See “The Merchant of Venice” like you’ve never seen it before at The Pinch. (Photo courtesy of Shakespeare in the Pub)
Shakespeare with alcohol, running with alcohol, and other things with and without alcohol make up this week’s event lineup.
MONDAY, MARCH 6
DRUNK SHAKESPEARE: You probably read (or slept through) “The Merchant of Venice” in high school. But at this month’s “Shakespeare in the Pub,” you can relive that forgettable experience while imbibing at a bar. Better yet: The actors will be drunk too. Plus, a prominent anti-Semite gets his comeuppance at the end of the show. That’s something we all need to see right now. (The Pinch, 7:30-9:30 p.m.: FREE but tips encouraged)
EXERCISE + ALCOHOL: Let’s continue with this theme of “activities some people consider unpleasant followed by the consumption of alcoholic beverages.” Join the Pacers 14th Street Store Fun Run Group on a three-, five- or seven-mile “fun run” (your mileage may vary on the definition of “fun”) followed by a complimentary bourbon tasting from Belle Meade Bourbon. (Pacers Running Store on 14th; 6:30-7:30 p.m.; FREE)
LOW-KEY DANCE CLASS: Monday is the worst day of the week, but QT Fusion Dance D.C. hope to make it just a bit less awful with their Dance & Social event. Billed as an “LGBTQI dance party,” the event will feature a beginner lesson in bachata and an open fusion portion. If none of that entices you, maybe this will: “Possible outdoor fire pit with marshmallow roasting and smores.” (1250 4th St. SW; 8-11:30 p.m.; FREE but donations encouraged)
SPY HISTORY: Since we’re all talking about leaks and government secrets anyway (sorry, Spicy), why not learn about a little-known man who we’re sure betrayed our country? At a book signing, author Yudhijit Bhattacharjee will discuss “The Spy Who Couldn’t Spell,” the true story of a dyslexic codebreaker whose ambitious plot to steal documents ended in tragedy for him. (International Spy Museum; 6:30 p.m.; $10 for non-members, $8 for members)
More: Presidential Libraries talk; Improv Wars; High-Speed Rail lecture; “Queer as Volk”
TUESDAY, MARCH 7
The film “Speed Sisters” follows an all-female racing team in Palestine. (Photo courtesy of American Near East Refugee Aid
DOCUMENTARY: The 2015 film “Speed Sisters” follows an all-female racing team as they defy precedents and rack up victories. The twist? All of the women are Palestinian, and their terrain is the cities of the West Bank. This is no ordinary story, and you can see it unfold (while enjoying an open bar) courtesy of American Near East Refugee Aid. (Songbyrd Cafe; 6-8 p.m.; $12)
WINTER FILMS: Remember winter? That time of year when you have to put away your shorts and t-shirts for three full months while snow pours of the sky and your ears turn red from the frigid temperatures? Ah, memories. Relive them with the DC Backcountry Film Festival, which shows a series of films about skiing and snow—you know, winter things. (Wunder Garten; 6:30-9 p.m.; $12)
SPORTS TALK: Dean Smith, Mike Krzyzewski, Jim Valvano. Do those names mean anything to you? If so, you’ll love this book talk with veteran college sports writer John Feinstein. If not, you’re like me, constantly in awe of people who know things about athletics. Welcome to the club! (Hirshhorn Museum & Sculpture Garden; 6:45-8:45 p.m.; $30 for members, $45 for non-members)
THE LAST WORD: Shirley MacLaine is starring in a new movie out this weekend, but you can see “The Last Word” a few days in advance, and benefit children with mobility issues, and eat complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash in one drink ticket. (Angelika Pop-Up at Union Market; 7-10 p.m.; $50)
More: “A League of Their Own”; “The Last Word”; Comedy Showcase at Maketto; Open Mic Night
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8
PHOTO CLASS: So, there’s apparently a “not-so-ancient art of gluing oversized photocopies to walls”…and you can learn it! Artist and cartoonist Dani Jeri Maier will walk you through where to buy the materials and how to use them effectively. Plus she’ll teach you her “personal street art philosophy” — and, before you ask, the event description makes it quite clear: “Yes, she does have one!” (The Lemon Bowl; 7-8 p.m.; $25).
TEDx TALK: Eleanor Allen, the CEO of the nonprofit Water for People, will explain why she feels water is a women’s issue. Then she’ll talk about how her organization is helping solve the global water sanitation crisis and empowering women in the process. Get ready to get inspired. (Inter-American Development Bank; 4:30-6:30 p.m.; FREE)
ART EXHIBIT: Wednesday is International Women’s Day, and you can celebrate it by experiencing artwork from six local talents at a pop-up gallery in Georgetown. This event will make for an inspirational end to the first-ever Day Without a Woman nationwide protest. (Kit and Ace; 6:30-9:30 p.m.; FREE)
More: The Movement happy hour; Brett Young; “City of Trees” screening
THURSDAY, MARCH 9
MYTHBUSTERS MEETS VSAUCE: “Brain Candy Live”; brings together Adam Savage from “Mythbusters” and Michael Stevens from “Vsauce” for a night of spirited inquiry. The event description promises a performance that resembles “a two-hour play date with Walt Disney, Willy Wonka and Albert Einstein,” which…actually sounds quite creepy. But I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. (Warner Theatre; 7:30 p.m.; $58.50-$74.50)
ROCK PAPER SCISSORS: Shoot! If you can envision yourself being proud of and not repulsed by the distinction of Rock Paper Scissors champion, this annual Playworks competition is for you And it’s for a good cause: All of the proceeds go towards the organization’s partnership with 13 local elementary schools to promote safe and healthy play environments for young children. (Sauf Haus Bier Garden; 5:30-9 p.m.; $25 for individuals, $250 for teams of 10)
WE BUILT THIS CITY: Have you wondered where the structure of D.C. actually came from (confusing roads and all)? The man you’re looking for Alexander Robey Shepherd, who fought for decades after the Civil War to realize the vision of city planner and Metro namesake Pierre L’Enfant. Learn more about him at this book talk. (Reinsch Library at Marymount University; 7-8:30 p.m.; FREE)
MY LIFE AS A ZUCCHINI: You probably forgot after one of the most legendary screw-ups in the history of filmed entertainment, but a movie with this title was nominated for Outstanding Animated Feature Film at last Sunday’s Oscars. It didn’t win, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t see it at this French Embassy screening. No, the movie is not actually about a zucchini; in fact, it’s a somewhat serious story about a young boy grieving for his mother after her sudden death. Prepare for a good cry. (Landmark E Street Cinema; 7:45 p.m.; $12 for adults, $9 for children)
More: Underground Comedy at The Big Hunt; Lilly Pulitzer Sip & Share; The Widow Maker; Luce Unplugged; Glover Park Social
