7 Days In Arts

Saturday, Feb. 16

She’s called the socialist Joan of Arc. That’s because
writer and orator, Rosa Luxemburg, leader of the Communist Party of Germany in
the 1910s, fought the national government until she was executed by the German
military in 1919. Tonight, the Beverly Hills Public Library depicts her life
against the background of an approaching world war in a staged play reading,
written by Rosalyn Grossan and starring Elisa Gabrielli, Bob Bauman and Joel
King. $5. 2 p.m. 444 N. Rexford Drive. For more information, call (310)
288-2211.

Sunday, Feb. 17

While February might be known for its handful of days
devoted to presidential birthdays and hearts, the entire month commemorates the
contributions of African Americans. Today, at the Workmen’s Circle/Arbeter Ring,
in honor of Black History month, the 25-member Gwen Wyatt Chorale will perform
their interpretations of traditional African American spirituals. The group’s
repertoire includes a recent concert for Pope John Paul II at the Vatican and a
performance at Carnegie Hall in a Martin Luther King, Jr. commemorative concert.
$10 (members); $15 (nonmembers); $5-$7.50 (children under 18). 2 p.m. 1525 S.
Robertson Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (310) 552-2007.

Monday, Feb. 18

Want to do a good deed and have fun doing it? Join
Scott J. Svonkin, chairman of the Los Angeles Insurance Commission and chief of
staff to Councilmember Paul Koretz, at his 36th Birthday Charity Bash. Svonkin
has been involved in numerous Jewish organizations including B’nai Brith of
Southern California, the Valley Alliance of the Jewish Federation’s Community
Relations Committee and Hillel at Pierce and Valley Colleges. The birthday
festivities will be held at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum and all proceeds
will go towards B’nai Brith; Huckleberry Fund, which supports the outreach
program at Children’s hospital Los Angeles; and the Workers Relief Fund to help
tourism-industry employees who were laid-off after Sept. 11. $36-$1,000 6-9 p.m.
For reservations or more information, call (310) 836-1818 or visit
www.svonkin.com.

Tuesday, Feb. 19

There really are Jews living in every corner of the
world, including Asia. Today, Elliot Ulman, a docent at the Skirball Cultural
Center, will present “The Jews of Asia,” with a slide show and discussion. 10
a.m. Presented by Friends of the Fairfax Library, 161 S. Gardner St., Los
Angeles. For more information, call (213) 936-6191.

Wednesday, Feb. 20

Purim is less than a month away and it’s never to early
to get into the spirit of the holiday. You’ll be busting out those costumes for
the kids in no time after listening to “Purim Fever 2. The new CD features
inspirational Purim-themed music including “Woody Woodbrecher,” “Let Me Get
Plain,” “Locksmith,” “Fever Rekida 1” and more. $6.99 (cassette); $10.99 (CD).
To purchase the CD or for more information, visit www.mostlymusic.com.

Thursday, Feb. 21

Montreal’s Compagnie FLAK, a duet of music and dance
comprised of cellist Walter Haman and dancer/choreographer Jose Navas, makes it
West Coast debut tonight. Their performance, called by “poignant,” by The New
York Times is both melancholy and uplifting. Enjoy their “The Haman/Navas
Project,” inspired by the music of Benjamin Britten and Allan Hovhaness, at the
Skirball Cultural Center. $25 (general admission); $20 (members). $15
(students). Thurs., Feb. 21 and Fri., Feb. 22, 8:30 p.m. 2701 N. Sepulveda
Blvd., Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 655-8587.

Friday, Feb. 22

Why do the craziest things happen at the most
inopportune times? Tonight, the 68 Cent Crew shows what happens when love is
lost and found during the insane few moments right before a wedding in “What the
Rabbi Saw,” written by Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore. The comedy production
stars Eva Longoria, Angela Pupello and Ronnie Marmo. $15. Fri., Sat. and Sun, 8
p.m. Through March 10. The Space Theatre, 665 N. Heliotrope Ave., Hollywood. For
reservations or more information, call (323) 769-5800.