That things are not always what they seem is the theme behind “M. Butterfly,” the famous play by David Henry Hwang. Based on the true story of a French foreign service agent, the play tells the story of French diplomat Rene Gallimard, who discovers that his Chinese mistress of twenty years is actually a man and a Communist spy. Hwang blends the historical tale with the fictional plot of “Madame Butterfly” to create this play. The entire play takes place in the mind of Gallimard and is meant to be a deconstruction of the stereotypical “Western Man/Asian Woman” love story that is seen so often in popular culture. “M. Butterfly” plays through May 8 at Diversionary Theatre. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $15 to $24. For more information, call (619) 220-0097.
Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Duane Allman — these are some of the greatest guitarists in history. But for those who think the guitar is a not-so-worthy instrument, let the Art of Guitar Making exhibit at Geisel Library change your perspective. The exhibit, which runs through June 11, details the construction of acoustic guitars and shows how guitar building is more of an art than a science. Four live acts will perform on the lower level of the library throughout the duration of the exhibit, with the first being a guitar recital on April 1 at noon. Admission is free. For more information, call (858) 534-8074.
Love, revolution and the politics of each — that’s the story behind “Don Carlo,” playing at San Diego Civic Theatre. The 1867 opera tells the story of Don Carlo, who is the 16th century heir to the throne of Spain. He falls for the French princess Elisabetta, but soon finds out that she is in fact marrying his father. To make the triangle even more complicated, Princess Eboli, Elisabetta’s lady-in-waiting, is in love with Carlo. Not only that, the province of Flanders is in revolt, turning the love triangle into a political fiasco. The play only has two more show dates after this one: April 4 and April 7, so grab tickets quick. Showtimes vary. Tickets are $20 to $150. For more information, call (619) 570-110.
Those without a green thumb can drop by the 23rd annual Art Alive exhibit at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. Featuring both paintings of flowers and professional and amateur flower arrangements, the exhibit is also a fundraiser for outreach programs by the museum. The show runs through April 4. The gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $4 to $10.
Los Angeles-based ensemble Ozomatli fuse hip-hop, salsa, ska, funk and jazz to create their uniquely modern sound that has a reputation for getting everybody onto the dance floor. Aside from their world beat sound, Ozomatli’s lyrics are infused with political and social overtones. The band broke onto the scene in 1998 after releasing its first, self-titled album and expanded its popularity while touring with Santana last summer. Ozomatli perform at Belly-Up Tavern at 9:15 p.m. They will also perform April 3. Tickets are $25.
Forget the mall — the place to buy unique crafts, jewelry and more is at the 17th annual Santa Fe Market at Bazaar del Mundo. The bazaar showcases the crafty creations of top American Southwest artists, who are selling everything from pottery to jewelry. Not only will things be on sale, but there will also be displays and events like Cherokee drum demonstrations. The bazaar is free and starts on April 2 and runs through April 4. On Friday and Saturday, the event runs from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, call (619) 296-3161 or visit http://www.bazaardelmundo.com.
Post-Cold War Cuba is the background to “Two Sisters and a Piano,” the play by Pulitzer Prize winner Nilo Cruz. The play embodies the rich characters and intricate storytelling Cruz is known for. Playing at Old Globe Theatre, “Two Sisters” tells the story of Maria, a writer, and Sofia, a pianist — two sisters under house arrest in communist Cuba trying to make it through. The play runs through April 11. For showtimes, tickets and information, call (619) 239-2255.
“D is for Desmond thrown out of a sleigh…” With books like “The Gashlycrumb Tines,” “The Epileptic Bicycle” and “The Doubtful Guests,” Edward Gorey’s delightfully dark humor is well-known. San Diego State library will feature an exhibit on the evolution of the writer/artist. The exhibit will feature manuscripts, sketchbooks, notebooks and original art, and runs through May 31. For information and hours, call (619) 594-6791 or visit http://infodome.sdsu.edu.
Northern California has always housed and bred rebellion and dissent, so it’s no wonder NOFX formed there. The politically charged punk band has done it all in past decades and inspired other bands. NOFX recently launched The Punk Voter in order to get their young fans out there and voting. Playing with NOFX include Alkaline Trio and Authority Zero, among others. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. at RIMAC Arena and is free for UCSD students, but admission is $15 for non-affiliates.
