Plantation politics
Sheer racial terror explodes off the stage in “An Octoroon,” Branden Jacobs-Jenkins’ Obie-winning twist on Dion Boucicault’s famed 1859melodrama. Mustaches are twirled and damsels are in distress when the heir of the grand Terrebone plantation falls for Zoe, a girl who is oneeighth black. Gasps come fast and hard as the horrors of the antebellum South collide with 21st-century assumptions. Directed by Eric Ting (head of California Shakespeare Theater) “Octoroon” gets its West Coast premiere at Berkeley Repertory Theatre. Details: June 30-July 23; Berkeley Rep’s Peet’s Theatre; $29-$97; 510 647—2949, www.berkeleyrep.org. — Karen D’Souza, Staff
JULY 1
This year’s International Dance Festival of Silicon Valley will culminate in a festival concert Saturday in Mountain View showcasing styles including contemporary, tap, folkorico and line dancing, plus a performance by the winner of the Lively Foundation’s choreography competition. Details: 3 p.m. July 1 at the Mountain View Masonic Center, $12-$20, tickets available at the door (cash/check). An optional fundraising dinner will follow at Amici’s on Castro Street; www.livelyfoundation.org.
— Linda Zavoral, Staff
Mime Troupe returns to build ‘Walls’
The San Francisco Mime Troupe returns Saturday with its 58th annual politically charged comedy “Walls,” a production that asks, “How does a nation of immigrants declare war on immigration?” (If you haven’t guessed, the political views fall decidedly to the left.) Opening weekend performances are in Berkeley’s Cedar Rose Park and San Francisco’s Dolores Park, and the production rolls through Sept. 10 with shows in Oakland, San Francisco, San Jose, and throughout Northern California. Details: Most performances at 2p.m.; free (donations accepted); www. sfmt.org.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
The Wizardry of pinball
If you thought a science museum has to devote its resources to exploring botany and math and other topics invented to ruin summer
vacations, consider the Chabot Space & Science Center in Oakland’s new exhibit, opening Saturday:
“The Art and Science of Pinball.” The show follows the science and developments of pinball’s nearly 200-year history and, best of all, features 35games from various eras, many of which are available for play. Details: Through Sept. 24; admission $15-$18; see website for pinball-related events, www.chabotspace. org.
— Randy McMullen, Staff
JULY 2
A benefit show with some serious beats
As a founding member of Grateful Dead drummer Mickey Hart’s Planet Drum, the extraordinary percussion ensemble that earned the first Grammy Award in the world music category in 1991, Giovanni Hidalgo has played a central role in bringing the congas from Latin percussion sections into the international spotlight. Struggling with diabetes and unable to perform in recent years, the Puerto Rican percussion great is the subject of a celebratory benefit concert that brings together an appropriately diverse array of artists, including Indian tabla maestro (and Planet Drum bandmate) Zakir Hussain, Venezuelan jazz pianist Ed Simon, Bay Area percussion great John Santos, and a mighty Cuban contingent with vocalist Bobi Céspedes, percussionist Jesus Diaz, and many others. Details: 7 p.m. Sunday, Freight & Salvage, Berkeley; $40-$44; 510-644-2020, www.thefreight.org.
— Andrew Gilbert, Correspondent
JULY 4
S.F. Symphony brings love and fireworks
The Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular concert at Shoreline Amphitheatre at Mountain View is a beloved annual tradition for so many Bay Area residents. The program for this year is “Summer of Love: A Legacy of Love,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of that famous season in 1967. It should be great to hear the San Francisco Symphony, conducted by Edwin Outwater and featuring singer Storm Large, perform such groovy classics as “Piece of My Heart,” “California Dreamin’” and “Happy Together.” Details: 8 p.m. July 4; Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View; $24-$35, www.livenation.com.
— Jim Harrington, Staff
JULY 5
The Iron men cometh
Here’s one that metal fans have had circled on their calendars for months — the return of the one and only Iron Maiden. And it’s easy to understand why, since Iron Maiden ranks as one of the music genre’s four greatest acts of all time (just behind Black Sabbath and Metallica, but ahead of Judas Priest). Just the thought of vocalist Bruce Dickinson launching into “Run to the Hills” gives one chills. Ghost opens the show. Details: 7:30 p.m. July 5; Oracle Arena, Oakland; $39.50$99.50, www.livenation. com.
— Jim Harrington, Staff