7 Days and 7 Nights

THU.MAR.23

I Had An Abortion

Jennifer Baumgardner and Gillian Aldrich will present their film, “Speak Out: I Had An Abortion,” a 60-minute documentary featuring women talking candidly about their abortions. The diverse women who share their experiences in “Speak Out” range from octogenarian Florence Rice, who had an illegal abortion in 1938, to A’Yen Tran, who had a medical abortion in 2003. Some speak of rape, others of contraceptive failure, but all share a fervent belief that abortion is life-affirming. Sunita Prasad will also screen her film, “Pink Minute,” an experimental narrative about a woman having an abortion. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. $5-10 suggested.

L Word Bitch

A forerunner in the movement of performance art and minimalist rock, Bitch’s live performances are wild, personable, and outspoken. Alternating among violin, bass, and ukulele, she is known for her bold stage persona, wild fashion sense, and expert musicianship. Bitch has toured around the world as a solo artist and as half of the wildly popular duo, Bitch and Animal. She has released four albums, two on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. Her upcoming solo debut, “Make This/Break This,” will be featured on Showtime’s “The L Word.” Bitch and The Exciting Conclusion, featuring “The L Word’s” Daniela Sea, is in the last half of its four-week run. Tonight and Mar. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at Mo Pitkins, 34 Ave. A, btwn. Second & Third Sts. $13 at 212-777-5660.

FRI.MAR.24

Superstar Duets

Performance art superstar Neal Medlyn presents a program of duets with other performance art superstars—including Adrienne Truscott of the Wau Wau Sisters, Kenny Mellman of Kiki and Herb, plus ironic dance stars VIDS. Unique evenings of in-your-face entertainment, riffing on R. Kelly, H20, gender, lookin’ for beats, and monsters. And blood. It’s a whole different duet, and a whole different show, every night! Tonight and Mar. 31 at 8 p.m. Galapagos Art Space, 70 N. Sixth St., btwn, Kent & Wythe Aves. in Williamsburg. $ 10 in advance, $12 at the door. 718-782-5188.

My Mother Told Me I was Different

On June 27, 1969 a routine raid on a little known Greenwich Village gay bar sparked a spontaneous series of events that forever changed the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered people. Who were the people in the Stonewall Bar that evening? What happened that night in the bar, on the street, and in people’s minds, and why were these events destined to change society? “My Mother Told Me I was Different: Stories from Stonewall” is the moving story of the night that changed history, as told by the people who lived it. The reading will be directed by legendary downtown director and founding pioneer of Gay and Women’s Theatre, David Gaard. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington St. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. Free.

SAT.MAR.25

Made in Palestine

The first museum-quality exhibition devoted to the contemporary art of Palestine to be held in the United States is a survey of work spanning three generations of Palestinian artists who live in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, parts of Israel, Syria, Jordan, and the U.S. The exhibition was curated by James Harithas during a month long stay in the Middle East, aided in his mission by Palestinian artist Samia Halaby. The artists have been gaining recognition in both regional and international arenas. They utilize a multiplicity of techniques, mediums, and aesthetic styles such as realism, abstraction, and conceptual art. They have been influenced by ancient and contemporary art of the Near East and Egypt as well as by such Western approaches to art as Arte Povera and Installation Art. The works range from monumental pieces to those of a more intimate nature that invite close attention. The Bridge Gallery, 521 W. 26th St., third floor. 646-584-9098. Through Apr. 22, Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free.

Bulrusher

Water is a source of magic and power in this poetic and evocative new play written by Eisa Davis. In the redwood country north of San Francisco, a multi-racial abandoned baby girl is found floating in a basket on the river. Raised in a predominately white town with its own homespun language, and outcast for her lack of family and painfully accurate clairvoyance, Bulrusher discovers an entirely new self when a stranger from Alabama arrives. Directed by Leah C. Gardiner at UrbanStages Theater, 259 W. 30th St., btwn. Seventh & Eighth Aves. Through Apr. 9 Tue.-Sat. at 8 p.m., Sat. & Sun. at 2 p.m. $40 at 212-868-4444 or urbanstages.com.

Stripped

A play on anonymity and identity, “(Un)masked” showcases the work of three contemporary photographers. In the tradition of American realism, Crackerfarm continues their subversive inquest into the aesthetic and historical valuation of past and present cultures. Traditional imagery is fused with the aggressiveness of a punk rock road movie, forcing a rethinking of the relationship between the past and the present. In George Duncan’s work, subjects find themselves standing in a sublime space, implicit in the background, and sensuousness is balanced with the formal. Judy Linn’s photographs are typified by great richness and sensuality of surface detail. Documents of her friendship with Patti Smith, the majority of the pictures were taken after Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe, who had lived together in a variety of locations in New York City, moved from the Allerton Hotel to the Chelsea Hotel in 1971. Envoy Gallery, 535 W. 22nd St., sixth fl. Through Apr. 15, Tue.-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at 212-242-7524.

Dance 208

Legendary New York City DJ Victor Rosado makes his Center debut at the first Dance 208 House Party, featuring house music all night long! Internationally known DJ Victor Rosado, influenced by greats such as Larry Levan, has played at the Loft, the Garage, Studio 54, Palladium, London’s Ministry of Sound, and now Dance 208. Rosado is sure to play some of the selections from his just-released “NY Classics Volume One,” with disco legend Tom Moulton. Pledge allegiance to the house groove at this special Dance 208! 9 p.m. at The LGBT Center, 208 W. 13th St. $10, $6 members and before 9:45 p.m. 212-620-7310.

SUN.MAR.26

Bi Women Photo Show

“Bisexual Women: An Exhibition” features the photographic work by Dulcie Canton, Lucille Lacey, Joanna Marzullo, and Kendra Thomas. Hosted by the Bisexual Women’s Group, which has been meeting at the LGBT Community Center since 1991, this networking and support organization is geared toward the specific needs of bi women, straddling both the gay and the straight world. This show depicts longing for other women, lesbian relationships and their take on queer city life. The LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St. Through Apr. 8. 212-620-7310 or gaycenter.org.

Without Boundary: 17 Ways of Looking

Is it possible to speak of a contemporary art with an Islamic difference? This question, urgently needing debate, will be the subject of an exhibition that brings together artists who come from the Islamic world, but who live and work mostly in Europe and the United States. The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), 11 W. 53rd St. Sat.-Mon., Wed., Thu. 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Fri. 10:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Closed Tue. Admission up to $20. 212-708-9400. Through May 22.

Nights from Day

The signature and polemical survey on contemporary American Art returns. “Whitney Biennial 2006: Day for Night” takes its title from the 1973 film by François Truffaut, whose original French name, “La Nuit Américaine,” denotes the cinematic technique of shooting night scenes artificially during the day, using a special filter. This is the first Whitney Biennial to have a title attached to it. Whitney Museum of American Art, 945 Madison Ave. at 75th St. Wed.-Thu., Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri. 1-9 p.m. Closed Mon., Tue. Admission up to $20; pay what you wish Fri. 6-9 p.m. 212-570-3676. Through May 28.

MON.MAR.27

SMUT

The weekly program of no-holds-barred performance every Monday at Galapagos, hosted by Desiree Burch. 70 N. Sixth St. btwn. Kent and Wythe Aves. in Williamsburg. 718-782-5188. 8 p.m., free.

Orthodykes

Winner of the Israeli Oscar for Best Documentary, as well as eight international awards, Ilil Alexander’s stunning debut film boldly documents the clandestine struggle of three women fighting for their right to love within their beloved Orthodox communities in Jerusalem. All three are pious, religiously committed women. All three are lesbians, and members of a secret support group called the Orthodykes. Though their life choices exact a devastating price, these women are committed to confronting their duality, and accept the toll with a profound compassion toward their society. Miriam-Ester fights her aversion to a man’s touch for the sake of her family and ten children, while Ruth’s husband shockingly permits his wife to see her female lover twice a week. Yudith, a Rabbi’s daughter, declares her sexuality openly as she believes “lies are the worst sin on earth.” Makor, 35 W. 67th St. 212-601-1000. 7:30 p.m. Also Apr. 2 at BAM Rose Cinemas at 6:50 p.m.

TUE.MAR.28

Women’s Poetry Jam

L.B. Thompson is fascinated by metaphors of currency and authenticity, and finds that these political interests often turn into jaunty, rhythmic love poems. New York poet Soraya Shalforoosh writes poetry that is international in scope; her obsession with both the superstitious and the spiritual results in risky, unpredictable work. Women’s Poetry Jam is hosted by Vittoria Repetto, the hardest working guinea butch dyke poet in the Lower East Side. Open mic sign-up starts at 7 p.m. Come and deliver up to eight minutes of poetry, prose, songs, and spoken word. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington St. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. $3-5 suggested.

WED.MAR.29

Surprising Career Transitions

Out Professionals presents “Great Second Acts,” featuring people who have made surprising and successful career transitions. Meet out lesbian Playboy centerfold Stephanie Adams, creator of the “Goddessy” collection on astrology and the occult; professional fundraiser Ian Archer-Watters, now dancing on point for the internationally acclaimed Les Ballets Grandiva—performing Apr. 10 at Symphony Space; and former decorative painter Dave King, whose debut novel, “The Ha-Ha,” got reviews other writers only dream about. Moderating is Thomas Cott, consultant in the field of arts and culture. 7 p.m. at the LGBT Community Center, 208 W. 13th St., 212-620-7310. $10, $7 OP members at 212-462-9255 or outprofessionals.org.

500 Women In One Day

“This Day in the Life” started as a book project that invited 500 women across America to contribute a day diary chronicling their thoughts, feelings and activities on a single day—June 29, 2004. With contributions by moms, celebrities, soldiers, nursing home residents, madams, and executives, the book shows how a diversity of women spend their time, and what’s really on their minds. Bluestockings, 172 Allen St., btwn. Stanton & Rivington St. 212-777-6028. 7 p.m. Free.

THU.MAR.30

Schoolhouse Roxx

P.S.122’s series presents a double bill of dangerous women. Internationally known performance artist Nao Bustamante will be performing her new work, entitled “Hero,” and rising downtown art star Dynasty Handbag brings her own peculiar blend of music and deranged monologue to the stage. Bustamante is an internationally known performance artist from the San Joaquin Valley of California. Her work encompasses performance art, sculpture, installation, video, pop music, and experimental rips in time. Bustamante’s character transforms, via video, from a gentle princess who has lost her puppy in a lush fall forest into an icy nefarious hag trudging through the snow. Dynasty Handbag is the one-woman music, comedy, performance meltdown, and portable electro-ballad vehicle of Jibz Cameron—of indie rock bands Dynasty, The Roofies, and Camp Winnarainbow. Originally from San Francisco, she relocated to New York in 2005 to escape an obsessed prisoner pen pal. On stage Cameron performs with a backing track containing original songs and dialogues of her innermost personal thoughts and horrible feelings. Through Apr. 1 at 9 p.m. P.S.122, 150 First Ave. at E. Ninth St. $20, $15 students & seniors, $10 members at 212-352-3101 or theatermania.com. For more information 212-477-5288 or ps122.org.

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