7 Days In Arts

Saturday, Oct. 13

Its off to Poland with the Second Annual Polish Cultural Arts Festival today. Enjoy a wide array of Polish culture from art, music, literature, food, dance and films. Today, a champagne reception kicks off a Polish feature film “The Spring to Come” and tomorrow, jazz melodies fill the air with singer Grazyna Auguscik. 5 p.m., Sun., Oct. 14, 2 p.m. Through Oct. 15. L.A. Cultural Affairs, Warner Grand Theater, 478 W. Sixth St. San Pedro.

Sunday, Oct. 1

Domestic violence is no laughing matter. However tonight stand-up comediennes Stephanie Hodge, Karen Rontowski, Sabrina Matthews and Jackie Kashian will Stand Up Against Domestic Violence. Heidi Joyce hosts the comedy show that will donate all proceeds to the Theatre of Hope for Abused Women. $12 (in advance); $15 (at the door). 2 stoitzp.m. The Bitter Truth, 11050 Magnolia Blvd., North Hollywood. For reservations or more information, call (818) 766-9702.

Revenge is the focus in today’s staged play reading “The Last Laugh,” starring Harold Gould, who is known for his humorous roles on “Rhoda” and “The Golden Girls.” This Anton Chekhov-inspired work is directed by Alexandra More and written by Michael Hardstark. $10 (members, seniors and students); $12 (nonmembers). 2 p.m. Westside Jewish Community Center, 5870 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles. For tickets or more information, call (323) 938-2531 ext. 2225.

Tension-filled silences are playwright Harold Pinter’s trademark, either between estranged lovers or begrudging friends. In “Betrayal”, the same technique is used along with a reverse chronological order to portray the secret love affair between a married woman and her husband’s best friend. The effect is an intense definition of the play’s title and the lessons learned through life’s injustices. $36-$40 (general admission). 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For reservations or more information, call (310) 827-0889.

Monday, Oct. 15

Jewish lawyer Bella Azbug fought hard to clear a black man in the Deep South accused of rape and take a stand against blatant racism. Although she didn’t win the 1949 case, she exhibited the Jewish values of fixing the world. Her tireless efforts are chronicled in “Extraordinary Jews: Staging Their Lives” (A.R.E. Publishing Inc., 2001), a series of plays about inspiring Jewish figures in our nation’s history. The book is targeted towards Jewish youth, the aim being to supply them with much needed role models they can identify with in this age of confusion and mayhem. Written by playwright Gabrielle Suzanne Kaplan, the work illustrates seven other Jewish role models, including the revolutionary Emma Goldman and legendary composer Leonard Bernstein.

Tuesday, Oct. 16

Today, Leo Baeck Temple offers Jewish literature classes, encompassing the works of world-renowned Jewish authors and poets, such as Isaac Bashevis Singer and Sholom Aleichem. Led by Leah Schweitzer, the class of 25 will use the “Oxford Book of Jewish Stories” as a guide. $21 (members); $36 (nonmembers). 11:30 a.m. 1300 N. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles. For registration or more information, call (310) 476-2861.

Wednesday, Oct. 17

These artists are so good, they’ve taught children. “Art Noir” is on display today, exhibiting the works of talented artists such as Tina Turbeville, Betty Green, Zelda Zinn and Melinda Smith Altshuler, who have participated in the Crossroads School program to teach art to children. The subjects of the pieces range from political to social and emotional. Gallery hours: Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Through Nov. 1. Sam Francis Gallery, Second floor, Peter Boxenbaum Arts Building, 1714 Twenty-first St., Santa Monica. For more information, call (310) 829-7391 ext. 231.

Thursday, Oct. 18

Persian singer/percussionist Mitra and flamenco guitarist Rama Morovati kick off tonight’s Interfaith Musical Program for World Peace with Sephardic music. Led by world renowned singer and guitarist Gerard Edery, The Gerard Edery Ensemble mixes Armenian, Spanish, French, Ladino, Hebrew and Arabic music ranging from upbeat celebration hymns to poignant ballads of loss. 8 p.m. University of Judaism, 15600 Mulholland Drive, Bel Air. For reservations or more information, call (310) 476-9777 ext. 201.

Friday, Oct. 19

The Stella Adler Theatre is holding its Annual One-Act Festival tonight, featuring Timothy McNeil’s dark comedy “The Straight Bozo”, Charles Waxberg’s “Marasmus” and Stefan Marks’ “Park”. $7 (general admission). Fri. and Sat., 8 p.m. and Sun., 7 p.m. Through Nov. 4. 6773 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood. For tickets or more information, call (310) 855-0498.