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March 31, 2022

“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival).
1, 2:30, 4, 5:30, & 7 p.m. Observer EditorObserver Editor
“A Thousand Ways (Part Two): An Encounter”: 600 Highwaymen (Ann Arbor Summer Festival).
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Mar. 8-Apr. 24. Reprise of the summer production of this interactive performance art piece curated by NYC theater artists Abigail Browde and Michael Silverstone—the duo behind the Obie-winning company 600 Highwaymen—in which 2 randomly chosen ticket holders meet on opposite ends of a table, separated by a pane of glass, to follow a scripted set of prompts. The questions start out simple (“Have you ever broken a bone?”) and grow progressively more intimate (“Have you ever broken a heart?”) with the aim of encouraging storytelling, triggering imagination, and nurturing empathy. The hour-long encounter ends in a “startling and powerful,” way according to the New York Times reviewer, who also called the piece “a joy,” and “a work of inquisitive humanity and profound gentleness.” Suitable for ages 16 & up. UMMA Irving Stenn Jr. Family Gallery, 525 S. State. Tickets $10 (students, $5). Preregistration required at a2sf.org or by calling 764-2538. Mask required. BoxOffice@a2sf.org.

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'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
8:00 am - 9:00 pm Community ListingCommunity Listing, Creative WashtenawCreative Washtenaw, FreeFree
'Snails and the Infinite'- an exhibition of sculpture by Robin Carlson
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March 13 - April 13. Creal Microgallery presents ‘Snails and the Infinite,' an exhibition of small sculptures by Portland, Maine artist Robin Carlson. These sculptures depict a playful grouping of snails sporting a range of surreal alternatives to traditional shells.

Carlson describes ‘play’ as being one of the primary motivators in her artistic process. “My world, the things I am passionate about and what matters to me at the end of the day, is a place where ‘play’ is taken seriously and everything is a puzzle. Problem solving becomes silly and fun.” The results are indeed silly and fun— snail shells made of sushi, or ice cream sundaes, or gruesomely dislodged eyeballs. They harken back to gift shop miniatures, to emojis, and in some instances to comics and gross-out toys of the 80s and 90s. Carlson says she’s been making toys since she was around 6-7 years old, and has always enjoyed collecting things. Over time she has grown to enjoy creating her own toy collections, exploring variations on a theme. By working from a constant starting point— in this case the snail— she enjoys exploring the infinite possibilities for play.

So, why snails? Carlson says they remind her of the “deep realities of life. When I concentrate on the smallness of the world, the bugs beneath our feet, the flowers popping up in spring, a broken egg on the sidewalk, I remember to be appreciative of nature and all that is small. Within the form of the humble snail is infinity.” Carlson also sees snails as a great example of the universal law of duality: soft and hard, malleable and fragile, fleeting and ancient. The shell is structural, defined and geometric. But a snail’s body is amorphous, ever-changing and organic. It is almost ironic then, that the shell becomes the shapeshifting canvas. Like a hermit crab making a tin can its new home, Carlson swaps in birthday cake or spaghetti and meatballs in place of a snail shell. She encourages viewers to look more closely and pay attention. Carlson’s work invites viewers to use their imaginations and remain open to the unexpected.

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Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
8:00 am - 10:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Spring Migration Walk in Nichols Arboretum: Washtenaw Audubon Society.
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Every Thurs., Mar. 31-May 26. All invited to walk through the Arb to look for resident birds and early migrants. Extra binoculars available. Meet at the Dow Prairie entrance at the east end of the Arb, Riverview Dr. at Riverview Ct. Free. WashtenawAudubon.org.

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“Music in Detroit and Michigan: The Legend Continues”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
10:00 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor, OnlineOnline
“Music in Detroit and Michigan: The Legend Continues”: U-M Osher Lifelong Learning Institute Thursday Morning Lecture Series.
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U-M music professor Mark Clague on “The History and Influence of Motown Music.”For URL preregister at olli-umich.org. $60 for the 6-lecture series ($35 for members). $10 per lecture for members. Memberships are $25 a year. 998-9351.

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Easter Bunny: Briarwood Mall.
10:00 am - 8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Easter Bunny: Briarwood Mall.
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A chance to take photos (prices TBA) with the Easter Bunny. For up-to-date hours and to reserve an appointment see shopbriarwood.com Free admission. 769-9610.

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“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV.
10:30 am - 11:30 am Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Little Paws Story Time”: HSHV.
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Every Thurs. Stories, crafts, finger plays, and interaction with adoptable cats and dogs. Also, a chance to make a toy or treat for the animals. For kids ages 2-5, accompanied by an adult.Humane Society of Huron Valley, 3100 Cherry Hill Rd. Tickets $5 (babies under age 1, free).Preregistration required at tickettailor.com/events/hshv, 661-3575.

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Mahjong – American: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation
12:30 pm - 2:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
Mahjong – American: Pittsfield Township Parks and Recreation
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Mahjong is Back in March!Thursdays 12:30-2:30 p.m.Pre-registration requiredMasks Required.No shared snacks, Bring your own drink.Stay at home if you or other members are home are exhibiting any symptoms of the coronavirus.Notify the office if you become ill for any reason. Pittsfield Township Community Center Community Area

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Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
1:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Duplicate Bridge: Ann Arbor City Club.
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Every Tues., Thurs. & Fri. All invited to play ACBL-sanctioned duplicate bridge (Tues., Fri.), or a 499er game (Thus.). If you plan to come without a partner, email kahanae@yahoo.net or ronmeade@comcast.net beforehand. 1–4 p.m. or so (arrive by 12:50 p.m.), City Club, 1830 Washtenaw Ave. $6 per person.

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“Brazil at a Crossroads: Environmental and Food Politics Under the Bolsonaro Regime”: U-M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies Speaker Series.
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Brazil at a Crossroads: Environmental and Food Politics Under the Bolsonaro Regime”: U-M Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies Speaker Series.
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Talk by UCLA urban planning professor Susanna Hecht. 1040 Dana Natural Resources Building, 440 Church. Free. Mask required. 763-0553.

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“Crossing Disciplines | Blurring Boundaries”: U-M School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
5:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Crossing Disciplines | Blurring Boundaries”: U-M School of Art & Design Penny Stamps Speaker Series.
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Talk by Pamela Z, a composer, performer, and media artist who uses voice, live electronic processing, sampled sound, and video to create live digital loops. She has also been commissioned to compose scores for dance, theater, film, and chamber ensembles, including Kronos Quartet, Eighth Blackbird, the Bang on a Can All-Stars, and the San Francisco Contemporary Music Players.Michigan Theater. Free. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 936-0671.

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Rick Barot: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series.
5:30 pm - 6:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree, HybridHybrid
Rick Barot: U-M English Department Zell Visiting Writers Series.
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This Philippines-born poet reads from and discusses his work. His latest collection, The Galleons, explores the immigrant journey of his Filipino-American family in the larger history and aftermath of colonialism. “He’s a fine observer who knows when to apply torque to what he sees and when to let his images speak for themselves,” says the renowned poet (and former Ann Arborite) Bob Hicock. “The fluidity with which Barot walks this difficult line between meaning and certainty makes these poems feel more born than made. This is a fantastic book.” Followed by a Q&A. Also, tomorrow Barot gives a free talk on “The Face of the Beloved” (10-11 a.m., 3222 Angell Hall).UMMA Stern Auditorium, 525 S. State. Livestream available for both programs at tinyurl.com/ZellWriters. Free, but capacity limited. Mask required.

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“Never Forget Tibet”: Fathom Events.
7:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Never Forget Tibet”: Fathom Events.
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Screening of Jean-Paul Mertinez’ 2022 documentary that follows the Dalai Lama as he recounts his 1959 journey into exile.Ann Arbor 20 (4100 Carpenter, 973-8424) & Emagine (1335 E. Michigan Ave., Saline, 316-5500). For updated schedule, see FathomEvents.com/events. Tickets $12.50 in advance online (recommended) & at the door.

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“Self-Interest and the Post-Individual”: U-M Philosophy Department Fernando Family Lecture.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor, FreeFree
“Self-Interest and the Post-Individual”: U-M Philosophy Department Fernando Family Lecture.
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Talk by Kickstarter co-founder Yancey Strickler. Palmer Commons, 100 Washtenaw. Free. Mask required. 763-4687.

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“somebody's children”: U-M Theatre Department.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“somebody's children”: U-M Theatre Department.
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Mar. 31–Apr. 10. U-M theater alum Héctor Flores Komatsu directs U-M drama students in U-M theater professor José Casas’ drama about 5 homeless teens living in a rundown L.A. motel. Told through a series of vignettes, the play paints a picture of the cruel realities in which the most marginalized struggle to survive—all the while doing so in the shadow of Disneyland: The Happiest Place on Earth. 8 p.m. (Fri. & Sat.), 2 p.m. (Sun.), and 7:30 p.m. (Thurs.). Arthur Miller Theatre, 1226 Murfin, North Campus. Tickets $33 in advance at tickets.smtd.umich.edu and at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 72 hours) required. 764.2538.

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Comedy Jamm: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
7:30 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
Comedy Jamm: Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase.
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Every Thurs. Performances by up to 12 aspiring area stand-up comics. Alcohol is served.212 S. Fourth Ave. $5 in advance at aaComedy.com (recommended) and at the door. 996-9080.

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“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
8:00 pm Observer EditorObserver Editor
“Pass Over”: Theatre Nova.
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Casaundra Freeman directs this Antoinette Chinonye Nwandu drama—the 1st post-lockdown play to open on Broadway—that brings the big questions of Waiting for Godot into contemporary life. Two young black men meet under a streetlight, talk smack, pass time, and hope for a better life. The New York Times called the play “blazingly theatrical and thrillingly tense.”8 p.m. (Thurs.-Sat.) & 2 p.m. (Sun.), Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Tickets $22 in advance at theatre-nova.ticketleap.com & at the door. Mask & proof of vaccination (or negative Covid test within past 48 hours). 635-8450.

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