Friday: “Lightning Rod”
If you’ve ever doubted that a full theatrical production can be created in a week, Patrick’s Cabaret — a queer-led performance group — will prove you wrong. This week, a group of artists will produce “Lightning Rod,” an entirely new, fully devised show that responds to the topic of “what needs to be said this week.”
Where: Intermedia Arts, 2822 Lyndale Ave. S., Minneapolis
When: 7:30 p.m.
Cost: $10 online, $12 to $15 at the door
Saturday: “Vietgone”
Mixed Blood Theatre Company’s “Vietgone” tells the story of playwright Qui Nguyen’s parents meeting in a refugee center after leaving Vietnam in 1975. Nguyen has described his work as “geek theatre” — plays filled with pop culture references, action and unlikely heroes.
Where: Mixed Blood Theatre Company, 1501 S. 4th St., Minneapolis
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: Free; limited seating
Sunday: “Battlefield”
Legendary British director Peter Brook, who staged the nine-hour production of the epic “The Mahabharata,” turns to the Guthrie’s McGuire Proscenium Stage to tell a story of war. “Battlefield” is a pared-down version of Brook’s original epic production, but still retains the drama, emotion and spectacle.
Where: The Guthrie Theater, 818 S. 2nd St., Minneapolis
When: 7 p.m.
Cost: $12.50 – $35
CULTURE TO CONSUME
Listen to this: “Longform”
The “Longform” podcast takes a closer look at the writers and creators behind some of today’s most popular works of non-fiction. Each episode focuses on a different writer, and previous installments have featured Ta Nehisi-Coates, author of “Between the World and Me,” and Brian Reed, the host of buzzworthy non-fiction podcast “S-Town.”
Watch this: “Crashing”
Created by comedian Pete Holmes, this semi-autobiographical HBO comedy series takes a glimpse into the life of a stand-up comic who is forced to crash on the couches of friends after his wife leaves him. The show offers a look into a world that might be foreign to most viewers but is keenly personal for guest stars, like Hannibal Buress and Sarah Silverman.
Sway to this: “Big Little Lies” soundtrack
Last week, A&E recommended that you watch the series “Big Little Lies.” This week, take your inevitable obsession even further by streaming or downloading the show’s brilliant soundtrack. It’s filled with soul, folk, indie and classic hits — the perfect blend to make you feel like you’re staring out at crashing waves from your beachside mansion.
