A SLIVER OF LIGHT The American hikers accused of espionage and imprisoned in Iran in 2009 have spent the years since their release speaking and writing about pieces of the harrowing and eye-opening experience, and advocating for prisoners’ rights. In a new memoir, A Sliver of Light, the three hikers tell the story through their intertwining voices. On Thursday, Mar. 27 they’ll speak in Berkeley, the city of their alma mater, about life in and after captivity. Interviewing Shane Bauer, Josh Fattal, and Sarah Shourd is Berkeleyside’s own Frances Dinkelspiel. The event runs 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the First Congregational Church of Berkeley at 2345 Channing Way. Tickets are $8-$15 online or $20 at the door.
TEEN ONE-ACTS The $15 it costs to attend Berkeley Rep’s Teen One-Acts Festival is a bargain, considering how much these young playwrights’ Broadway tickets will go for in 10 years. Each year, two talented teens’ scripts are selected and performed by a cast of their peers. The 12th annual festival features “Bell,” a 1930s psychological thriller written by Rocko Bauman, and “Death and the Grottie,” Chloe Christina Smith’s philosophical exploration of time and eternity. Catch the world premiere of these plays at the Osher Studio at 2055 Center Street on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online or at the door — first come, first served.
VAMPIRE LESBIANS OF SODOM & SLEEPING BEAUTY OR COMA Yes, there’s a Disney princess in the title, but something tells us you might want to get a babysitter when you go see Virago Theatre’s latest pairing of plays. “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom” is the raunchy comedic saga of a 2,000-year rivalry between vampiric actresses. “Sleeping Beauty or Coma” is a psychedelic 1960s spin on the classic fairytale. The double bill opens on Saturday, Mar. 29 at Live Oak Theatre and continues through Apr. 19, Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The hit off-Broadway show’s opening night features “vampiric cocktails” with the price of admission (hopefully blood-free), and theatergoers who come in drag at any point in the run get one drink for free. Tickets are $28, available online (with discounts for large groups). Live Oak Theatre is at 1301 Shattuck Ave.
YOUTH ALIVE FUNDRAISER Youth ALIVE!, the collaborative endeavor of three nonprofits — Caught in the Crossfire, Teens on Target, and the Khadafy Washington Project — works with young people to end violence in their communities. The program supports and empowers young victims of violence through leadership and life skills workshops. Ethnic Arts Gallery, at 2236 San Pablo Avenue, is hosting a fundraiser for Youth ALIVE! on Friday, March 28 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100. Wine and appetizers are included, and 20% of the gallery’s sales during the event will go to Youth ALIVE!
SHARIN SMELSER Berkeley artist Sharin Smelser’s “quilts” are better suited for walls than beds, and they’re currently hanging on those of the Photolab Gallery. Smelser has been creating her Photo-Quilts for over 10 years. The colorful digital prints evoke traditional American quilt patterns and textures. The subjects of Smelser’s collaged quilts range from adolescence to the American Southwest. Her pieces are on view at 2235 Fifth Street through May 3, and the artist will be present at a reception on Sunday, Mar. 30, 2 to 4 p.m.
Don’t miss this other event recently featured on Berkeleyside:
Magical, misfit marriage of Ira Glass and dance
Check out Berkeleyside’s event calendar for many more events, and make sure to post your own community happenings.
