Calendar Picks and Clicks: May 19-25, 2012

SAT | MAY 19

“A HAPPY END”
Days after the election that brings Hitler to power, a Jewish couple — an acclaimed physicist and his unfaithful wife — contemplate whether to seek an unknown future outside of Germany or stay put in Berlin. Written by playwright Iddo Netanyahu, brother of Israel’s prime minister, directed by Ami Dayan, and featuring award-winning actor Bruce Davison, this staged reading is the play’s West Coast premiere. Part of the California International Theatre Festival. The Museum of Tolerance hosts an additional performance on May 21. Sat. 8 p.m. Free (first come, first served). Founder’s Hall, 100 Civic Center Way, Calabasas. (818) 783-3576. citfestival.org.

SUN | MAY 20

SPA-VUOT
Gardening, yoga and exercise workshops, hikes and a “Mikveh Tent” for rejuvenating foot soaks and hand massages highlight The Big Jewish Tent’s mind-body-Torah Shavuot festival. Pay a little extra and enjoy horseback rides, full-body massages and more. Sun. 11 a.m.-5:30 p.m. $99-$259. Shalom Institute, 34342 Mulholland Highway, Malibu. (818) 889-5500. bigjewishtent.com.

WALK TO END GENOCIDE
Jewish World Watch holds its sixth annual Walk to End Genocide, a three-mile walk to raise awareness about human rights abuses. During registration and after the walk, visit the Action Festival, which features information and advocacy booths, arts and crafts, music, food trucks and more. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free (general registration). Pan Pacific Park, 7600 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles. (818) 501-1836. jewishworldwatch.org.

“BEYOND ALLIANCES”
Today’s symposium explores the role Jews have played in reshaping the racial landscape of Southern California, from relations with Chinese-Americans in the 19th century to Mexican-Americans in the 20th century. Panelists include Philip Ethington, professor of history and political science at USC; Rabbi Chaim Seidler-Feller, executive director of Hillel at UCLA; and Karen Wilson, a UCLA doctoral student. Todd Presner, professor of Germanic languages, comparative literature and Jewish studies at UCLA and co-director of the UCLA Center for Jewish Studies, moderates. A discussion among the speakers and a Q-and-A follow. Sun. 3-6 p.m. Free (reservations required). Hillel at UCLA, 574 Hilgard Ave., Los Angeles. (310) 267-5327. cjs.ucla.edu.

SILENT FILM GALA
Carl Davis conducts the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra in a performance of his new score for the 1920 “thrill” comedy, “High and Dizzy,” starring Harold Lloyd as an intoxicated doctor who must rescue a sleepwalking patient from a skyscraper ledge.  The orchestra also performs Davis’ original score for Lloyd’s 1927 film, “The Kid Brother.” Sun. 6:30 p.m. $35-$80. Royce Hall, UCLA Campus, Los Angeles. (213) 622-7001. laco.org.

TUE | MAY 22

ELI BROAD
Broad, founder of SunAmerica Inc. and KB Home and a philanthropist who heads foundations holding more than $2 billion in assets, appears in conversation with Los Angeles Times editor-at-large Jim Newton to discuss his new book, “The Art of Being Unreasonable: Lessons in Unconventional Thinking.” Broad, who funds scientific research and education reforms, has built some of the great contemporary art museums. Tonight, he shares how being “unreasonable” led him to extraordinary success. Tue. 7 p.m. Free (stand-by reservations only). Los Angeles Central Library, Mark Taper Auditorium, 630 W. Fifth St., downtown. (213) 228-7500. lfla.org.

WED | MAY 23

“6X6”
Valley Beth Shalom’s inaugural writers roundtable brings together professional writers to inspire imaginative, bold storytelling reflecting on the condition of contemporary Jewish life. Featured speakers include Sarah Goldfinger (“Grimm,” “CSI”), Universal Television story editor Michael Halperin, Jewish World Watch playwright-in-residence Stephanie Liss, Jamie Pachino (“Fairly Legal”), Lynn Roth (“The Paper Chase”) and Rhonda Spinak, Jewish Women’s Theatre artistic director. Rabbi Ed Feinstein hosts. Wed. 7:30 p.m. Free. Valley Beth Shalom, 15739 Ventura Blvd., Encino. (818) 788-6000. vbs.org.

LENNY KRAYZELBURG
The four-time Olympic gold medalist and champion swimmer discusses his struggles and achievements, his work in the community and the secrets for his success during a reception hosted by Federation young adult groups Ru-Ju-LA (Russian Jewish Young Adults of Los Angeles) and YALA (Young Adults of Los Angeles). Mingle with other young adults at an opening wine and cheese reception. Wed. 7:30 p.m. $15. Matrix Theatre, 7657 Melrose Ave., Los Angeles. (323) 761-8372. yala.org