He famously declared “Language is a virus from outer space.” — but that didn’t stop William S. Burroughs from bending, morphing and perverting words to vent on cultural hypocrisy and the evil deeds men do simply because they can. The School of Visual Arts, Columbia University and New York University mark the 50th anniversary of the publication of “The Naked Lunch” with a series of talks, readings and screenings. Panel and seminar events include “The Children of Burroughs: The Legacy of Naked Lunch” and “From the Interzone to the Archive…and back.” Screenings include “The Beat Hotel” and “Japanese Sandman.” Conspicuously absent is David Cronenberg’s “Naked Lunch” — a trippy cinematic interpretation of Burroughs’ dense, often impenetrable prose. Free. Through October 10. Locations vary. For a complete schedule of events, call 212-592-2000 or visit www.sva.edu/events.
