JEKYLL AND HYDE Robert Louis Stevenson is clearly in the air in Berkeley. Audiences at the Berkeley Rep are enjoying Mary Zimmerman’s adaption of Treasure Island, which runs through June 19. This weekend, Central Works debuts Robert Louis Stevenson: Jekyll and Hyde, a new play written by Gary Graves and directed by Jan Zvaifler. Graves’ play has Stevenson wake from a “terrifying fever dream.” He has the idea for a new novel — the macabre Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — but his wife Jenny tries to persuade him to drop the horrifying tale. You can see what happens next during the run at the Berkeley City Club. Performances Friday, May 13 (a pay-what-you-can preview) and Saturday, May 14 at 8 p.m., Sunday, May 15 at 5 p.m. Central Works at Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave.
BERKELEY POETRY FESTIVAL The 14th annual Berkeley Poetry Festival on Saturday, May 14 at Berkeley City College will honor poet, educator and translator John Oliver Simon with a lifetime achievement award. There will also be readings from Marvin K. White, Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, Roxane Beth Johnson, Missy Church, Vernon Keeve III, Kwan Booth, J. K. Fowler, Ruby Spies, Freddy Gutierrez, Candy Shue, Raina J. León and Elizabeth Treadwell. A drawing for three open mic slots will also be held, and there’s a small book fair from local publishers. Hosted by Baruch Porras-Hernandez with music by Harriet Poznansky. Free, with complimentary organic refreshments. Saturday, May 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., fifth floor student lounge, Berkeley City College, 2050 Center St.
BREAK OF REALITY Here’s what catches the eye (and ears) about Break of Reality: on the Freight & Salvage website, the alt classical, cello rock ensemble cover the Game of Thrones theme song — a must-listen for GoT fans (the Sunday night gig at the Freight is perfectly timed for you to get home in time for the HBO series). Break of Reality is three cellists (Patrick Laird, Laura Metcalf and Ben Capps) and one percussionist (Ivan Trevino). The group plays original compositions as well as classical arrangements and contemporary covers (that GoT theme, for instance). “At first, we were a heavy-metal cello band,” Trevino says. “We had amps, we were loud and played rock covers or original rock tunes. Slowly, our classical side crept into what we were doing for a more all-encompassing sound. We’re still rockin’, but with more nuance.” Sunday, May 15, 7 p.m., Freight & Salvage, 2020 Addison St.
NON STOP BHANGHRA Non Stop Bhangra hits the Ashkenaz dance floor on Saturday, May 14. It’s wildly colorful entertainment for the whole family, where it’s impossible to tell where the members of Dholrhythms Dance Company end and the participating audience begins. Here’s what they say: “Imagine a scene from a Bollywood movie smack in the middle of a thumping dance floor, swirling colors, the rhythm of pounding feet, and the relentless energy of brilliant beats.” Saturday, May 14, doors at 7 p.m., lesson and show at 7:30 p.m., Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave.
MIGRATORY BIRD DAY The UC Botanical Garden is organizing a family-friendly walk in search of birds on their migratory journey, in celebration of Migratory Bird Day. The walk will explore different bird habitats and provide a great introduction for budding birders. Bring binoculars if you have them. Space is limited so register online. Free with garden admission. Saturday, May 14, 10:30-11:30 a.m., UC Botanical Garden, 200 Centennial Drive.
Don’t miss these other events featured on Berkeleyside:
Dances with wolves: Los Lobos and Evie Ladin in Berkeley
Bites: Food events and dinners around the East Bay
John Muir Elementary School Centennial celebrations
Shotgun Players’ ‘Hamlet’ in Berkeley is ingenious
To find out what is going on in Berkeley and nearby, be sure to check out Berkeleyside’s Events Calendar. And submit your own events: it’s self-serve and free.
