Stage And Screen Events: March 2018

THROUGH SUNDAY, APRIL 8

Hold These Truths
Based on a true story, Hold These Truths investigates one of the darkest moments in American history through the experience of Gordon Hirabayashi, a University of Washington student who fought the U.S. government’s order to relocate over 100,000 Japanese descendants into internment camps after the attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941. After refusing the government’s order, Hirabayashi embarks on a 50-year journey to explore the relationship between his pride for his heritage and his loyalty to the U.S. Constitution, which leads him down a path to understanding America’s triumphs and facing its failures. Various dates and times. Ticket prices vary. Arena Stage: 1101 6th St. SW, DC; www.arenastage.org

MONDAY, MARCH 5 – MONDAY, MARCH 19

DIRECT CURRENT
Dubbed as a “two-week celebration of contemporary culture,” DIRECT CURRENT combines dance, art, film, music, drag, video games, activism and more to uplift original American artists in disciplines across the board. From orchestral video game music to a DIY instrument-making workshop, this festival has such a wide array of events and performances you’ll have a tough time choosing between them. While the John F. Kennedy Center is the main hub of activity for DIRECT CURRENT, other venues around the city will also open their doors to support this mass appreciation for contemporary arts, so be sure to check their website before going out. Various locations, dates and show times. Ticket prices vary. The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts: 2700 F St. NW, DC; www.kennedy-center.org

SUNDAY, MARCH 11 – MONDAY, MARCH 12

WOMXN on Fire Festival
Keegan’s Boiler Room Series, a programming initiative to promote original performances, will host its second annual WOMXN on Fire Festival to celebrate Women’s History Month. Thirty-six local artists who identify as women will have their opportunity to showcase their work with 10-minute plays and full-length solo shows during this two-day festival. Sunday at 11 a.m. Monday at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Keegan Theatre: 1742 Church St. NW, DC; www.keegantheatre.com

TUESDAY, MARCH 13 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22

The Winter’s Tale
A tale of jealousy, prophecy, broken hearts and flourishing romance comes to life in The Winter’s Tale, directed by six-time Helen Hayes Award-winner Aaron Posner. Equipped with Luciana Stecconi’s exceptionally whimsical set design, this play from Shakespeare’s First Folio will take you back to times of lost princesses, handsome princes and magical spells that save the day. For special performances of The Winter’s Tale, check out Folger Theatre’s website. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $35-$79. Folger Theatre: 201 East Capitol St. SE, DC; www.folger.edu

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 14 – SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Three World Premieres
Choreographers Gemma Bond, Marcelo Gomes and Clifton Brown bring their personal history and experiences as dancers to life in Three World Premieres, presented by The Washington Ballet. Each dancer will choreograph and perform their own interpretation of what ballet and dance means to them. This triad of performances supports The Washington Ballet’s mission to support newly commissioned works and the evolution of ballet. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $25-$118. Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Sidney Harman Hall: 610 F St. NW, DC; www.shakespearetheatre.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 16 – SUNDAY, MARCH 18

That Part is True
A group of activists planning to overturn an oppressive authoritarian regime face betrayal within their ranks and a great unraveling of their cause in That Part is True, written and directed by Madeline Farrington. With parallels to today’s political climate and yearning for justice in marginalized communities, specifically people of color and queer folks, this play touches common sore spots in current society such as police brutality and underrepresentation. After a weekend of That Part is True, you’ll leave the theater with the perfect saying for a snarky sign and a hankering for activism. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15, or $12 if you bring your Fringe Button to the box office. Capital Fringe: 1358 Florida Ave. NE, DC; www.capitalfringe.org

SATURDAY, MARCH 17 – SUNDAY, MARCH 18

Srishti Layankari
For a diverse performance and an exploration of Indian dance and mythology, head to Dance Place for Spilling Ink’s premiere of Srishti Layankari. This dance drama project approaches spirituality and Newton’s law of conservation of energy through the story of a Hindu goddess who has the power to create and destroy. Saturday at 8 p.m. Sunday at 4 p.m. Tickets are $15-$30. Dance Place: 3225 8th St. NE, DC; www.danceplace.org

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 – WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25

 Translations
While students at an Irish-language hedge school are studying the basics of Greek and Latin literature in 1833, British soldiers “arrive to map the country, draw new borders and translate local place names into the King’s English,” according to Studio Theatre’s website. With the addition of an English-language national school that students must attend full-time if attending at all, languages and cultures contrast, thus creating relationships but also rousing violence. Written by Ireland’s prestigious Brian Friel and directed by Studio’s Belfast-born Associate Artistic Director Matt Torney. Various dates and show times. Tickets $20-$69. Studio Theatre: 1501 14th St. NW, DC; www.studiotheatre.org

FRIDAY, MARCH 23 – SUNDAY, APRIL 15

410[GONE]
Parallel storylines in 410[GONE] follows a young woman as she deals with her younger brother’s suicide and his own journey in the Chinese Land of the Dead, which resembles a disco or an arcade. With dark themes, hilarious moments and strange human interactions, this Rorschach Theatre production is ultimately “a positive affirmation of the complexity of the human experience” and will have you contemplating the more complicated sides of life and death on your drive home. Various dates and show times. Tickets are $20-$30. Atlas Performing Arts Center: 1333 H St. NE, DC; www.atlasarts.org