Capitol Hill has a rich LGBTQ history. (Photo by Ronnie R)
Here’s what’s on tap for this week: Turning The Bachelorette into a teachable moment; exploring the sea with Jacques Cousteau from the comfort a movie theater; getting up close and personal with some medicinal plants; and much more below.
MONDAY, JULY 15
HIGH AND LOW: Watching The Bachelorette and learning about feminist theory are not two activities typically thought of in tandem. But both will take place during a Little Academy, where two professors will discuss the gender politics of The Bachelor franchise, just in time for a new episode. The event description says the event is welcoming “whether you love the Bachelor or can’t quite comprehend why your friends do.” (Bourbon; 6 to 8 p.m.; $20)
LET’S MOVE: Capitol Hill’s rich LGBTQ history will be on display during a walking tour that includes movement elements courtesy of Dance Exchange. (Imagine if college tours had backup dancers. That’s a game-changer.) (7 to 9 p.m.; Eastern Market Metro; FREE)
FLASHBACK: It’s been one year since The Pinch started hosting comedy events from the improv group Trustfall and some of its friends. The events are aptly named Trustfall and Friends, and this month’s might bring some one-year anniversary surprises. If you’ve never been, now might be a good time to jump in. (The Pinch; 7:30 to 9 p.m.; FREE)
UNDER THE SEA: Explore the ocean depths in L’Odysee, a fictional biopic of French explorer Jacques Cousteau. The movie opened in France last October, and it’s finally premiering in the U.S. this week. The screening will be followed by a panel featuring marine biologist Dr. Rebecca Albright, Philippe Cousteau, and Jan Cousteau. Those last two names might/should look familiar… (Carnegie Institution for Science; 4 to 7:15 p.m.; $25)
ROCK HARD: Tubefreeks is an up-and-coming hard rock band from Baltimore, Maryland. It’s up-and-coming to D.C. for a concert — possibly on a path to superstardom. (Fort Reno Park; 7 to 9:30 p.m.; FREE)
More: Beautifully Insecure Screening; John Pfordresher at East City Bookshop; Fiona Barton at Politics and Prose
TUESDAY, JULY 18
The King and I is back in D.C. (Photo courtesy of the Kennedy Center)
CLASSIC ALERT: Rodgers & Hammerstein may have peaked with The King and I, a treat for live musical nerds of all ages. Lincoln Center Theater’s Tony-winning production has made its way to D.C. for a monthlong run. What could be better during this sweltering midsummer than getting swept up in a romance? (Kennedy Center; 7:30 to 10:15 p.m.; $49 to $159)
POTTER PASSION: Few people are more passionate about Harry Potter than Vanessa Zoltan and Casper ter Kuile, chaplains at Harvard University. Their show Harry Potter and the Sacred Text merges close analysis of a single chapter from the series with stories from their own lives. Ten points to Gryffindor for anyone who shows up. (Sixth & I; 7 p.m.; $20-$25)
UNDERSTANDING THE DIVIDE: Grant Rumley and Abir Tibon wanted to know why Palestinian National Authority head Mahmoud Abbas has twice rejected peace agreements that could have ended the violent turmoil in the region. So they took the logical next step and asked him. The result is The Last Palestinian, a biography that goes beyond that inciting question to provoke deeper thought about a complex figure. Rumley and Tibon will discuss their process and their findings. (Politics and Prose; 7 to 8 p.m.; FREE)
SPACE FLIGHT: Astronaut John Glenn’s story is far longer and more complex than could be captured during his few minutes of screentime in Hidden Figures, which trained its glance elsewhere. A fellow astronaut, a former U.S. senator and veteran journalist Bob Schieffer will reflect on the life of the late, great American hero. (Air and Space Museum; 8 to 9 p.m.; FREE)
More: Georgetown Sunset Cinema: Hidden Figures; Emily Esfahani at Kramerbooks
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19
Peep medicinal plants at the U.S. Botanic Garden on Wednesday. (Photo courtesy of U.S. Botanic Garden)
CAFFEINATION: The Bike Rack and Peregrine Espresso are giving free coffee to commuters Wednesday morning “until the carafe runs dry.” Hump Day is tough. Treat yourself. (The Bike Rack DC; 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.; FREE)
NATURE: All plants are phenomenal, as evidenced by the U.S. Botanic Garden’s tour series “Phenomenal Plants.” This week’s focuses on medicinal plants, including compounds derived from pharmaceuticals and species that can be found in over-the-counter products. (U.S. Botanic Garden; 10:45 to 11:30 a.m.; FREE)
DOCUMENTATION: There are more ways than ever to create a living record of historical events. But what’s the best way forward? Adam Lowe, a pioneer of cultural heritage recordkeeping, will weigh in. (Smithsonian Castle Commons; 6 to 8 p.m.; FREE)
More: Lynda Schuster at Politics and Prose; Mona Lisa Smile Screening;
Rurouni Kenshin; David Daley at Kramerbooks; What the Health Screening
THURSDAY, JULY 20
Nam June Paik invented video art and would have turned 85 this Thursday. (Photo courtesy of Smithsonian American Art Museum and the Renwick Gallery)
CELEBRATE: This Thursday is the 85th birthday of the late Nam June Paik, who’s credited with inventing video art. It’s not your birthday, but that’s still as good an excuse as any to eat some cake. Learn more about Paik’s video art advancements in the process. (Smithsonian American Art Museum; 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.; FREE)
PARTY WITH THE ELEPHANTS: The only thing more fun than getting drunk is getting drunk in close proximity to wild animals.
UNBREAKABLE NOT-KIMMY SCHMIDT: Jane Krakowski and Tituss Burgess don’t get much screentime together on the Netflix comedy series Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. But they’ll showing off plenty of chemistry alongside the National Symphony Orchestra Pops when they perform hits from stage and screen. (Kennedy Center; 8 p.m.; $29 to $125)
More: Rogue One Screening; Angela J. Davis at Politics and Prose
