Compiled by sarah norris
Reading
Kira Salak, “The White Mary”
Winner of the PEN Award for Journalism and five-time contributor to the “Best American Travel Writing,” Kira Salak was the first woman to traverse Papua New Guinea. Her nonfiction account of that trip was a New York Times Notable Book of 2001. In this novel, “The White Mary,” protagonist Marika learns that a man she has long admired, Robert Lewis, has committed suicide. One day a curious letter arrives: a missionary claims to have seen Lewis in the remote jungle of Papua New Guinea. Astounded, Marika sets out to find the truth. Aug. 11 at 7 p.m. Free. The Half King. 505 W. 23rd St. 212-462-4300, thehalfking.com.
Indie Press Series: Tin House
Tin House is a literary magazine and book publisher that “salutes the artistic edge but remains rooted in the tenets of the classic storytelling tradition.” This reading features two Tin House authors. Los Angeles-based Jim Krusoe explores memory, desire and the nature of storytelling in his novel “Girl Factory.” Lucia Nevai’s “Salvation,” set in rural Iowa, tells the story of a young girl who is assigned to a convent, and manages to transcend dismal circumstances. Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. Free. McNally Robinson. 52 Prince St. 212-274-1160, mcnallyrobinsonnyc.com. tinhouse.com.
Event
Summer in the Square
This free, weekly entertainment series runs every Thursday afternoon through August 14 and offers a vibrant mixture of free music, dance and theatrical performances, and yoga. Kids’ book readings begin at noon, followed by “Kids in the Square,” featuring kid-friendly music, dance performances, caricature artists, face-painting and puppeteers. “Yoga in the Square” begins at 3 p.m. with classes open to all ages and abilities. At 5:30 p.m., “Music in the Square” showcases musicians whose genres range from jazz to pop-rock. Sponsored by the Union Square Partnership and TheaterMania.com. Through Aug. 14. Free. Union Square Park. unionsquarenyc.org.
Film
Scenes from the City
Holly Golightly having breakfast at Tiffany’s. A larger-than-life Stay Puff Marshmallow Man. Spiderman soaring from rooftop to rooftop. From film’s early days, New York City has been home to some of the most recognizable moments on celluloid. From “West Side Story” to “Midnight Cowboy” to “When Harry Met Sally,” how has film shaped outsiders’ perceptions of New York City? Author and filmmaker James Sanders will join us for a multimedia presentation that explores how more than a century of films have interpreted our glamorous, dirty, dangerous, quirky, fun, beautiful city. August 12 at 6:30 p.m. Free. Tenement Museum Shop. 108 Orchard St. 212-982-8420, tenement.org.
Festival
Lincoln Center Out of Doors
Three weeks of free, world-class performances by musicians, dance companies, puppeteers, and more. Evidence (pictures) performs on Aug. 8 at 7:30 p.m. along with Armitage Gone! Dance, who present the U.S. premiere of “Burkina Electric: Summer of Love.” Family day, on Aug. 16, features puppets, Step Afrika!, and a choreographed twist on “The Sound of Music.” Other highlights include singer Toshi Reagon (8/21), Pete Seeger and guests (8/24) and a program of minimalist, wordless music with the stunning visual effects of the Joshua Light Show (8/15). Aug. 7-24. Free. Damrosch Park. Lincoln Center Plaza at 62nd St. 212-721-6500, lincolncenter.org.
