KITSCH
When the Berlin Wall was opened 20 years ago, few if any suspected the uneasy family reunions, political upheaval and culture clashes would inspire this Brecht-flavored retelling of “The Comedy of Errors.” “Kitsch, or Two for the Price of One” goes Shakespeare one (two?) better by doubling the number of twins in the immortal bard’s plot. Separated at birth during the Allied Invasion of Berlin in 1945, half are raised in the Communist sector only to be unwittingly reunited with their brothers 44 years later. The result is mass confusion — set to music! Offended? Massively confused? That’s likely the goal of playwright and Villager contributor Trav S.D. — who penned this little travesty while living like a king off the fat of MacDowell and Edward F. Albee Fellowships. Through November 29 (Thurs. through Sat. at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m.), at Theater for the New City’s Johnson Theater (155 First Ave., btw. 9th and 10th). Call 866-811-4111 or visit www.ovationtix.com.
THE LEGACY GALA
“The Legacy Gala” commemorates the 30th anniversary of Valentina Kozlova and Leonid Kozlov’s defection to the United States. The principal dancers with the Bolshoi Ballet grabbed headlines, and freedom, on September 16, 1979 — while on a Bolshoi tour. On this occasion, Kozlova and Kozlov will dance a duet created especially for the occasion by Margo Sappington. Guests include Wendy Whelan, Philip Neal, Irina Dvorovenko, Maxim Beloserkovsky, Whitney Jensen and Albert Davydov. Unfamiliar with any or all of those folks? Invest three minutes on Google and emerge sufficiently impressed. Mon., Nov. 23, 7:30 p.m. at The Joyce Theater (175 Eighth Ave.). For tickets and details about the afterparty at the Firebird Russian Restaurant, call 917-709-1981. Proceeds from the evening will benefit a new “Legacy” scholarship established by Ms. Kozlova.
REVOLUTION BOOKS
The revolution won’t be televised, or even streamed on the web. It will likely come about through social changes gleaned from turning the tactile pages of books. A few upcoming events at Revolution Books might get some things started. Dashuan “Jiwe” Morris reads from “War of the Bloods in My Veins” — the brutal and honest memoir chronicling the forces that drove him into gang life (Sun., Nov. 22, 4 p.m.). Every Tuesday night at 7 p.m., count on a discussion on revolution and communism. On Nov. 24, the Black Panther Party episode from the VH1 series “Lords of the Revolution” will be screened. On Dec. 2, political ideology gives way to the more cerebral, but no less revolutionary, philosophies put forth by Jean-Paul Sartre. This book party celebrates “Talking with Sartre: Conversations and Debates”—edited by Sartre-approved biographer John Gerassi. Free ($5 donation suggested donation); at Revolution Books (146 W. 26th St., near 7 Ave.). Call 212-691-3345 or visit www.revolutionbooks.org.
