talks
Tribute to Chinua Achebe
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Achebe’s seminal novel “Things Fall Apart,” the renowned Nigerian author is joined by fellow writers Toni Morrison, Chris Abani, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Edwidge Danticat, Suheir Hammad, Ha Jin, and Colum McCann. Introduced by Michael Cunningham, the evening includes a performance by the Francesca Harper Dance Project with dancers from the Alvin Ailey School. Presented by the PEN American Center. February 26 at 8 p.m. Town Hall. 123 W. 43rd St. 212-840-2824, pen.org
theater
FRIGID FESTIVAL
This annual festival of independent productions includes 150 performances notable for their energetic irreverence, offbeat humor, and affordability. Highlights include Drew Winniger’s one-man “Clinical Depression (The Funny Kind),” and “Subway Series,” an improv piece exploring the links between five New Yorkers on their morning commute. For viewers, finding a connection to the other 28 plays shouldn’t pose a problem. Feb. 27-March 9. Kraine Theater (85 E. 4th St.) and UNDER St. Marks (94 St. Marks Place). 212-868-4444, frigidnewyork.info
film
Sydney Lumet Retrospective
Lumet, winner of the 2005 Lifetime Acheivement Oscar, is the subject of a 23-film retrospective. Manhattan serves as the backdrop for “Serpico” (1973), showing Feb. 22 and “Dog Day Afternoon” (1975), on Feb. 24. Both movies “made Al Pacino a star of the highest magnitude,” wrote Kathi Berke in the Villager. “Lumet’s film career began with ‘12 Angry Men’ (1957) and his critically acclaimed crime thriller ‘Before the Devil Knows You’re Dead’ marks his 44th film in 50 years.” Through Feb. 28. Film Forum. 209 W. Houston St. 212-727-8110, filmforum.org
readings
SUSAN SHAPIRO
The wildly engaging memoirist reads from “Only as Good as Your Word: Writing Lessons from my Favorite Literary Gurus,” about successful freelancing, breaking into books, and the importance of networking. Feb. 25 at 6:30 p.m. New School. 66 W. 12th St. #510. A prolific journalism professor, Shapiro also moderates a “Secrets Behind Publishing” panel featuring editors Adam Moss (New York Magazine), Susan Morrison (The New Yorker), Julie Just (NY Times Book Review), Daniel Jones (NY Times Modern Love column), agent Gail Hochman, and Viking editor Paul Slovak. A portion of the proceeds benefit Chelsea’s Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen. Feb. 27 at 8:15 p.m. Marymount College. 221 E. 71st St. 212-774-4810, susanshapiro.net
party
EYEBEAM ARTISTS MIXER
Eyebeam art and technology center hosts its quarterly warehouse party showcasing live video artists and experimental musicians. In addition to sets by Bubblyfish/CHiKA, London VJ D-Fuse, DJ Spinoza, and Lady Firefly, the night features large-screen projections and interactive art projects. Get ready for a surprising mix of people, some of whom are attracted to participating with the performers, and others who may hope to find themselves attracted to fellow audience members. Either way, it’s more memorable than meeting at a bar. Feb. 23, 9 p.m.-midnight. Eyebeam. 540 W. 21st St. 212-937-6580, eyebeam.org
