m. at the Gray Panthers, 1403 Addison St., behind Andronicos. 548-9696. 

“24 Solo” A documentary sponsored by the NorCal High School Mountain Bike Racing League at 7:30 p.m. at Berkeley Community Theater, Berkeley High Campus. Tickets are $10-$12. 219-9460. www.norcalmtb.org  

“Crude Impact” A documentary on our dependence on fossil fuels at 7 p.m. at the Rockridge Library, 5366 College Ave., near Rockridge BART, Oakland. www.sfbayoil.org/ebpo/ 

New to DVD: “History Boys” at 7 p.m. at JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. Discussion follows. 848-0237. 

Albany Library Evening Book Club meets to discuss “Devil in a Blue Dress” by Walter Mosley at 7 p.m. at The Albany Library, 1247 Marin Ave. 526-3720, ext. 16. 

Free Skool Class on Intro to Sign Language at 6:30 p.m. at the Long Haul, 3124 Shattuck Ave. Free, all welcome. thelonghaul.org 

Walk Berkeley for Seniors meets at 9:30 a.m. at the Sea Breeze Market, just west of the I-80 overpass. 548-9840. 

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 

Civic Berkeley Public Forum Navigating the Maze: Lessons We’ve Learned Speakers from eight different neighborhood groups will what works and what doesn’t in dealing with City Hall, at 7 p.m. at the B-Tech Academy, Multipurpose Room, corner of MLK, Jr. Way and Derby. 273-2496. 

“Africa, Islam & the War on Terror” with Dr. Abdi Samatar, Somali scholar from the Univ. of MN, at 6 p.m. at University Hall, 2199 Addison St. at Oxford. Sponsored by Priority Africa Network & the Center for African Studies. Suggesrted donation $5-$10. 238 8080 ext. 309. 

“Iraq, Iran and the Bush Agenda: The Danger of Wider War, the Challenge of Preventin gIt, and the Urgency of a New Global Dynamic” with Larry Everest at 7 p.m. at Revolution Books, 2425 Channing Way. 848-1196. 

“Design for Ecological Democracy” with author Randolph Hester at 7:30 p.m. at the Builders Booksource, 1817 4th St. 845-6874. 

Paul Hawken on the Worldwide Movement for Social and Environmental Change at 7 p.m. at College Preparatory School, 6100 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $5-$15. 652-0111.  

“Mesoamerica Resiste! ... with the Beehive Collective” on their use of innovative graphics on corporate globalization at 7:30 p.m. at AK Press, 674A 23rd St., Oakland. 208-1700. www.beehivecollective.org 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets to discuss plans to improve People’s Park, business changes on Telegraph Avenue, new police procedures regarding loud parties, at 7:30 p.m. at LeConte School, enter from Russell St. 843-2602. 

“Key Employees: Engage Them or Lose Them” A talk by the Northern California Human Resources Assoc., at 7:30 a.m. at Room 231, The Promenade Bldg., 1936 University Ave. Cost is $30-$50. 415-291-1992. 

Simplicity Forum on “Growing Organic Food in Your Yard, Deck, Neighborhood” with Allie Sullivan, an intern with City Slickers Farm in Oakland, at 6:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, Claremont Branch, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 549-3509.  

Free Diabetes Screening from 8:15 to 11 a.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours beforehand. 981-5332. 

Alcohol Screening from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Options Recovery Services, 1919 Addison St. #204. No appointment necessary. 666-9900. 

Family Story Time for children ages 3-7 at 7 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, North Branch, 1170 The Alameda, at Hopkins. 981-6107. 

Poetry Workshop with Donna Davis, ongoing on Thurs. from 9 a.m. to noon at the JCCEB, 1414 Walnut St. Donation $10 per semester. 848-0237. 

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

avatar.freetoasthost.info  

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 

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 Dr. Fred Nachtwey on “Sleep” 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.  

“Tales of Western Ornithologists” with Harry Fuller at 7 p.m. at the Live Oak Recreation Center. Sponsored by Golden Gate Auddubon Society. Cost is $10-$15. 843-2222. 

Oceans Awareness to bring awareness of the problem of plastic in our oceans at 5 p.m. at Lower Sproul Plaza, UC Campus. Sponsored by CALPIRG. 

Alcohol Free Weekend Can You Do It? Take the sober weekend challenge sponsored by UC Berkeley Health Services. For more information call 642-7202. 

“Tell the Truth and Run: Georges Seldes and the American Press” a film screening at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship, 1924 Cedar St. Donation $10, no one turned away. 528-5403. 

“Life and Debt” A documentary about Jamaicans and their strategies for survival, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., midtown Oakland. Donation $5. www.HumanistHall.net 

Power of Now Group meets to discuss the book “The Power of Now” for ages 50 plus at 7 p.m. at 1471 Addison St, behind 1473 Addison. RSVP sterkjohn@yahoo.com  

Red Cross Blood Drive From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at UCB Unit 2 Dorms, Recreation Room, 2650 Haste. To schedule an appointment go to www.BeADonor.com  

Circle Dancing, simple folk dancing with instruction at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Brotherhood Hall, 1970 Chestnut St at University. Donation of $5 requested. 528-4253. www.circledancing.com 

Conscious Movie Night “The Secret” at 7:30 p.m. at Center of Light, 2944 76th Ave., Oakland. 635-4286. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 

Berkeley Earth Day Fair from noon to 5 p.m. at Civic Center Park, MLK and Allston, with cultural performances, activities, food, craft and community booths. 654-6346. 

Earth Day Restoration & Cleanup Program at Eastshore State Park Meet at 10 a.m. behind Sea Breeze Deli off University Ave. and West Frontage Rd. Bring sunscreen, non-slip shoes or boots, gloves, pick. 544-2515. kfusek@ebparks.org 

Kid’s Garden Club for ages 6-9 to explore the world of gardening, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 636-1684. 

Springtime Pond Plunge See babies of dragonflies, phantom midges, frogs and maybe even newts. Use nets and magnifying glasses to study them up close before we return them to their watery home. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Recycle Computer Equipment to help keep it out of landfills. Bring your items to Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. www.elephantpharm.com  

“The Woodpecker’s Tongue: Accuracy in Drawing Birds” with Dan Gleason at 10 a.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St. Cost is $5-$8. 238-2200. 

“Introduction to Bio-Intensive Gardening” Learn how to feed your family from your own backyard, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Grandma Mary’s Organic Farm, 100 Behrens St., El Cerrito. Cost is $75. 527-9271. www.kleiwerks.org  

The 2007 Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures A celebration of cultural unity with dance, drama, food, arts, crafts, exhibits and children’s activities from around the globe, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. at Bancroft. 642-9461. http://ihouse.berkeley.edu 

Berkeley Alliance of Neighborhood Associations (BANA) meets at 9:30 a.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, Sproul Room, 2727 College Ave. All welcome.  

Peralta Hacienda Historical Park Earth Day Celebration Join us to help clean up the park from 9 a.m. to noon. Meet the Archeologist from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by a community potluck. For information call 532-9142. 

Car Care Clinic for Women Learn how to avoid the scams and learn the basics of auto repair and maintenance, at 10 a.m. at Marty’s Motors, 10929 San Pablo Ave., El Cerrito. Free, but RSVP required. 235-6000. 

John Adams’ 60th Birthday Celebration from 1 to 4 p.m. at Crowden Music Center, 1475 Rose St. 559-6910. jstrauss@crowden.org 

Rotary Club of Berkeley “A Night at the Races” with dinner, auctions and horse-races on large screen video, at 5:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, One Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $50, and funds raised benefit community projects in Berkeley. For reservations call 339-3801. jmasters@cencomfut.com 

Spring Blooming Perennials with Gail Yelland, landscape designer at 10 a.m. at Magic Gardens Nursery, 729 Heinz Ave., off Seventh St. 644-2351. 

California Writers Club meets to discuss action vs procrastination at 10 a.m. at Barnes & Noble, Jack London Square. 272-0120. 

East Bay Atheists meets to watch a video of Richard Dawkins speaking in Lynchburg, Virginia about his latest book, “The God Delusion” at 1:30 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 3rd Floor Meeting Room, 2090 Kittredge St. 222-7580. 

Everyday Safety Skills for Children from 10 a.m. to noon. Cost is $60, scholarships available, Call to register and for location. 831-426-4407. www.kidpower.org 

Luna Kids Dance Spring Gala at 7 p.m. at Clif Bar Theater, 1610 5th St. Donations $35 and up. 644-3629. 

Musical Pizza Fest and Silent Auction to benefit Dandelion Cooperative Preschool at 4 p.m. at Northbrae Community Center, 941 The Alameda. 526-1735. 

Free Car Seat Check-Up Learn how to protect your children and make sure your car seat is installed correctly. From 10 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of St. Columba Church, 6401 San Pablo Ave., at Alcatraz. Free car seats provided to low-income families. For an appointment call 428-3045. 

Families Dealing with Dementia Seminar from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Mercy Retirement & Care Center, 3431 Foothill Blvd., Oakland. Free. 534-8547. www.mercyretirementcenter.org 

Produce Stand at Spiral Gardens Food Security Project from 1 to 6 p.m. at the corner of Sacramento and Oregon St. 

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

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 

People’s Park 38th Anniversary Celebration with music, food and activities for children from noon to 6 p.m. at Perople’s Park, just east of Telegraph Ave. on Dwight Way. www.peoplespark.org 

“Open Garden” Join the Little Farm gardener for composting, planting, watering and reaping the rewards of our work, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Tilden Nature Area, Tilden Park. 525-2233.  

Wild and Native Hike Explore native plants in Wildcat Canyon on a brisk 7-mile hike. Bring lunch, liquids, and layers. Meet at 10 a.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

“Vanishing Victorians” at the Berkeley Historical Society general meeting from 3 to 5 p.m. at 1931 Center St. 848-0181.  

Restore Wetlands in Oakland Volunteer with Save the Bay in a wetland restoration project near the Oakland Airport, a home for many species, including the California Clapper Rail and Burrowing Owl. Volunteers assist our plant propagation efforts in our on-site Wetland Native Plant Nursery from 9 a.m. to noon RSVP to 452-9261 ext. 109.  

Progressive Democrats of the East Bay General Meeting on The U.S. and Iran: The Standoff, Its Origins, and Its Ramifications, with Shahram Aghamir, an Iranian and producer of Voices of the Middle East and North Africa on KPFA Radio; and Sepideh Khosrowjah, an Iranian playwright and peace and social justice activist, from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at 2161 Allston Way. 636-4149. 

Earth Day at the Kensington Farmer’s Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 303 Arlington Ave., Kensington, behind Ace Hardware. 525-7232. 

Music for Babies, parent-led activities in rhythm, finger play, bubbles and more at 9 a.m. at Bananas, 5232 Claremont Ave., Oakland. 658-7353. 

“Living Ship Day” with a commemoration of the “Doolittle Raid” from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Aircraft Carrier UCSS Hornet Museum, Pier 3, 707 W. Hornet Ave., Alameda. Cost is $14 for adults, and $6 for children. 521-8448. 

Berkeley City Club Tour of the “Little Castle” designed by Julia Morgan at 1:15, 2:15 and 3:15 p.m. at 2315 Durant Ave. 883-9710. 

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

MONDAY, APRIL 23 

“The Energy Problem: What the Helios Project Can Do about It” with Steve Chu, Director of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, at 5:30 p.m. at Berkeley Repertory Theater 2025 Addison St. 486-5183. 

Berkeley CopWatch organizational meeting at 8 p.m. at 2022 Blake St. 548-0425.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Berkeley Public Library Ad Hoc Committee on Public Process for Potential Trustees meets at 5 p.m. at the South Branch Library. 981-6195. 

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., April 18, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601.  

Downtown Area Plan Advisory Commission meets Wed., April 18, at 7 p.m. at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7487. 

Human Welfare and Community Action Commission meets Wed., April 18, at 7 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5427. 

Library Board of Trustees meets Wed., April 18, at 7 p.m. at South Branch Library, 1901 Russell. 981-6195.  

Design Review Committee meets Thurs., April 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-7415.  

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., April 19, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.

TUESDAY, APRIL 17 

CHILDREN 

Marie Cartusciello Storyteller for ages 3 and up at 6:30 p.m. at the Kensington Library, 61 Arlington Ave. 524-3043. 

FILM 

“Anger Rising” The restoration of works by Kenneth Anger at UCLA, with film restorationist Ross Lipman at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Aya De Leon and Poetry for the People at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Jerry Beisler reading and slide show from “The Bandit of Kabul” at 7:30 p.m. at Book Zoo, 6395 Telegraph Ave., Oakland. 654-2665. 

Dana Whitaker describes the power of microfinance in “Upending the Status Quo” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Suggested donation $10. 559-9500. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Tom Rigney & Flambeau at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Ledward Kaapana at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $22.50-$23.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

The Kaspar/Sherman Jazz Quartet at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Music of Dharma Lecture with Reverend Hozan Hardiman at 7 p.m. at the Jodo Shinshu Center, 2140 Durant Ave., at Fulton. Cost is $10.  

Matt Wilson’s Arts & Crafts at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$16. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 

EXHIBITIONS 

“eyecatchers” A group show by East Bay women artists. Reception at 6 p.m. at Royal Ground Gallery, 2058 Mountain Blvd., Oakland.  

FILM 

History of Cinema “After Life” at 3 p.m. and “8 Bit” at 8 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808.  

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Holocaust survivor Dora Apsan Sorell introduces her book “Tell the Children: Letters to Miriam” at 6:30 p.m. at North Branch, Berkeley Public Library. 981-6250. 

Cesar A. Preciado-Cruz and Timothy Mason read in honor of National Poetry Month at 7 p.m. at the Richmond Public Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza, near Macdonald and 27th St., Richmond. 620-6561. 

Laura Flanders introduces “Blue Grit: True Democrats Take Back Politics from the Politicians” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $5, available at Cody’s. 559-9500. 

Cafe Poetry hosted by Paradise at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Donations accepted. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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 

Music for the Spirit with Ron McKean on harpsichord, improvisation on Native American ceremonial tunes, at 12:15 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Oakland, 2619 Broadway. 444-3555. 

Berkeley Arts Festival: Sarah Cahill and Joseph Kubera: Terry Riley Four Hand Piano Music at 8 p.m. at 2323 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $10-$20. 665-9496. fabarts@silcon.com 

Junius Courtney Big Band, Pete Escovedo & Friends in a fundraiser for music and arts in the Emeryville schools at 7 p.m. at Expression College for Digital Arts, 6601 Shellmound, Emeryville. Tickets are $50 and up. 601-4999.  

Omar Faruk Tekbilek and his Ensemble, Turkish/Middle Eastern at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $18-$22. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Orquestra La Verdad at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5-$10. 548-1159.  

Taarka at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

The Angry Philosophers at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Paul Monouses at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100.  

Rushad Eggleston & The Butt Wizards at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Faye Carol Sings Billie Holiday at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, APRIL 19 

CHILDREN 

Yolanda Rhodes, Storyteller Stories from the African Diaspora at 1 p.m. at the Temescal Branch Library, 5205 Telegraph Ave. 597-5049. 

THEATER 

“The Other Side of the Mirror” written and performed by Lynn Ruth Miller at 8 p.m. at Spud’s Pizza, 3290 Adeline. Cost is $10. 650-355-4296. 

FILM 

Film and Video Makers at Cal “What’s Love Got to Do with It?” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $4-$8. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Mills College: The Architectural History of Walter H. Ratcliffe, Jr.” A lecture by Woodruff Minor at 5:30 p.m. at the Bender Room, Carnegie Hall, Mills College, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. RSVP to 430-2125 cmilliga@mills.edu 

Jonathan Cohn describes “Sick: The Untold Story of America’s Health Care Crisis and the People Who Pay the Price” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

“Design for Ecological Democracy” with author Randolph Hester at 7:30 p.m. at the Builders Booksource, 1817 4th St. 845-6874. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

U.C. Berkeley The Movement Showcase Thurs and Fri. at 8 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $8 at the door. 

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

Bryan McVicker Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $8. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Diamante, Latin fusion, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Mindx with Melvin Seals, Izabella, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is TBA. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Sun House, Midnite Theory at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $6. 841-2082 www.starryploughpub.com 

The Cuban Cowboys at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $5-$7. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Matt Lucas at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Keiko Matsui at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Headnodic & Raashan Ahmad at 9:30 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $5. 548-1159.  

The Zoopy Show, The Violent High, Joshua Eagle at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Sons of Oswald at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $5. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Machine Love at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

FRIDAY, APRIL 20 

THEATER 

Actors Ensemble of Berkeley “Lysistrata” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Live Oak Theater, 1301 Shattuck Ave. at Berryman, through May 12. Tickets are $12. 525-1620. www.aeofberkeley.org 

Aurora Theatre “Private Jokes, Public Places” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 13. Tickets are $38. 843-4822. 

Barestage “Cabaret” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 72 Cesar Chavez Center, UC Campus, through April 28. Tickets are $8-$12. 642-3880. 

Berkeley Rep “Blue Door” at 8 p.m. at 2025 Addison St., through May 20. Tickets are $45-$61. 647-2949. www.berkeleyrep.org 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “A Streetcar Named Desire” Tennesse Williams’ Pulitzer Prize winning play opens at 8 p.m. Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Contra Costa Civic Theatre, 951 Pomona Ave., El Cerrito. Runs through May 12. Tickets are $8-$11. 524-9132. www.ccct.org  

Impact Theatre “Measure for Measure” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m. at La Val’s Subterranean, 1834 Euclid Ave., through May 26.Tickets are $10-$15. 464-4468. 

Masquers Playhouse “She Loves Me” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2:30 p.m. at Masquers Playhouse, 105 Park Place, Point Richmond, through May 12.Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org  

Shotgun Players “Blood Wedding” Thurs.-Sun. at 8 p.m. at the Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave., through April 29. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500. www.shotgunplayers.org 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Four Decades of Bestselling Poetry” by Small Press Distribution, on display at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St., to April 30. 981-6107. 

“Big World Little World” artwork by Emily Nachison and Robin Weinert. Opening reception at 5 p.m. at Transmissions Gallery, 1177 San Pablo Ave. Exhibition runs through May 31. 558-4084. 

“Un Lugar Solitario” Paintings by Michelle Ramirez. Exhibit closing at 7 p.m. at The Gallery of Urban Art, 1746 13th St., Oakland. 706-1697. 

“Partners in Paint - The Tuesday Drawing Group” exhibition opens with a reception at 6 p.m. at the Addison Street Windows Gallery, 2018 Addison St. 981-7533. 

FILM 

Aki Kaurismäki Film Festival “Man Without a Past” in Finnish with English subtitles, at 7:30 p.m., at Finnish Kaleva Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. Cost is $5. 849-0125. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Nancy Silverton describes “A Twist of the Wrist: Quick Meals with Ingredients from Jars, Cans, Bags, and Boxes” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Cristina Garcia reads from her new novel “A Handbook to Luck” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Dance Project 2007 “The Reception” choreography and tele-immersion technology at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $10-$14. 642-9925. 

Oakland East Bay Symphony at 8 p.m. at Paramount Theater, 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Pre-concert lecture at 7 p.m.. Tickets are $15-$62. 652-8497. www.oebs.org 

University Chamber Chorus will perform the medieval version of Carmina Burana at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-9988. 

Akosua Oakland based, Ghanaian-American singer-songwriter at 8 p.m. at Mills College Concert Hall, 5000 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 430-2255. 

National Jazz Appreciation Month Youth Music Extravaganza at 7 p.m. at Oakland Public Conservatory of Music, 1616 Franklin St., Oakland. 836-4649.  

Dennis Edwards, piano, at 8 p.m. at Giorgi Gallery, 2911 Claremont Ave. Cost is $12-$15. 848-1221.  

Lura, Portuguese chanteuse at 8 p.m. at Wheeler Auditorium, UC Campus, Bancroft Way at Telegraph Ave. Tickets are $30. 642-9988. 

The Michetons, Wetbrain in support of the Algalita Marine Research Foundation at 5 p.m. at Lower Sproul Plaza, UC Campus.  

Friends of Deir Ibzi’a Benefit with the Georges Lammam Ensemble, at 9 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $20. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Stephanie Ozer and Lorenzo Kristov at 8 p.m. at the Jazz 

school. Cost is $10. 845-5373.  

Eric Swinderman Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Pickpocket Ensemble, klezmer-jazz CD release party at 8 p.m. at the Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St Tickets are $10-$15. www.hillsideclub.org 

Albino, The Flux at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Judea Eden Band at 8 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Patty Larkin at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $24.50-$25.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Crooked Roads Band and Derek See at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. 

John Howland Trio, Waywarad Sway, Joshua Eden at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. Cost is $7. 841-2082.  

Diskonto, Stormcrow, Catheter at 8 p.m. at 924 Gilman St., an all-ages, member-run, no alcohol, no drugs, no violence club. Cost is $7. 525-9926. 

Kevin Beadles Band at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

Bayonics, Felonius at 9 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $7. 548-1159.  

Kapakahi at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Flatbush, Re:ignition at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $10. 451-8100. www.uptownnightclub.com 

Forrest Day’s 420 Party at 8 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Keiko Matsui at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $24-$28. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SATURDAY, APRIL 21 

CHILDREN  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Melissa Rivera & Maria Fernanda at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $4 for adults, $3 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Madeleine Dunphy describes “Here is the Southwestern Desert” and “Here is the Coral Reef” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Celebration of Children’s Literature Day with children's authors, illustrators, storytellers and entertainers, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Tolman Hall, UC Campus. 642-0137. 

Active Arts Theatre for Young Audiences “Manzi: The Adventures of Young Cesar Chavez” at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$18. 925-798-1300. 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Amazing Blooms” Group show of paintings, photography, sculpture and other media. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Exhibit runs to June 1. 644-4930. www.expressionsgallery.org 

FILM 

Flamenco Film Screening “Enrique Morente: Alhambra Daydreams” at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave. 849-2568 ext. 20. 

Aki Kaurismäki Film Festival “I Hired a Contract Killer” at 1 p.m., “Ariel” at 4:30 p.m., “Lights in the Dusk” at 7:30 p.m. at Finnish Kaleva Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. Cost is $5 for each film, or $15 for the series. 849-0125. 

EXHIBITIONS 

Traditional Zuni Fetish Carvings by Lena Boone on display Sat. and Sun. at Gathering Tribes, 1573 Solano Ave. 528-9038. 

“Dreaming Nature” the works of QiRe Ching and music by Cornelius Boots at 6 p.m. at Float Gallery, 1091 Calcot Place, #116, Oakland. info@TheFloatCenter.com 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

A Conversation with Jim Campbell on his current interactive installation at noon at the Berkeley Art Museum, 2626 Bancroft Way. 642-0808. 

“On the Wings of a Story: Second Annual Storytelling Festival” celebrates National Library Week with stories in words, dance, and song, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the West Oakland Branch Library, 1801 Adeline St. Sponsored by the Urban Librarians Project. 238-7352. 

Cara Black reads from her latest Parisian Mystery “Murder on the Ile St. Louis” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Dance Project 2007 “The Reception” choreography and tele-immersion technology at 8 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $10-$14. 642-9925. 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra “The Devil Made Me Do It!” with the Mark Foehringer Dance Project at 8 p.m. at the Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Free. 248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org 

Berkeley Broadway Singers “It Might As Well Be Spring” at 8 p.m. at St. Ambrose Church, 1145 Gilman St. Free, donations appreciated. 604-5732. www.berkeleybroadwaysingers.org 

University Chorus will perform Carl Orff’s version of Carmina Burana at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

“Virtue and the Viper” Italian Thirteenth Century Music from the Court of the Visconti at 8 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College at Garber. Tickets are $10-$25. 528-1725. www.sfems.org 

The Hats, a capella, at noon at Cafe Zeste, 1250 Addison St. at Bonar, in the Strawberry Creek Park complex. 704-9378. 

Lloyd Gregory Quintet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Resination, reggae, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $15. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com  

Holler Town and Brad “The Dudeboy” Rogers at 7:30 p.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Barbara Higbie & Friends at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $20.50-$21.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Wil Blades, Scott Amendola at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $15. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Nicole McRory at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Mark Holzinger & Friends, guitar, at 8 p.m. at Spuds Pizza, 3290 Adeline St. Cost is $7. 558-0881. 

4 one Funk, Band of Brotherz, Alphabet Soup at 8:30 p.m. at the Uptown Nightclub, 1928 Telegraph, Oakland. Cost is $12. 451-8100.  

Antioquia, The Flux, Green Machine at 9:30 p.m. at The Starry Plough. All ages show. Cost is $7. 841-2082. www.starryploughpub.com 

Skip Heller Trio at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 848-8277. 

Jefree Star, Order of the White Rose 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. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 22 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Constructions” Works by Jenny Honnert Abell, Marya Krogstad and Thomas Morphis. Opening reception at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Center, 1275 Walnut St. in Live Oak Park. www.berkeleyartcenter.org 

“Vanishing Victorians” opens at the Berkeley History Center at 3 p.m. at 1931 Center St. See examples of Victorian Gothic, Stick Eastlake, Italianate, Queen Anne, and Classic Revival, that can be found throughout Berkeley, as well as examples of those that were lost. Regular hours are Thurs.-Sat. 1 to 4 p.m. 848-0181. www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/histsoc/ 

THEATER 

“The Earth is Humming” Dramatization of dreams at 2 p.m. at The Dream Institute, 1672 University Ave. 845-1767. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Vine and Fig Tree: Poetry and Music for Peace in the Middle East at 2:30 p.m. at Kehilla Community Synagogue, 1300 Grand Ave., Piedmont. 891-7197. 

George Mann, Roy Zimmerman and others, satirical songs and radical folk music, at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists, 1924 Cedar St. Suggested donation $5-$10. 841-4824. 

Valerie Miner describes “After Eden” her novel on the meaning of home and homelessness at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Judith Taylor reads from “Tangible Memories: Californians and Their Gardens 1800-1950” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

Paul D’Amato discusses “The Meaning of Marxism” at 5 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 486-0698. www.blackoakbooks.com 

Poetry Flash with Barbara Ras and Robert Thomas at 7:30 p.m. at Black Oak Books. 525-5476. www.poetryflash.org 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley Arts Festival “Music of Schoenberg and His Students” with Jerry Kuderna, piano and Nora L. Martin, vocalist at 8 p.m. at the former Fidelity Building, 2323 Shattuck Ave. www.berkeleyartsfestival .com 

Berkeley Dance Project 2007 “The Reception” choreography and tele-immersion technology at 7 p.m. at Zellerbach Playhouse, UC Campus. Tickets are $10-$14. 642-9925. 

Chamber Music Sundaes with San Francisco Symphony musicians and friends at 3 p.m. at St. John's Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets at the door are $18-$22. 415-753-2792. www.chambermusicsundaes.org  

Berkeley Broadway Singers “It Might As Well Be Spring” at 4 p.m. at St. Augustine's Church, 400 Alcatraz, betw. Telegraph and College, Oakland. Free, donations accepted. 604-5732.www.berkeleybroadwaysingers.org 

Music in the Community Two concerts with various groups performing classical and jazz, at 4 and 7 p.m. at St. Alban’s Episcopal Church, 1501 Washington Ave., Albany. Suggested donation $20 per concert or $35 for both. 524-0411. 

Oakland Lyric Opera “Romantic Opera Scenes” at 2 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave. Tickets are $18-$20. Reservations requested. 836-6772. www.oaklandlyricopera.org 

University Wind Ensemble at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $32. 642-9988. 

Melanie O’Reilly & Tir na Mara at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Prince Myshkins & The Fromer Family, political satire and music, at 8 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

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

Battle of the Bands at 6 p.m. at Oakland Metro, 201 Broadway. Cost is $10. 763-1146. www.oaklandmetro.org 

Josh Brill at 11 a.m. at Nomad Cafe, 6500 Shattuck Ave. 595-5344. www.nomadcafe.net 

Shinehead at 8 p.m. at Shattuck Down Low, 2284 Shattuck Ave. Cost is $15-$20. 548-1159.  

MONDAY, APRIL 23 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

“Art and the Old and New Downtown” with Kevin Consey, Director, Berkeley Art Museum and Jim Novesel, Architect and Planner at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6150. 

Aurora Theatre Staged Readings “Over the Mountain” by Brian Thorstenson at 7:30 p.m. at 2081 Addison St. For tickets call 843-4822. 

Felicia Luna Lemus and Aaron Petrovich read from their new novels “Like Son” and “The Session” at 7 p.m. at Cody’s Books on Fourth St. 559-9500. 

Poetry Express with Kirk Lumpkin at 7 p.m., at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Average Dyke Band in a benefit for CodePINK at 6 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $23. For tickets call 524-2776.  

Megan Lynch and Mike Anglin, bluegrass, at 7 p.m. at Le Bateau Ivre, 2629 Telegraph Ave. 849-1100. www.lebateauivre.net 

West Coast Songwriters Showcase at 7:30 p.m. at Freight and Salvage Coffee House. Cost is $5. 548-1761 www.freightandsalvage.org 

Musica Ha Disconnesso traditional Italian music, at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

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

CAHILL, KUBERA PLAY RILEY’S ‘WALTZ’ 

Duo pianists Sarah Cahill and Joseph Kubera perform vibrant, playful four-hand music by the innovative Bay Area composer Terry Riley, including the premiere of his  

Waltz for Charismas, at 8 p.m. Wednesday.  

This concert is part of the Berkeley Arts Festival, which continues for the next two months.The festival’s new home is the 1925 Walter Ratcliff-designed Fidelity building at 2323 Shattuck Avenue. Tickets for the Wednesday event are $10-$20. 665-9496. 

ANGER RISING: THE RESTORATION OF WORKS BY  

KENNETH ANGER 

Ross Lipman will present and discuss restorations of the avant garde films of cult icon Kenneth Anger at 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday) at Pacific Film Archive. The program will include  

Fireworks (1947, 15 minutes), Rabbit’s Moon (1971, 16 minutes), Scorpio Rising (1963, 29 minutes) and Kustom Kar Kommandos (1965, 3 minutes), all courtesy of the UCLA Film and Television Archive. 

AYA DE LEON AND POETRY FOR THE  

PEOPLE 

Oakland writer/performer Aya de Leon, director of Poetry for the People at UC Berkeley, will read from her poetry at 7:30 p.m. today (Tuesday) at Moe’s Books. 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087.

After the audience has been seated in Live Oak Theatre to a medley of old hits arranged thematically, like “Prisoner of Love,” “It’s a Man’s World,” “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’” and “I’m Glad That You’re Sorry Now” (as well as “Please, Please, Please,” particularly poignant), there’s a drumroll, some commotion behind—and strange glances under the hem of—the draped red curtain, then the entrance of the masked chorus, two young women who toss their masks into the audience with, “Okay, we’re, like, the chorus ... 411—a very bad year to be an Athenian. It’s sucky!” 

And translator Ellen McLaughlin’s version of Aristophanes’ ancient antiwar comedy Lysistrata shifts into gear, produced by Actors Ensemble of Berkeley as part of their 50th anniversary season. Playgoers may remember Aurora’s production of McLaughlin’s version of Aeschylus’ tragedy The Persians, in which the shattered armies of the Persian Empire return after their defeat at the hands of the Greeks. Lysistrata—long the premiere anti-war drama of the West, especially in modern times since the days of the Popular Front—is another event in her refashioning of the classics for use in the controversies over the war in Iraq. 

Lysistrata is clearly the more adapted of the two. The Persians emphasized a spare elegance, a lyrical complaint against the fate of warriors and the hubris of leaders that could reach and hold a modern audience. Lysistrata is pared down and played fast so that the racy comedy becomes updated and slangy, rife with half-references to the contemporary. 

“I hate women!” declares Lysistrata (Cristina Arriola). “Everything men say about us is true!” She’s summoned Greek women from the warring city states, two decades into a military deadlock that originally was touted to be “over in a few months.”  

So far, none has shown up. In a little bit, they arrive, puzzled by Lysistrata’s urgency. She asks them if their husbands are away, fighting each other and if they live an existence both scared and bored, just sitting at home. Wouldn’t they give up anything to end the strife? Would they give up sex, at least until their husbands agree to peace? Not really, they say—”Why do you think we miss our husbands so much?” 

But Lysistrata’s convincing, and her conspiracy of abstinence prevails, as a troop of war widows takes the Acropolis and the Athenian treasury. A detachment of “geezers,” grotesquely deformed with age and complaining, fail to dislodge the female protestors, and are stared down by the widows, dressed as old crones. 

So another deadlock ensues, until the groans of the (literally, anatomically) overextended troops, come home to settle up with their better halves, sound out through Athens. Lysistrata’s mission is now to keep the equally anxious wives from breaking ranks and going AWOL, making excuses of shellfish beds to be harvested, wool yarn left at the mercy of moths to be saved. 

The cast is spirited, the action upbeat, though occasionally in ensemble scenes both the rhthym and vocal clarity are lost. But the best vignettes work well, with excellent sets and decor (hanging mobiles of what look like twisted paper pages, catching the light) by Paul Andrew Hayes, equaled by Helen Slomowitz’s elegant costuming, adding immeasurably to the effect. 

Best sequences include the standoff debate between Lysistrata and the old politico Magistrate (David Cohen): “Let’s talk about money, shall we? ... It turns out we have something you want.” She swears that until “peace breaks out,” the women will “bring no more children into the world as fodder for war.” To his outcry of “This is unnatural!” and further accusations of lack of patriotism, she replies, “we have no monopoly on excess and evil. There are assholes everywhere ... we must master our own egotism.” 

Later, soldier Cinesias pops in, wryly preceded by his distended ... get-up? rigging? cleverly fashioned of cinched and bulging balloons of the sort carnies make animals out of. (Later, in full battle gear, the erect Spartans were a bit reminiscent of Aubrey Beardsley’s bawdy illustrations of Aristophanes, once condemned as pornographic.) 

Eden Nelson, as Cinesias’ wife, Myrrhine, is fine in portraying a woman who is torn between two intentions, increasingly upset and aroused as she leads on, teases (”I can’t get in the mood when there’s a war going on.”) and finally leaves her obviously agonized husband (Sean Kelly) in the lurch. 

Saltiest of all is the female chorus, Emily Broderick and Melissa Craven, disco-dancing mechanically or down on all fours, mimicking the women as cats in heat, as Lysistrata routs them with a spray bottle. 

“Life ... face it. It’s always been a female conspiracy.” When the accord’s reached, the celebration can begin, topped only by the curtain call, when the men bow, yet remain at attention. 

LYSISTRATA 

Presented by Actors Ensemble of Berkeley through May 12 at Live Oak Theatre.  

1301 Shattuck Ave. $12. 525-1620. 

www.oeofberkeley.com.

All serious readers, whether scholarly or general interest, place a special value on first-hand accounts of historical events. Memoirs, autobiographies, interviews of “regular people” who find themselves immersed in historic times bring that history to life as no author can. This is why the new book, Our History Is Still Being Written, has such an important role to play in modern Chinese history. 

The book is a series of interviews with three Cuban generals of Chinese descent who as young rebels in pre-revolutionary Cuba became heroic fighters in the battle to overthrow the despised Batista regime. In the almost 50 years since, they have each played invaluable roles in the Cuban military in international missions, each rising to the rank of general. 

They speak quite eloquently of the days of racial discrimination. Armando Choy, one of the interviewees, explained his experience as a youth trying to go to a dance. “When my friend and the girl tried to get in, they were turned away because they were Chinese. It was for whites only! That act of discrimination convinced me of the injustice prevailing in Cuba before the triumph of the revolution.” 

The generals also give a vivid picture of life for Chinese immigrants dating back to the 1800s, when many came as indentured servants. The detailed descriptions bring to life both the hardships and the contributions of the Chinese who settled in Cuba. Chinese fighters fought in Cuba, for example, in the war for independence against Spain in the 1860s and 1870s. 

But perhaps the most fascinating of the discussions in the interviews conducted are the first-hand accounts of the role of revolutionary Cubans in international actions from Angola to Nicaragua to Venezuela today. These generals are socialists and partisans of the socialist revolution in Cuba. They defend Cuba’s actions within its own borders and its internationalist missions around the world. 

They speak proudly of their relationships with Fidel and Raul Castro and their work with Che Guevera. In a discussion of the quality of leadership, Moises Sio Wong explained, “In our army the leader is an example. This was always a characteristic of Che, who was incapable of giving an order he himself was not prepared to carry out. And it’s equally true of Raul and Fidel.” 

Today each man still plays a critical role in Cuba. Although in their 70s, their positions of responsibility keep them young and busy. 

Armando Choy heads up the massive project to clean up the polluted Havana Bay and leads the modernization of the Port of Havana. 

Sio Wong is the president of the National Institute of State Reserves that involves both military defense and rapid response in the area of natural disasters. 

Gustavo Chui is head of the Association of Combatants of the Cuban Revolution, an organization of more than 300,000 members that is responsible for the political education program found in schools and communities around Cuba. 

One additional noteworthy aspect of the book is the wonderful photo signature. 

A variety of maps, sketches, and previously unavailable photographs help the reader visually understand the times described by the generals. Archival photos display everything from mass meetings in Havana’s Chinatown in 1960 to Cuban doctors working among the Venezuelan poor in 1999. 

Reading this book gives the reader a glimpse of life in Cuba rarely visible in the United States today. And it tells a previously untold story—the Chinese of Cuba yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

OUR HISTORY IS STILL BEING WRITTEN: THE STORY OF THREE CHINESE-CUBAN GENERALS IN THE CUBAN REVOLUTION 

Pathfinder Press. $20. 216 pages.