There are so many great things going on this weekend, but only a few could make it into the roundup. The weekend looks well-rounded with screenings on campus, a battle of the bands at Georgetown, an improv showcase by Upright Citizens Brigade and a comic book lover’s paradise at Fantom on P Street.
"Black Orpheus" at AU
Director Marcel Camus’ “Black Orpheus” is big on myths and even grander in spectacle. Putting Eurydice and Orpheus in Rio de Janeiro instead of ancient Greece earned the director both applause and scrutiny; the black Brazilians seemed oversimplified and one-dimensional. President Barack Obama, whose mother loved the film, criticized it in his memoir “Dreams from My Father” for its “depiction of the childlike blacks.”
Centered around the poetic and tragic Orfeu, the film’s vibrant scenes, impressive score and spinning Carnaval backdrop make it worth a watch. If the film’s cinematography won’t get you to the free showing at Doyle-Forman theater, you might want to check out why the president of the U.S. has a bone to pick with Camus. This screening is in conjunction with AU’s partnership with the National Gallery of Art.
When: Friday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Where: Malsi Doyle and Michael Forman Theater at AU, 4400 Massachusetts Ave. NW
Metro: Let’s pray you know how to get to AU.
The Capital Clash at Georgetown University
Battle of the bands is not just for high school. This Friday, talented undergrads from D.C.’s universities are going to battle it out on Georgetown’s Gaston Hall stage for the title of best college band in D.C. George Washington University is putting up a good fight with Bencoolen and Junyr of Purplex The Crew. Georgetown’s showing off Tigers Are Bad For Horses and The Ripples. And AU is putting Marlon Craft and Boon into the ring. It shouldn't be hard to scrounge up some school spirit. Tickets ($5) can be purchased here. Check out the Facebook event here.
When: Friday, Feb. 20, doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Where: Georgetown University Gaston Hall, 37th and O Streets, NW
Metro: 32, 34, 36 bus from Tenleytown to O Street
DC Conspiracy Anniversary Party at Fantom Comics
Into comics? D.C. Conspiracy, a group that publishes comic newspaper “Magic Bullet”, is celebrating its 10th anniversary and inviting readers and comic fans to join in the revelry. The event will have D.C.’s comic book creators in one room along with tunes, drink and some art. The 3 to 8 p.m. event is a pick-and-choose for attendees. There is a DIY comics workshop in the afternoon, a Q and A with D.C. Conspiracy in the evening and a live performance at night. The event is free, but there is a cash bar if you want to drink.
When: Saturday, Feb. 21, 3 to 8 p.m.
Where: Fantom Comics, 2010 P St NW
Metro: N3, N4, N6 from AU to P Street
Upright Citizens Brigade Touring Company
Amy Poehler, the “Broad City” ladies and Ed Helms are pretty hilarious people, and they all spent time with the Upright Citizen’s Brigade. The comedy troupe is bringing New York and Los Angeles performers to Sixth and I for a night of improv. No script, no problem. Morgan Miller, Keaton Patti, Stefan Schuette and Jonathan Lotan are performing. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door.
When: Sunday, Feb. 22, doors open at 6 p.m.
Where: Sixth and I, 600 I Street, NW
Metro: Red Line to Gallery Place Chinatown Metro stop
