FRIDAY, APRIL 11 

City Commons Club Noon Luncheon with Charles Wollenberg on “Berkeley: A City in History” Luncheon at 11:45 a.m. for $14.50, speech at 12:30 p.m., at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant St. For information and reservations call 524-7468.  

East Bay Sanctuary Covenant: Celebrating 26 Years in Berkeley at 7 p.m. at St. Joseph the Worker Church, 1640 Addison St. Free, donations gratefully accepted. 527-0324. 

Celebrating Cesar Chavez and the Farmworkers’ Movement with a screening of the Cesar E. Chavez Foundation film “Common Man, Uncommon Vision: The Cesar Chavez Story” and “Immokalee: From Slavery to Freedom,” at 7 p.m. at the Ecology Center, 2530 San Pablo Ave, near Dwight Way Free. 548-2220, ext. 233. 

California Studies Conference “Changing Climates: Class Culture, and Politics in an Era of Global Warming” Fri.-Sun. at Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St. For details see http://geography. 

berkeley.edu/ProjectsResources/californiastudies.html 

“Ministry as Vocation” A week-end long free conference open to all at Pacific School of Religion, 1798 Scenic Ave. For information call 849-8253.  

Girls Inc. of Alameda County 50th Anniversary Gala at 6 p.m. at the Rotunda Bldg., 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. Tickets are $250. RSVP to 357-5515, ext. 282. 

Friday Films for Teens at 3:30 p.m. at the Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. For details call 981-6121. 

Non-Toxic Cleaning at noon at Elephant, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 549-9200.  

Berkeley Women in Black weekly vigil from noon to 1 p.m. at Bancroft and Telegraph. Our focus is human rights in Palestine. 548-6310. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 

John F. Kennedy High School 40th Anniversary Celebration from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 4300 Cutting Blvd., Richmond. Activities include art exhibits, carnival games, entertainment, and food. 231-1433, ext. 25883. 

Goats are Groovy Meet the new goats at the Little Farm in Tilden Park, learn how we care for them, and take them for walks. For ages 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

The 2008 Edith Coliver Festival of Cultures from 11 a.m. at 6 p.m. at International House, 2299 Piedmont Ave. 642-9461. http://ihouse.berkeley.edu  

“California Budget Crisis: How Tax Reform Can Solve It” at 7 p.m. at the Alameda Free Library, Conf. Room A, 1550 Oak St. at Lincoln, Alameda. Sponsored by the Alameda Public Affairs Forum 841-9592. www.alamadaforum.org 

Music and Crafts the Ohlone Way including dances by the Maidu-Miwok Dance Group, stories from the elders and other cultural events, from to 2 to 4 p.m. at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park, 2465 34th Ave., Oakland. Free. 532-9142. 

“The Power of Community” a film on urban organic farming and how Cuba met the oil depletion crisis, at 7 p.m. at Berkeley Fellowship of Unitarian Universalists 1924 Cedar St at Bonita. Suggested donation $5. 540-1975. www.bfuu.org 

“On Sacred Grounds: Religion and the Counterinsurgency in Iraq” with Prof. Ron Hassner, UC Berkeley, at 7 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. 642-3398. 

“Once Upon a Time...” Spring benefit for The Museum of Children’s Art with artists and authors from the annual children’s book illustrators exhibit, at 5:30 p.m. at 538 Ninth St., Oakland. Tickets $150. For details call 465-8770. 

The USS Hornet Museum Commemorates the Doolittle Raid in a Living Ship Day demonstration from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. onboard the aircraft carrier berthed at 707 W Hornet Ave, Pier 3, in Alameda. Museum admission is $14 for adults and $6 for children 5-17. 521-8448. www.hornetevents.com. 

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

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

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

Oakland Artisans Marketplace Sat. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Jack London Square. 238-4948. 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 

Learn About Plankton An adventure for the whole family to look at the tiny organisms that live in Jewel Lake, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. in Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Little Farm Open House Meet the animals, learn some new songs, make a craft and more from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Tilden Little Farm, Tilden Park. 525-2233. 

Native Plant Garden Tour “Meet the Do-It-Yourselfers” A self-guided tour of gardens in San Leandro, Oakland and Berkeley, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $30. To register see www.bringinbackthenatives.net 

CodePink Newcomer Orientation and activist training at 9:30 a.m. at 1248 Solano Ave, Albany. RSVP to 524-2776. 

Earth Day Electronics Recycling & Safe Medicine Disposal Event from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elephant Pharmacy, 1607 Shattuck Ave. 

Free Hands-on Bicycle Class on Flat Repair at 10 a.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Talk with Cheri Huber, Zen teacher and author of books on meditation and psychology at 7 p.m. at Northbrae Community Church, 941 The Alameda. www.eastbayopencircle.org  

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

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

Berkeley Chess Club meets every Sun. at 7 p.m. at the Hillside School, 1581 Le Roy Ave. 843-0150. 

Tibetan Buddhism with Erika Rosenberg on “Seeing through Self-Images” at 6 p.m. at the Tibetan Nyingma Institute, 1815 Highland Pl. 809-1000 www.nyingmainstitute.com 

Sew Your Own Open Studio Come learn to use our industrial and domestic machines, or work on your own projects, from 4 to 8 p.m. at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Also on Fri. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost is $5 per hour. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

MONDAY, APRIL 14 

Tax Day Event: People’s Life Fund Granting Ceremony Join Bay Area War Tax Resisters are the donte over $10,000 in resisted taxes to groups that are working for peace, justice and human needs, at 7 p.m. at 2220 Sacramento St. Pot-luck at 6 p.m. 843-9877. 

Uhuru Forum and Call to Action for Social Justice in Oakland with presentations by Wendy Snyder and Bakari Olatunji at 7 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. 

El Cerrito Green Party County Council Candidates and others at 7 p.m. at The Sky Lounge, 10458 San Pablo Ave. Donation $2-$5. 526-0972. 

Habitot 10th Anniversary Week Dress in costumes, meet Lovee the Clown and enjoy art activities all week at 2065 Kittredge St. 647-1111. 

Berkeley School Volunteers Orientation from 4 to 5 p.m. at 1835 Allston Way. Come learn about volunteer opportunities. 644-8833. 

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

Dragonboating Year round classes at the Berkeley Marina, Dock M. Meets Mon, Wed., Thurs. at 6 p.m. Sat. at 10:30 a.m. For details see www.dragonmax.org 

Free Boatbuilding Classes for Youth Mon.-Wed. from 3 to 7 p.m. at Berkeley Boathouse, 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. Classes cover woodworking, boatbuilding, and boat repair. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 

Tuesdays for the Birds Tranquil bird walks in local parklands, led by Bethany Facendini, from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Today we will visit Crockett Hills Regional Park. Call for meeting place and if you need to borrow binoculars. 525-2233. 

Tilden Mini-Rangers Hiking, conservation and nature-based activities for ages 8-12. Dress to ramble and get dirty. From 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

Birds and Butterflies: Easy Garden enchantment with California Native Plants. An Audubon Nature Studies class begins at 7 p.m. at Albany Adult School. Cost is $35. For details on the class call 559-6580 http://www.albany.k12.ca.us/adult/birding.html 

Amy Goodman and David Goodman: Ordinary Heroes in Extraordinary Times and 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland 2501 Harrison St., Oakland. Tickets are $12. 444-8511. www.brownpapertickets.com/event/31304  

Bayview Library Grand Re-opening Party from 4 to 7 p.m. at Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave., near Carlson and Bayview, Richmond. 620-6566, www.richmondlibrary.org. 

“Texts We Wish Were Not In the Bible” with Mary A. Tolbert, Professor of Biblical Studies, at 11:10 a.m. at Pacific School of Religion Chapel, 1798 Scenic Ave. 

Climbing Mt. Shasta Tips for the novice and expert at 7 p.m. at REI, 1338 San Pablo Ave. 527-4140. 

Teen Playreaders meets to read and discuss plays at 4:30 p.m. at Claremont Branch Library, 2940 Benvenue. 981-6121. 

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. 

End the Occupation Vigil every Tues. at noon at Oakland Federal Bldg., 1301 Clay St. www.epicalc.org 

Street Level Cycles Community Bike Program Come use our tools as well as receive help with performing repairs free of charge. Youth classes available. Tues., Thurs., and Sat. from 2 to 6 p.m. at at 84 Bolivar Dr., Aquatic Park. 644-2577. www.watersideworkshops.org 

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

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

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

Sing-A-Long Group from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Albany Senior Center, 846 Masoni Ave., Albany. 524-9122. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 

City of Oakland 14th EarthEXPO with products and tips to reduce energy use, be a greener consumer, information on bay-friendly gardening, and more, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Frank Ogawa Plaza, 14th and Broadway. www.oaklandearthexpo.org 

Tilden Explorers An after-school nature adventure program for 5-7 year olds. We will learn about plants from 3:15 to 4:15 p.m.. Cost is $6-$8, registration required. 1-888-EBPARKS. 

“Bush’s Brain” A documentary about Karl Rove, at 7:30 p.m. at Humanist Hall, 390 27th St., Oakland. Donation $5. www.Humanist Hall.org 

“Rising Powers, Shrinking Planet: The New Geopolitics of Energy” with author Michael Klare, introductory remarks by Daniel Ellsberg, at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way at Durant. Donation $10-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds. ProgressivePersp@aol.com 

Green Chamber of Commerce “Green Industry Trends” at 5:30 p..m. at StopWaste.org, 1537 Webster St., Oakland. Cost is $20-$30, includes program and tour of LEED Platinum building. greenchamberof commerce.net 

Simplicity Forum “Decluttering—physical, mental and metaphysical” at 6:30 p.m. at Claremont Library, 2940 Benvenue Ave. 

Anime in the Afternoon at Bayview Library Watch a classic Japanese animation film featuring a mysterious forest spirit who befriends two young girls at 3 p.m. at Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave., near Carlson and Bayview, Richmond. Appropriate for all ages. 620-6566.  

www.richmondlibrary.org. 

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. Heavy rain cancels. 548-9840. 

Berkeley Peace Walk and Vigil at the Berkeley BART Station, corner of Shattuck and Center. Sing for Peace at 6:30 p.m. followed by Peace Walk at 7 p.m. www.geocities.com/ 

vigil4peace/vigil 

Teen Chess Club from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. at the North Branch Library, 1170 The Alameda at Hopkins. 981-6133. 

Theraputic Recreation at the Berkeley Warm Pool, Wed. at 3:30 p.m. and Sat. at 10 a.m. at the Berkeley Warm Pool, 2245 Milvia St. Cost is $4-$5. Bring a towel. 632-9369. 

Morning Meditation Every Mon., Wed., and Fri. at 7:45 a.m. at Rudramandir, 830 Bancroft Way at 6th. 486-8700. 

After-School Program Homework help, drama and music for children ages 8 to 18, every Wed. from 4 to 7:15 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Cost is $5 per week. 845-6830. 

Stitch ‘n Bitch at 6:30 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

THURSDAY, APRIL 17 

Berkeley High School Red & Golden Girls Reunion Luncheon at 11 a.m. at the Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $35, reservations required. 582-2478. 

Chiapas Support Committee Report and slide show on the International Zapatista Women’s Meeting at 7:30 p.m. at Strawberry Creek Lodge, 1320 Addison St. Park on the street, not in Lodge parking lot. 654-9587. 

LeConte Neighborhood Association meets at 7:30 p.m. at the LeConte School, Russell St. entrance. If you have agenda items please forward them to karlreeh@aol.com 

Stories about Travels to Australia with Stuart Pawsey at 6 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library North Branch, 1170 The Alameda. 981-6250. 

Brain Games at Bayview Library Exercise your brain and have fun with your neighbors at this free, casual event at 1 p.m. at 5100 Hartnett Ave., near Carlson and Bayview, Richmond. 620-6566.  

www.richmondlibrary.org. 

Fitness Class for 55+ at 9:15 a.m. at Jewish Community Center, 1414 Walnut St. 848-0237. 

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

ONGOING 

E-Waste Recycling St. Vincent de Paul of Alameda County accepts electronic waste including computers, dvd players, cell phones, fax machines and many other ewaste products for disposal free of charge at many of its locations throughout Alameda County. Free bulk pick-up available. 638-7600.  

CITY MEETINGS 

Council Agenda Committee meets Mon., April 14, at 2:30 p.m., at 2180 Milvia St. 981-6900. 

www.ci.berkeley.ca.us/citycouncil/agenda-committee 

Youth Commission meets Mon., April 14 , at 6:30 p.m., at City Council Chambers, Old City Hall. 981-6670.  

Citizens Humane Commission meets Wed., April 16, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6601. 

Commission on Aging meets Wed., April 16, at 1:30 p.m., at the South Berkeley Senior Center. 981-5344. 

Fair Campaign Practices Commission meets Thurs., April 17, at 7:30 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 981-6950.  

Transportation Commission meets Thurs., April 17, at 7 p.m., at the North Berkeley Senior Center. 

“Don’t let school interrupt your education,” said Mark Twain. He spent most of his youth on steamboats going up and down the Mississippi River, earning a living. He lost his father when he was young and could not complete his school education. Later he went on to write many books, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. 

At the other end of the world, in India, the Nobel laureate poet Rabindranath Tagore expressed similar sentiments when he established the institution “Shantiniketan” (meaning “an abode of peace”) . He too did not complete his formal school education.  

He has stated, “My object in starting the institution was to give the children full freedom of joy, of life and of communion with nature. I myself had suffered when young through the impediments that were inflicted on most boys while they attended school, and I have had to go through the machine of education, which crushes the joy or freedom of life for which the children have insatiable thirst. And my object was to give freedom and joy to children (of men).” 

Freedom of expression, living without fear, joy of learning and reaching out to marginalized families have been the four principles on which the Center for Human Settlements (CHS)-Habitat developed its philosophy towards life and learning. The executive director of CHS-Habitat, Professor K. P. Bhattacharjee (the author of this article), was exposed to India’s Freedom Movement, having witnessed the freedom struggle and non-violence movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and Nobel laureate Indian poet Rabindranath Ta-gore’s cry for freedom and democracy scripted in his poems.  

During his years on the UC Berkeley campus he observed the famous Free Speech Movement and the brutal force unleashed on students by the state to curb freedom of expression.  

The founders of CHS-Habitat longed for the type of democracy about which the Indian Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore wrote in his book Gitanjali: “where the mind is without fear and the head is held high ...” Similar ideas on freedom have been written and propagated by many authors including the famous Irish author Iris Murdoch.  

The directors of CHS-Habitat initiated action research on socio-economic issues and development to provide economic freedom to the economically weaker section of the population.  

In order to extend the output of its action research to the field, CHS assisted marginalized families to enhance their income, assisted families to build affordable houses, provided free books to school-going children of marginalized families and provided health care facilities. Households were guided to improve their living environment. Such inputs from CHS has helped the marginalized families in improving their lives and freed them from the shackles of economic burden.  

In order to exchange ideas with other institutions and individuals on improving the quality of life of the marginalized families, CHS-Habitat organized international conferences bi-yearly during last 20 years. Many participants from abroad and local areas contributed toward implementing income-generation projects and social housing for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) of the society.  

Among them was Dr. Jon D. Raggett, a senior structural design engineer based in California. He is also the director of the Development Engineering Research Institute (an organization supporting development of school projects in different developing countries around the world.)  

During Dr. Raggett’s participation at the International Conference on Human Settlements in Calcutta in 1997-98, he exchanged his ideas on the need for development of schools in villages in India with Professor Bhattacharjee and assured him that some joint venture project would be taken up in the future.  

In the meantime, CHS-Habitat prepared the ground for implementing its ideas developed from his action research toward total development of children in villages by making available to them shelter, education, employment opportunities and basic amenities (SEBA Mission). The word SEBA in Sanskrit means “service.” CHS would ensure that democracy, freedom of speech, joy of learning and rule of law would be the four cornerstones of his institution. His concept of development has been appreciated by many experts including Dr. Ramachandran, former Executive Director of UNCHS, Nairobi, and an advisor to CHS-Habitat.  

Many NGOs located in Indian villages came forward to implement the SEBA project. In order to get the local NGOs’ participation and involvement in the project, CHS-Habitat insisted that the local NGO is required to participate in the development of the project. In case they cannot devote time for the development and maintenance of the project, then they are required to provide land or donations. 

Action research  

The implementation of the present SEBA project (to develop an institution) has been initiated in a village named Chamtagarah within the district of Bankura (which is connected to Calcutta by motor-able road and rail track) in the state of West Bengal, India. A local welfare society named Vivekanada Adibasi Kaliyan Samity, serving the Adibasi (indigenous people) children of the villages, having realized the need for education for the children, invited CHS-Habitat to implement the SEBA project and offered its land on which the project would be developed. 

Prior to preparation of the project report and the physical layout design of the building complex and infrastructure, a number of visits to the site were made by the CHS team to inspect the land, to learn about the local conditions and the need for a primary and secondary school in the area. 

Bankura is one of the most backward districts in West Bengal, India. It is about 250 kilometers from Calcutta. The village of Chamtagarah is within the Block Chhatna (under Saldiha Gram Panchayat, the local administration). Hot and dry climate prevails for nine months of the year and the temperature is around 35 to 42 degrees C. There is little rain from July to September, and soil is unfertile and red. There is very little agricultural activity, and vast land lies barren. There are a few stone chip crushing mills and small business units. Small industries are now coming up in the area. 

Consequently, residents have little income and most of them come under the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) and are Below the Poverty Line (BPL) as defined by the government of India, except a few traders and businessmen. About 40 percent of the population of the village belong to Schedule Tribe and Castes (indigenous people) of the locality.  

According to the information collected by the CHS field team, those children who are not admitted to schools from the 12 villages in Saldiha Gram Panchayat under Chhatna Block within the district Bankura are likely to attend the new school. The local population of the block is about 10,000, and out of this about 40 percent (say 4,000) belong to the Schedule Tribe (indigenous people) and 25 percent of the remaining population belong to other backward classes.  

Among the 2,000 school-going children between 9 to 18 years of age within the 12 villages of Saldiha Gram Panchayat, about 1,000 children are enrolled in the only secondary school in the locality (Kesra High School) in this Gram Panchayat. Thus more than 50 percent of the children of this Gram Panchayat remain uncovered by any secondary education.  

Proposal for a green school and vocational training center 

During the field survey in the village on the type of school that should be developed, parents of children requested to introduce classes in nursery and primary sections first.  

They also requested to introduce kindergarten or Montessori system and to teach English conversation to students. Though such demand from the parents were not expected, considering that it is a village school, it appeared that a section of the villagers are well educated with degrees and even graduate qualifications. They know well that for higher education and employment, English is essential. 

Accordingly, a proposal has been made by CHS-Habitat for development and construction of a sustainable institution consisting of nursery and primary sections at the first stage.  

However, CHS committee decided to develop a long range master plan for this project to include Secondary section, hostel accommodation for the children who come from different villages and districts, as well as vocational training center for children who would not pursue higher education so they may be gainfully employed. It was also decided that a GREEN and SUSTAINABLE complex should be developed so that no greenhouse gas is contributed by this project, so the project has been planned to include electricity lights from solar panels ( installed on the roof of the building) and rainwater harvesting Accordingly, a master plan has been prepared and a view of the scheme can be seen in the website www.chshabitatcal.org.  

Fortunately, these facilities for the complex met the approval of the well-known Indian author and social worker, Maheswata Debi, who is also involved in social service work for the Indigenous people in the district of Bolpur which is located adjacent to the district of Bankura in West Bengal. 

The scheme for the school complex also met the approval of our American friend Dr. Jon D. Ragett, whose charitable organization Development Engineering Research Institute (DERI) had encouraged CHS to proceed with the project. 

He discussed the project with the board of directors of DERI who unanimously approved the project and agreed to provide grant for the class rooms and essential infrastructure for the school. 

Project implementation and its operation  

CHS has designed the building complex to meet the need of the local hot and dry climate All external brick walls were made of thick cavity walls so as to reduce transmission of external heat within the interior so classrooms are cool. Even during summer months mechanical fans are not required. In addition adequate cross windows and ventilators were provided for cross circulation of air and to keep the interior cool. Use of exposed bricks has enabled the building to merge with the local vernacular architectural style. The main roof is flat and made of concrete so that rainwater can be collected and then drained out by down pipes to discharge into the existing well at the edge of the compound. Water is scarce in the locality, so rainwater harvesting is essential. However for drinking water a submersible pump is to be installed at a local water tank far away. 

Carbon emission in this project has been reduced to nil, since solar panels have been used for lighting the class rooms. Though the initial investment for solar panels has been high, recurring expense for maintenance is very little. This is a green and sustainable project in view of taking care of the utilities and services which are served by renewable energy and harvesting of rain water to make water available for the institution. 

The first stage project has been successfully completed and on seeing the complex on our website, Dr. Raggett and his colleagues highly appreciated the project and remarked it is a “great project” and added he will take steps to strengthen this Indo-American partnership. 

The governor of the state of West Bengal has been invited by the directors of CHS to visit the school and he agreed to do the same. He has highly appreciated the school building project since it is green and sustainable.  

Social impact of ‘SEBA Mission’ project: 

The new school complex set in a green environment merged with the local surrounding and was immediately accepted by the people of the villages; word spread and people from distant places came just to see the school complex made in local vernacular architectural style using local bricks and construction techniques. Many families visit the school every afternoon and rest in its garden. Garden seats were built within the compound for visitors. Children play within the garden adding life to the entire area. 

Children were admitted and nursery classes started in August 2007. The school’s education and environment have been appreciated by parents and visitors. CHS’s current plan is to add seven more classrooms to accommodate its primary and secondary schools.  

There is an urgent need to build residential accommodation for teachers and dormitories for students, install pumps for drinking water and build other infrastructure. CHS desires donors and philanthropic organizations to come forward and complete this project where education is the light which would guide the villagers to a better living environment free from hunger and disease. 

For information write to chskpbcal@gmail.com  

For more details: www.chshabitatcal.org  

Krishna P. Bhattacharjee, professor, architect and planner, is the executive director of the Center for Human Settlements Int’l (CHS-Habitat). He is a graduate of UC Berkeley 

FRIDAY, APRIL 11 

CHILDREN 

Storytelling from Japan Traditional Japanese folktales, songs and games at 7 p.m. at Tilden Nature Center, Tilden Park. Workshop follows to learn how to make toys from recycled materials. 525-2233. 

THEATER  

Altarena Playhouse “Chicago” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at Altarena Playhouse, 1409 High St., Alameda, through April 12. Tickets are $17-$20. 523-1553.  

www.altarena.org 

Aurora Theatre “The Trojan Women” Wed.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 and 7 p.m. at 2081 Addison St., through May 11. Tickets are $40-$42. 843-4822. www.auroratheatre.org 

California Conservatory Theatre “The Turn of the Screw” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at 999 East 14th St., San Leandro City Hall Complex, near BART, through April 27. Tickets are $20-$22. 632-8850. 

Contra Costa Civic Theater “Foxfire” Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 2 p.m. at 951 Pomona Ave. at Moeser, El Cerrito, through May 11. Tickets are $11-$18. 524-9132. www.ccct.org 

Masquers Playhouse “Tartuffe” Fri.-Sat. at 8 p.m., some Sun. matinees at 2:30 p.m. at 105 Park Place, Pt. Richmond, through April 26. Tickets are $18. 232-4031. www.masquers.org 

Shotgun Players “Mrs. Warren’s Profession” by George Bernard Shaw. Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 5 p.m., through April 27, at The Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave. Tickets are $17-$25. 841-6500.  

www.shotgunplayers.org 

Teen One Acts Festival with the winners of the Teen writing competition Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m. at Berkeley Rep School of Theater, 2017 Addison St. Tickets at the door ate $6-$12. 647-2917. 

TheatreFirst “Future Me” Thurs.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sun. at 3 p.m. at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave. Tickets are $23-$28. 436-5085. www.theatrefirst.com 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Fiber 2008” Works by Ingrid Cole, Tom Chen, Donna Duguay, Karin Lusnak, and Alexandra von Burg. Reception at 6 p.m. at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave. 843-2527. 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Coffee House Press Night Readings by Joseph Lease and Martha Ronk at 7:30 p.m. at Moe’s Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

Paul Belz and Norm Milstein will read their poetry at 7 pm on Friday, April 11th at Nefeli Caffe, 1854 Euclid Avenue, a little north of Hearst, in Berkeley, as part of the Last Word Reading Series. There is also an open reading.  

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Pacific Boychoir “American Spirituals” at 7:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Berkeley, 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $15-$20, children under 10 free. 652-4722. 

California’s Música Mexicana with Dr. Loco’s Rockin’ Jalapeño Band and La Familia Peña-Govea at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $10-$12. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

JJovino Santos Neto and Harvey Wainapel Brazilian music from yesterday, today and tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Ben Stolorow & His Quartet at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. $12. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

Jerry Kuderna in Recital Friday, April 11th at 8:00 pm Admission $15 ($10 for HSC members and Seniors) The Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. 845-1350. 

Stompy Jones, East Coast Swing, at 9:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $13. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

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

Ramana Viera Ensemble at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Karla Bonoff with Kenny Edwards at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $26.50-$27.50. 548-1761.  

www.freightandsalvage.org 

Charles Wheal & the Excellorators, blues, at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Resistant Culture, Black Fire, Disobediencia Civil 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. 

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

Bird Head at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

SATURDAY, APRIL 12 

CHILDREN  

Celebration of Children’s Literature with Marissa Moss, Gennifer Choldenko, Thacher Hurd, Elisa Kleven, Joel ben Izzy, Gary Lapow, LeUyen Pham, and Sarah Klise at 11:30 a.m. at Tolman Hall, UC Campus. http://gse.berkeley. edu/admin/childlit.html  

East Bay Children’s Theater “The Emperor’s New Clothes” at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Cost is $10. 655-7285.  

Los Amiguitos de La Peña with Jerry Kennedy, blues and soul music, at 10:30 a.m. at La Peña. Cost is $5 for adults, $4 for children. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Active Arts Theatre, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” Sat. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $14-$18. www.activeartstheatre.org 

J. Otto Seibold on illustrating “Seamore, The Very Forgetful Porpoise” at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

THEATER  

San Leandro Players “Redwood Curtain” Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sun. at 2 p.m. at San Leandro Museum Auditorium, Casa Peralta, 320 W. Estudillo Ave., through May 4. Tickets are $10-$15. 895-2573. www.sanleandroplayers.org  

EXHIBITIONS 

“Pamplona Spain 1953” Historic color photographs by Andrew Stern on diplsy at Downtown Restaurant, 2102 Shattuck Ave. 649-3810. andresternphoto.com 

“Dancing for Joy” Group art show celebrating dance and movement. Opening reception at 6 p.m. at Expressions Gallery, 2035 Ashby Ave. Gallery open Wed.-Sat., noon to 5 p.m., Sun. noon - 3 p.m. www.expressionsgallery.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Moazzam Sheikh reads from his new book “The Idol Lover” at 4 p.m. at Eastwind Books of Berkeley, 2066 University Ave. 548-2350, www.asiabookcenter.com 

Small Press Distribution Open House from noon to 4 p.m., readings by Joanne Kyger, Marjories Welish, Taylor Brady and Rob Halpern at 2 p.m., at 1341 7th St. at Gilman. 524-1668. 

Book Party for “Love, Grandma” letters written mostly by women activists to their grandchildren, telling how they became activists, at 2 p.m. at Redwood Gardens, 295l Derby St. 549-2210. www.gawba.org 

West Coast Live with Germaine Greer, author of “Shakespeare’s Wife,” Sue Miller, author of “The Senator’s Wife,” and Mark Wilson, author of “Julia Morgan, Architect of Beauty” at 10 a.m. at Freight & Salvage Coffee House, 1111 Addison St. Tickets are $13-$18. 415-664-9500. www.ticketweb.com 

Robert Kourik explains “Roots Demystified: Change Your Gardening Habits to Help Roots Thrive” at 4 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Oakland Youth Chorus “Music of Our World Concert” at 3 p.m. at First Unitarian Church of Oakland, 685 14th St., Oakland. Suggested donation $5 per family. 893-6129. www.uuoakland.org 

Animal Crackers! Music by Gershwin, Whitacre, PDQ Bach at 7:30 p.m. at Unitarian Universalist Church of Berkeley, 1 Lawson Rd., Kensington. Tickets are $15-$20, no one turned away for lack of funds. 525-0302. 

Oakland Ballet “The Secret Garden” at 2 and 8 p.m. at Oakland Paramount Theater 2025 Broadway, Oakland. Tickets are $15-$50. 465-6400. www.paramounttheatre.com.  

Kensington Symphony with Geoffrey Gallegos, conductor, Kelsey Walsh, piano, at 8 p.m. at Northminster Presbyterian Church, 545 Ashbury Ave., El Cerrito. Suggested donation $12-$15, children free. 528-2829. 

San Francisco Bay Area Chamber Choir “Utterly English” Choral music of Britten, Rutter Howells at 7 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Alameda, 2001 Santa Clara at Chestnut. Suggested donation $10-$15. 522-1477. 

Akademie fur Alte Musik Berlin at 8 p.m. at First Congregational Church, Dana and Durant. Tickets are $48. 642-9988. 

Kat Parra, jazz vocalist, at 1 p.m. at Downhome Music, 1809b Fourth St. 204-9595. 

Nosotras at 8:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $13-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Macy Blackman & The Mighty Fines at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $14. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

“Rock the Planet” A Benefit for Greenaction with Nu Snowmen, Lebo, The Jolly Gibsons and David Gans at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo. Tickets are $20-$40. www.ashkenaz.com  

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

Vocal Masters Series: Nancy King and Steve Christofferson at 8 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $20. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Dave Rocha Jazz at 9 p.m. at Downtown. 649-3810.  

Roger Rocha & The Goldenhearts at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790. www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Blue Bone Express, New Orleans jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Street Eaters, and showing of film “156 Rivington” 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. 

Omar Sosa Afreecanos Quartet at 8 and 10 p.m., through Sun. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$22. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

SUNDAY, APRIL 13 

EXHIBITIONS 

Darfur Humanitarian Aid “Tents of Hope” outdoor painting project for Darfur Humanitarian Aid from 1 to 5 p.m. at Congregation Beth El, 1301 Oxford St. 813-3777. 

“The Nature of LA” Paintings by Samantha Fields, Portia Hein, Stas Orlovski and Andre Yi at Traywick Contemporary, 895 Colusa Ave. through June 28. By appointment. 527-1224. 

FILM  

The Magnificent Orson Welles “It’s All True” at 2 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Victor Martinez and Enrique Chagoya in discussion at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum Galleries Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

Rusty Morrison, Barbara Claire Freeman and Elizabeth Robinson read their poetry at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Jazz/Poetry with poet Michael McClure and saxophonist George Brooks at 2 p.m. on the 5th flr of Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6100. 

Kota Ezawa: The History of Photography Remix Artist lecture at 3:30 p.m. at the Oakland Museum of California, 10th and Oak St. Cost is $5-$8. 655-7285.  

“Freedom Illuminated: The History of The Szyk Haggadah” with Rabbi Irvin Ungar at 2 p.m. at the Judah L. Magnes Museum, 2911 Russell St. Cost is $6-$8. RSVP to 549-6950. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Community Women’s Orchestra, Dr. Kathleen McGuire, conductor, at 4 p.m. at Lake Merritt United Methodist Church, 1330 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. Suggested donation $10, children free. 463-0313. www.communitywomensorchestra.org 

Art Lande & Paul McCandless Duo at 7 p.m. at The Berkeley Hillside Club, 2286 Cedar St. Tickets are $10-$15. 

The Itchy Mountain Men “Kickgrass” at 4 p.m. at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Ave. Tickets are $10-$20. 684-7563. 

San Francisco Chamber Orchestra celebrates the 175th birthday of Johannes Brahms at 3 p.m. at First Congregational Church, 2345 Channing Way. Free. 415-248-1640. www.sfchamberorchestra.org  

The Grassroots Composers and Performance Worksop A two-hour jazz lecture/performance event at 3 p.m. at Chapel of the Chimes, 4499 Piedmont Ave., Oakland. Tickets are $10-$15, children under 12 free. 228-3218. 

Kate Royal, soprano, Roger Vignoles, piano, at 3 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $42. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Anton Schwartz Quartet with Tim Bulkley at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The Angry Philosophers at  

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

Dave Ellis “A Tribute to Joe Henderson” at 4:30 p.m. at the Jazzschool. Cost is $18. 845-5373. www.jazzschool.com 

Reilly & Maloney: Tribute to Tom Dundee at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $18.50-$19.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

MONDAY, APRIL 14 

CHILDREN 

Alex Ramon, illusionist, of Mickey's Magic Show at 11:30 a.m. at Bayview Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. near Carlson and Bayview, Richmond, and at 2 p.m. at West Side Library, 135 Washington Avenue,in Point Richmond. 620-6566. www.richmondlibrary.org 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Cassandra Clare reads from “City of Ashes” the second book in The Mortal Instruments Trilogy at 4 p.m. at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Scoop Nisker on “Crazy Wisdom Saves the World Again!” at Cody’s Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Poetry Express with Cynthia Ruth Lewis and “The Bard of San Francisco” at 7 p.m. at Priya Restaurant, 2072 San Pablo Ave. 644-3977. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Berkeley New Music Project performed by the Berkeley Contemporary Chamber Players at 8 p.m. at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $4-$12. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

Kinsella Brothers at 9:30 p.m. at Beckett’s Irish Pub, 2271 Shattuck Ave. 647-1790.  

www.beckettsirishpub.com 

Berkeley High School Ensembles at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$15. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

TUESDAY, APRIL 15 

CHILDREN 

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

FILM  

“Schindler’s Houses” at 7:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808.  

www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Amy Goodman introduces “Standing Up to the Madness at 6:30 p.m. at First Congregational Church of Oakland, 2501 Harrison St. at 25th, Oakland. Tickets are $12-$15. www.kpfa.org/events. 

Jack Hirschman, San Francisco Poet Laureate, reads at 7:30 p.m. at Moe's Books, 2476 Telegraph Ave. 849-2087. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

LeRoy Thomas & the Zydeco Roadrunners at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cajun dance lesson at 8 p.m. Cost is $12. 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 

Bird Head at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

Karen Blixt at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square. Cost is $10-$14. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

Jazzschool Tuesdays, a weekly showcase of up-and-coming ensembles from Berkeley Jazzschool at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Joshua Kryah and Alex Lemon read their poems for National Poetry Month at 7:30 p.m. at Pegasus Books Downtown, 2349 Shattuck Ave. 649-1320. 

Bob Barde discusses his new book “Immigration at the Golden Gate: Passenger Ships, Exclusion, and Angel Island” at 5:30 p.m. at University Press Books, 2430 Bancroft Way. 548-0585. www.universitypressbooks.com 

Priscilla Royal talks about her medieval mystery series at 2 p.m. at at West Side Library, 135 Washington Ave., Point Richmond. 620-6567. www.richmondlibrary.org. 

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

Laurel Anne Hill reads from her new crossover novel “Heroes Arise” at 7 p.m. at Laurel Bookstore, 4100 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 531-2073. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

Fever, swing music at noon at 555 12th St., Oakland. Part of Oakland City Center Spring Concerts.  

Wednesday Noon Concert, with Jared Redmond, piano, at Hertz Hall, UC Campus. Free. 642-4864. http://music.berkeley.edu 

UC Berkeley’s Cal RaijinTaiko, Taiko Drumming Concert, at 7 p.m. at Julia Morgan Center for the Arts, 2640 College Ave. Tickets are $5-$7 at the door.  

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

Terrence Brewer Quartet with Lorca Hart at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ.  

www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

MIBB, University of Copenhagen Jazz Big Band in a benefit for Ashkenaz, at 8:30 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Swing dance lesson at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Whiskey Brothers, old-time and bluegrass at 9 p.m. at Albatross, 1822 San Pablo Ave. 843-2473. www.albatrosspub.com 

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

Keith McArthur Project, funk, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277. 

Billy Cobham & Friends at 8 and 10 p.m. at Yoshi’s at Jack London Square, through Sun. Cost is $16-$24. 238-9200. www.yoshis.com 

THURSDAY, APRIL 17 

EXHIBITIONS 

“Here: Oakland Through the Arts” Works by Excel High School Students. Presentation by the artists at 7 p.m., performance at 5 p.m. at the Craft & Cultural Arts Gallery, State of CA Office Bldg., Atrium, 1515 Clay St., Oakland. 622-8190. 

Enrique Chagoya: Borderlandia Guided tour at 12:15 p.m. at Berkeley Art Museum. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

THEATER 

“Medea, A Tragedy by Euripides” Thurs.-Sat. at 7 p.m. at Oakland School for the Arts, 1800 San Pablo, Oakland, 1 block from 19th St BART. Tickets are $5-$10. 873 8800. www.oakarts.tix.com 

FILM 

Heinz Emigholz: Architecture as Autobiography “Sullivan’s Banks” at 7 p.m. and “Loos Ornamental” at 8:30 p.m. at the Pacific Film Archive. Cost is $5.50-$9.50. 642-0808. www.bampfa.berkeley.edu 

READINGS AND LECTURES 

Adam David Miller, reads from “Ticket to Exile” at 2 p.m. at Berkeley Public Library, 2090 Kittredge St. 981-6107. 

June Jordan’s Poetry for the People at 7:30 p.m. at La Peña Cultural Center. Cost is $7-$15. 849-2568. www.lapena.org 

Adam Mansbach reads from “The End of the Jews” at 7 p.m. at Cody's Books, 2201 Shattuck Ave. 559-9500. 

Doug Fine reads from “Farewell, My Subaru: An epic Adventure in Local Living” at 7:30 p.m. at Mrs. Dalloways, 2904 College Ave. 704-8222. 

MUSIC AND DANCE 

San Francisco Chamber Jazz Quartet, live recording session at 8 p.m. at Anna’s Jazz Island, 2120 Allston Way. Cost is $10. 841-JAZZ. www.AnnasJazzIsland.com 

The California Honeydrops, New Orleans blues and roots, at 9 p.m. at Ashkenaz. Cost is $10. 525-5054. www.ashkenaz.com 

Bryn Terfel, bass-baritone, at 7:30 p.m. at Zellerbach Hall, UC Campus. Tickets are $35-$100. 642-9988. www.calperformances.net 

Vladimir Tarasov, Mark Dresser & Larry Ochs: Thinking About Morton Feldman at 8 p.m. at Freight and Salvage. Cost is $19.50-$20.50. 548-1761. www.freightandsalvage.org 

Houston, Jones & Jacques at 7 p.m. at Caffe Trieste, 2500 San Pablo Ave., at Dwight. 548-5198.  

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

Dietsnaks, funk, nu-jazz, at 8 p.m. at Jupiter. 843-8277 

The Emperor’s New Clothes, a family show by that great musicals team Ahrens & Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime), will be staged by Active Arts for Young Audiences, opening this weekend at the Julia Morgan Center on College Avenue. 

The old story’s presented with a twist: the emperor’s a 14-year-old boy (though played by a professional adult actor, part of Active Arts’ credo), Marcus the Third, who’s approaching his imperial inauguration nervously. A smart kid who likes to read, Marcus doesn’t think he has what it takes to be an emperor—not if an emperor’s a big, tough guy wielding a sword. 

“Marcus begins to think, perhaps it’s the clothes which make the emperor,” said Nina Meehan, executive director of Active Arts and co-producer of this show.  

Meehan described the musical, which she said was in a new version being premiered in California by Active Arts with the shows at the Julia Morgan, directed by Mike Kasin. With sophisticated music and humor to engage the older kids and the adults, Meehan said it welcomes younger children to the world of theater, with interactive moments (”the audience helps make a parade”), vibrantly colorful costumes and a medieval fairytale inspiration reminding audiences the story came from books—a pop-up storybook effect “that pops out to the audience.” 

Plus, Meehan said, “there’s a song every three minutes that tells the story, drives the plot” in a show that, with intermission, runs about an hour and 20 minutes. 

“My favorite moment in the play,” said Meehan, “is a really fun song, a duet between the emperor and the scullery maid. They’ve become friends, though they’re not supposed to, and realize they can play together, use their imaginations to create stories. So they play a guessing game. They come from different worlds, but find common ground.” 

Meehan continued: “What’s neat for me as a producer to see is the scullery maid being played by Jayne Deely, a recent Fordham graduate and newcomer to the Bay Area, while Emperor Marcus is played by Brendan Simon, who performed in our first show ever, at the Bay Area Discovery Museum in 2004, and has always done our choreography.” 

Meehan calls the cast of five “spectacular, all incredible vocalists” with each actor (except Simon) playing two roles. 

Active Arts is committed to producing shows based on children’s literature, “to enchant children and their families, encourage them to use their imaginations, and entertain not only the child, but the mother, aunt and older sister or brother sitting next to them,” Meehan said. “Hopefully, we’re educating the next generation of theatergoers.”  

She added how much the actors respond to performing for younger audiences, meeting them after the show “so the experience doesn’t end with the end of the show and the children can see that the actors are real people, not just images on a screen. They let you know immediately when they’re having a good time.” 

The Emperor’s New Clothes 

Active Arts for Young Audiences 

weekends through April 20 

Julia Morgan Center on College Ave.  

Tickets: $14 for children, $18 for adults. 

(925) 798-1300  

www.active artstheatre.org 

The crowd was streaming through the flaming metal portals of The Crucible’s big industrial complex on Oakland’s 7th Street well before curtain time for the “fire ballet” production of Stravinsky’s Firebird.  

Like a sideshow, there were “fire arts” demos going on inside, Crucible artists and volunteers pulling molten glass from a blindingly hot oven and shaping it, or showing someone how to pound out a burning ingot on an anvil, or just displaying artworks from one of the center’s many workshops. 

Once the big audience was seated in rows of chairs on the floor in front of the stage and on the bleachers just behind them, the taped Midd;e Eastern-flavored dance music went off and an emcee welcomed everyone, touching on the workaday, educational and community features of the foundry-like place that was presenting a 1910 Ballet Russe classic, reforged in real flame, “an incendiary update,” with proceeds to benefit their education fund. 

“A funky and fiery reinterpretation of the classic Russian folktale,” The Crucible’s Firebird was conceived and designed by Michael Sturtz, founder and executive director of the nonprofit, with choreography by Viktor Kabaniaev of Diablo Ballet, where Tina Bohnstedt, excellent as the Firebird and onetime principal with the Bavarian State Ballet, also performs.  

The stage direction is by Mark Streshinsky, whose staging of Chrysalis for Berkeley Opera was a highlight of recent East Bay theater. The musical direction (all prerecorded) is by Scott Sterling and Ben Davis handles the lighting. The show features appearances by performers from Smuin (dashing Easton Smith as Prince Ivan) and San Jose (lithe Haley Henderson as Tsarevna) ballets, exotic dance company Nekiya, street dancers from Flavor Group and fLo-Ology, as well as aerialist (the other Firebird) Janine Fondiller and “Moto Prince Ivan” (stuntman Darius Khashabi doubling the Prince, riding Sturtz’s dream machine) and an airborne ’70s flaming red (and flaming) Pontiac Firebird. 

In many ways the Crucible’s hour-long production follows the fairytale (and the original Fokine ballet) pretty closely, albeit with the anachronistic air of an illustrated storybook for young techies, with the huntsman Prince, out for a ride (in this case, on his cycle), encountering and snaring the Firebird, who begs her freedom, rewarding the prince with a (flaming metal) feather.  

Anachronistic in more ways than one, as The Crucible’s FIREBIRD is at once like seeing a revival of the Ballet Russe original, but as performed by the early Siegfried and Roy in Vegas at the Circus Circus. Given the close connection between early 20th-century ballet and the carnivalesque (recall Picasso’s Ballet Russe designs), it’s a doubly wry tribute. 

A well-known local dancer, once a ballet student, who’s seen other Crucible shows with enthusiasm, commented afterwards how high-quality the soloists and the aerialist were, but suggested that the choreography “never completely gelled” and that The Crucible’s signature pyrotechnics weren’t “integrated as fully” as in last year’s ROMEO & JULIET, in which the dancers at the ball waved flaming fans. 

But THE FIREBIRD, in any case, is unusual entertainment, with high production values and in an unusual and intriguing setting. The audience, on the youngish side but diverse enough in every way, ate it up, afterwards pouring out of the vast studio to West Oakland BART, a couple blocks away. 

Firebird  

The Crucible, 1260 7th St, Oakland 

Wed.-Sat., April 16-19, 8:30 p.m. 

Tickets $55 

444-0919 

www.thecrucible.org 

Firebird Gala 

Friday, April 18 

Reception 6:30 p.m. featuring wines, fiery hors d’oeuvres, exclusive performances and an opportunity to meet the cast 

Tickets: $150