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Sandip Roy / Chapal Rani, the Last Queen of Bengal: The Life and Times of a Female Impersonator

Join Sandip Roy in conversation with Jeanne Carstensen as they celebrate the publication of 'Chapal Rani, the Last Queen of Bengal: The Life and Times of a Female Impersonator'. This event will provide insights into the life of Bengali stage actor Chapal Bhaduri, the last great female impersonator of Bengali theater, blending biography and evocative vignettes. Roy's work captures the rise and fall of this iconic figure whose career and identity were intertwined. Set to take place at City Lights Booksellers, the event will also be available to access via Zoom for those who cannot attend in person, but prior registration is required.

City Lights Bookstore
Wed, Mar 4 • 7:00 PM

Dan Simon in conversation with Barry Gifford

Join us for an insightful conversation between Dan Simon and Barry Gifford celebrating the publication of 'Ashland: a novel' by Dan Simon, published by Europa Editions. This event, taking place at City Lights Booksellers & Publishers, is not only an opportunity to explore the themes and narratives of Simon's debut novel but also to engage with both authors. The event will be held onsite and broadcasted on Zoom, requiring prior registration. 'Ashland' delves into the life of Carolyn, a character growing up in a small town, exploring beauty amidst challenges. Don't miss the chance to hear from Dan Simon, the founder and editor-in-chief of Seven Stories Press, and Barry Gifford, a renowned author known for his significant contributions to literature.

City Lights Bookstore
Wed, Mar 11 • 7:00 PM

The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth

Join us for two special screenings of 'The Optimist: The Bravest Act Is Truth,' a film that tells the extraordinary true story of Herbert Heller and his transformative friendship with a teenager named Abby. With Screenings on Wednesday, March 11 at 7:00 PM and Sunday, March 15 for a Matinee, this deeply moving narrative delves into themes of resilience and human connection through memory and storytelling. Featuring performances by Stephen Lang, Elsie Fisher, and Luke David Blumm, this event showcases how powerful relationships can illuminate even the darkest corners of our past. Please note that no passes or discounts will be accepted for this special event. Get ready to experience an unforgettable journey of hope and healing.

Landmark's Opera Plaza Cinema
Wed, Mar 11 • 7:00 PM

Monthly Climate & Environment Club @ Manny's

Join this club to explore urgent environmental issues, from local urban resilience to global policy. Ever wonder what happens to your trash or where your sink water goes after it swirls down the drain? This fall, we’re diving into the hidden systems that keep San Francisco running – from the art of zero waste to the journey of every drop. These behind-the-scenes tours offer a rare glimpse into the city’s essential (and often overlooked) infrastructure, revealing how innovation, policy, and human effort come together to make urban sustainability possible. Come see the unseen side of SF – and rethink what “waste” really means. Manny's Clubs are discussion groups that convene once a month for 90 minutes to discuss a wide variety of topics. Participants are asked to make a 6 month or yearly commitment.

Manny's
Mon, Mar 16 • 5:30 PM

Ella Quittner Author Talk • Obsessed with the Best

Join us for a captivating evening with Ella Quittner, a food writer, cultural journalist, and screenwriter known for her work with The New York Times and other prominent publications. Ella will discuss her latest project, 'Obsessed with the Best,' which explores culinary perfection through creative recipes and meticulous cooking methods. This event is free to attend and will be held at Omnivore Books on Food on March 16th at 6:30 PM. Seating is on a first come, first served basis, and the author will be mic'd for clarity. Books will be available for pre-order and on-site purchase. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to engage with culinary insights and a lively conversation about the art of cooking.

Omnivore Books
Mon, Mar 16 • 6:30 PM

Manny’s Writing Club

Join Manny’s Writing Club for a monthly writing session in the heart of San Francisco's Mission District. This engaging club invites participants to explore their creativity through guided writing prompts and sensory experiences. The session begins indoors at Manny’s with warm-up exercises aimed at building trust and igniting creativity. Then, participants head outside to engage with the vibrant surroundings, drawing inspiration from the streets, colors, sounds, and people. After the outdoor exploration, the group returns to reflect and share their written pieces, creating personal testaments to place and community. Open to everyone, this workshop is an inspiring opportunity for writers of all levels to reimagine their surroundings through writing.

Manny's
Sat, Mar 21 • 2:00 PM

The Lunchbox

Rediscover the profound power of human connection in The Lunchbox — a new musical adaptation of Ritesh Batra’s internationally acclaimed film that overflows with heart, humor, and hope. A mistaken delivery in Mumbai’s famously efficient lunchbox system connects a lonely housewife to a jaded office worker, setting off an exchange of handwritten notes. Tucked in the folds of fragrant chapatis, amidst the vibrant pulse of Mumbai, their words blossom into a connection that might save them both. Directed by Tony Award-winner Rachel Chavkin (Hadestown) and featuring a sweeping and intimate score by Daniel and Patrick Lazour, The Lunchbox is a tale of the beauty of small gestures — one that will leave you believing in the bravery of opening your heart to the unexpected.

Berkeley Repertory Theatre
Sun, May 17 • 7:00 PM

Mere Mortals

Step inside a world where myth meets modern day. Mere Mortals reimagines the story of Pandora’s Box through the lens of our tech-driven age. Exploring eternal philosophical questions through the timely subject of artificial intelligence, this ballet examines the promises and perils of humankind forging new paths in unknown territory. This fully immersive experience fuses movement, music, and cutting-edge visuals into a breathtaking sensory journey. Commissioned as a world premiere for Artistic Director Tamara Rojo’s inaugural season, the program returns as a fusion of electronic music, festival culture, and contemporary ballet – an otherworldly journey all around. Witness the visionary choreography of Aszure Barton alongside a live performance by acclaimed electronic music producer Floating Points. Coming from a city defined by innovation and technology, Mere Mortals is a provocative, unforgettable exploration of progress, creativity, and the human spirit.

San Francisco Ballet
Wed, Sep 9 • 12:00 AM