Calendar March 15-21

SAT | MAR 15

LEWIS BLACK

He’s probably yelling, but it’s definitely not at you; it’s with you! The irritated comic is known for his smart, funny, passionate commentary. Maybe you know his “Back in Black” segment on “The Daily Show,” maybe you have his two Grammy-winning comedy albums, or maybe you’re old-fashioned and you’ve read his three best-selling books. What it comes down to is, if you have yet to experience him at all, you should probably get on that. Sat. 9 p.m. $35-$175. Saban Theatre, 8440 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. (323) 655-0111. ” target=”_blank”>lamiradatheatre.com

SUN | MAR 16

PURIM COMEDY NIGHT

If you’re anything like me, you can really appreciate a fun accent. Enter Nik Rabinowitz. He’s one of South Africa’s biggest comedians and yes, Jewish to boot. With many TV appearances and his book “South Africa: A Long Walk to a Free Ride,” Rabinowitz is not only funny, he’s a unique look into the South African Jew. Even if you don’t speak Xhosa like he does, you can enjoy good jokes and an authentic meal of Pap and Boerewors (South African sausage and cornmeal dish). Sun. 6 p.m. $36. Hill Point Montessori School, 6601 Valley Circle Blvd., West Hills. (818) 337-4544. THU | MAR 20

Theater for a good cause is always, well — a good cause. In Wendy Graf’s new drama, a has-it-together African-American attorney starts to lose control when she learns she has an Iraqi half-sister, who has arrived in the United States with a questionable agenda. Directed by Shirley Jo Finney, this special performance is partnering up with the Esther Lewin Emergency Survival Fund; proceeds go to more than 500 women and families in crisis. Celebrate the good you’re doing during the wine and dessert reception before the show. Thu. 7:30 p.m. $60. Lounge Theater, 6201 Santa Monica Blvd., Los Angeles.  (323) 852-8515. ” target=”_blank”>valleyperformingartscenter.org. 

“THE STORY OF THE JEWS”

When people say things like, “The past is in the past,” they are not talking about the Jews. With such a rich and long history, why not revel in it? That’s exactly what professor Simon Schama does in the first volume of his cultural history on the Jewish people. Schama follows the Jewish experience across three millennia and around the globe. From Egypt to Paris, from ancient times to the New World, this Columbia University professor takes us on a journey we didn’t even know was ours. Thu. 8 p.m. Free. Reservations recommended. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. FRI | MAR 21

With Passover just a few weeks away, you may want to start practicing so that come seder time, you’re perfect. Skirball Executive Chef Sean Sheridan hosts, along with Evan Kleiman, former owner of the Angeli Caffe and current host of KCRW’s “Good Food.” Enjoy an Italian-inspired Passover meal, “mazagna” and all. Consider it homework for the holidays! Advance registration required by March 17. Fri. 6:30 p.m. $65 (general), $52 (members). Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. (310) 440-4500. ” target=”_blank”>clubnokia.com.