7 Days In Arts

14/Saturday

School’s out, and a perfect solution to entertain the
kids is the delightful “Beanstalk! A Tall Tale,” featuring KTLA’s Mindy Burbano.
The theater’s latest play humorously charts the hopes, dreams and fears of a
handful of characters, relaying a moral message at the end of each storyline.
The characters include Jack and Jill, a giant and the famous magic beanstalk.
$10. Sat., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. and Sun., 1 p.m. Through Aug. 5. Falcon Theatre,
4252 Riverside Drive, Burbank. For tickets or more information, call (818)
955-8101.

15/Sunday

What do you get when you put five musical Israelis in
some of Manhattan’s top clubs and bars? ESTA, the instrumental quintet that
brings a fresh new mix of Israeli pop music and jazz. Its music also contains
Mediterranean, Balkan, African, Asian and Celtic influences, which nicely
complement Brandeis-Bardin’s annual Under the Stars musical series. Highly
acclaimed on Radio France and throughout Europe, ESTA performed for former
President Clinton and numerous congressmen and diplomats during the celebration
of Israel’s 50th birthday in Washington. $25. Student and series discounts
available. 7:30 p.m. (preceded by a picnic on the hillside plaza).
Brandeis-Bardin Institute, 1101 Peppertree Lane, Simi Valley. For reservations
or more information, call (805) 582-4450.

16/Monday

Sometimes Angelenos miss what’s right under their
noses. In her photography collection, Olivia Barrionuevo has captured the
oft-overlooked distinctiveness of city culture, such as people on the streets
and the scenery alongside some of the busiest roads. Gallery hours: Mon.-Thurs.,
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Through Sept. 9. University of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Drive,
Bel Air. For more information, call (310) 440-1203.

17/Tuesday

One of the largest art events of the year is here, the
group exhibition International Offerings, presenting more than 80 works by
artists from different areas of the world. Contributors to this enormous display
include contemporary and modern artists from North America, Europe and Latin
America. The exhibit covers the gamut of the 20th century and some of the 21st
century, with works by internationally renowned artists like Marc Chagall, Henri
Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Diego Rivera, Georges Rouault and Jean Charlot. Opening
reception: Fri., 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Gallery hours: Tues.-Fri., 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and
Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Through Sept. 1. Jack Rutberg Gallery, 357 N. La Brea Ave.,
Los Angeles. For more information, call (323) 938-5222.

18/Wednesday

A four-film series from Israeli filmmaker Amos Gitai
begins today with a showing of his 1998 film, “Yom Yom” (“Day to Day”). The
story’s main character, Moshe, is an Arab-Israeli struggling to keep his head
above water amid the daily problems of family, an extramarital affair,
psychological issues and an aversion toward death. Meanwhile, the protagonist
deals with wider issues of a nation in constant political strife. The storyline
evolved from Gitai’s bittersweet memories of Haifa — his birthplace, to which he
returned after years of self-imposed exile.

$7 (general admission); $5 (students). 7:30 p.m. James Bridges Theater, Melnitz Hall, UCLA. For more information, call (310) 206-8013.

19/Thursday

Pop art and a kibbutz may be a strange combination, but
Israeli painter Yadid Rubin has found an effective and creative way to put the
two together. Rubin has poured his experiences living in Kibbutz Givat Haim onto
canvas, while highlighting some of Israel’s most beautiful landscapes. “Pop Art
from the Kibbutz” shows the influence that 20th century art history has on
Rubin’s paintings and sketches. Opening reception: 6 p.m.-9 p.m. Gallery hours:
Mon., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Tues.-Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sun., 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Galerie Yoramgil, 319 N. Canon Drive, Beverly Hills. For more information, call (310) 275-8130.

20/Friday

“Dirty Ugly People and Their Stupid Meaningless Lives,”
by Frederick Bailey, is a farce about a group of people and their struggle to
deal with life after their hopes have been tarnished. The year is 2020 and
another Great Depression has taken hold, giving way to a corrupt society that
depletes the world of food and water. Also showing tonight, “Sisters of the
Winter Madrigal,” by Beth Henley, the Pulitzer Prize-winner of “Crimes of the
Heart.” $18 (general admission). Opening night: Sat., July 14, 8 p.m. Shows are
Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. Through Aug. 19. Los Angeles Theatre Center, 514
S. Spring St., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (213)
486-1681.