Calendar

GALLERY-GOING

TAKING FLIGHT Works by photographer Julia Fullerton-Batten are featured as part of a group exhibit, "The Figure Today," at the Jenkins Johnson Gallery. Over the past three years, Ms. Fullerton-Batten has focused on teenage girls as her subjects. The images typically depict a young woman in an unsettled state. In the photographer's latest series, "In Between," a girl is captured midair as she goes about her daily activities, as in "Mirror" (2008), above. Through Saturday, September 27, Monday–Friday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m., Jenkins Johnson Gallery, 521 W. 26th St., 5th Fl., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-629-0707, free.

OPERA

EPIC REVIVAL "Oresteia" is composer Iannis Xenakis's sole work in the Greek Modernist genre. Tonight, musicians and dancers perform excerpts from the opera prior to its New York premiere at Columbia University's Miller Theatre on Saturday. The theater's ongoing executive director, George Steel — who leaves Columbia on October 1 to head the Dallas Opera — hosts a panel discussion with the production's director, Luca Veggetti, a former Xenakis collaborator, Sharon Kanach, and the late composer's wife, Françoise Xenakis. Today, 7:30 p.m., Guggenheim Museum, Peter B. Lewis Theater, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th Street, 212-423-3587, $30.

DANCE

GOING STRONG Dancer Peter Kyle opens the 2008 American Dance Guild Performance Festival with a tribute to choreographer Murray Louis. Mr. Kyle dances Mr. Louis's "Frail Demons." A former member of the Murray Louis Dance Company, Betsy Fisher, performs a solo from "Figura." Dance fans, take note: Mr. Louis is expected to be there. The festival continues through Sunday, with varying programs each day. Thursday, 8 p.m., Dance New Amsterdam, 280 Broadway, 2nd Fl., at Chambers Street, 212-625-8369, $20 general, $15 for members, seniors, and students. For complete information, go to americandanceguild.org.

FILM

DIVING IN Director Chris Smith pursues familiar themes in his work: His documentaries, "The Yes Men" (2003) and "American Movie" (1999), both focus on characters living on the fringes of society who pursue seemingly implausible goals. His latest feature film, "The Pool," which is screening at Film Forum, is a departure for Mr. Smith, but not entirely: He shot it with a handheld camera, lending it a documentary look. The film centers on a young Indian day laborer, Venkatesh (Venkatesh Chavan), who becomes infatuated with the swimming pool on an upper-class family's estate. Through Tuesday, September 16, 1:15, 3:15, 6, 8, and 10 p.m., Film Forum, 209 W. Houston St. at Varick Street, 212-727-8110, $11 general, $6 members and children.

FOOD AND WINE

HOMEGROWN A group of chefs, including Tony Aiazzi (Aureole), Gwenael Le Pape (Frederick's Madison), and Tom Colicchio (Craft Restaurants), gathers for "Let Us Eat Local," a daylong festival that centers on a menu of foods cultivated or grown within 250 miles of New York City. Diners receive tasting portions of meats, produce, and cheeses, as well as samples of beer, wine, and spirits. In all, 20 chefs will help to create the evening's spread. The McKinley Hightower Beyah Awards, which honor New York supporters of local food, are presented during the event. Tomorrow, 6:30-9 p.m., Water Taxi Beach, 2 Borden Ave. at 2nd Street, Long Island City, Queens, 212-645-6880, $125-$2,500.

GALLERY-GOING

NO CURE Rare Gallery presents "Summertime Blues," the third solo show by Richmond, Va., native Johnston Foster. The exhibit consists of four new pieces produced in the last year. Mr. Foster is known for sculptures made of materials found along highway medians and in Dumpsters and alleyways. The show explores themes such as conflict and the way the growth of technology has improved living standards. Through Saturday, October 4, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Rare Gallery, 521 W. 26th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-268-1520, free.

PRINT TO PAINT Works that combine text and imagery are the focus of "More Than Words," a new exhibit at the Von Lintel Gallery. The show features pieces by more than a dozen artists seeking to test the viewer's reaction to symbols of language and how those can be employed as modes of visual expression. Through Saturday, October 11, Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Von Lintel Gallery, 555 W. 25th St., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-242-0599, free.

COMPOSURE, EXPOSED The Andrea Meislin Gallery hosts an opening for its exhibit of new works by Michal Chelbin, an Israeli photographer. Mr. Chelbin captures young people on the verge of adult consciousness, showing the tension between the youthfulness apparent in his subjects' physical appearance and the maturity conveyed in their steady gazes. Through Saturday, October 18, Andrea Meislin Gallery, 526 W. 26th St., suite 214, between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-627-2552, free.

EYE ON STYLE Michael Thompson began his career as an assistant to photographer Irving Penn. The veteran fashion photographer's work has since appeared in countless magazines and advertising campaigns, including the widely recognized "I Am African" series for the Gap. An exhibit of Mr. Thompson's fine-art photography, on view at Hasted Hunt, reflects his roots in the fashion industry, but also demonstrates his range, as in several works that depict butterflies in hyper-detailed black-and-white. Through Saturday, October 25, Tuesday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Hasted Hunt Gallery, 529 W. 20th St., 3rd Fl., between Tenth and Eleventh avenues, 212-627-0006, free.

MUSEUMS

FLAWLESS "The Butterfly of Peace," a composition made up of 240 colored diamonds, is briefly on view at the American Museum of Natural History. The butterfly-shaped arrangement of gems represents every known variety of "fancies," or colored diamonds. Jewelers Alan Bronstein and Harry Rodman of the New York firm Aurora Gems assembled the 166.94-carat creation over a period of 12 years. Through Thursday, 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m., American Museum of Natural History, 200 Central Park West at 79th Street, 212-769-5100, $15 general, $11 students and seniors, $8.50 children under 12.

MUSIC

GRASSROOTS The group Banjo Jack substitutes banjos for lead guitars, bridging the gap between American roots music and modern electric rock. They perform as part of the Clinton Concert Series. The band's members are Eben Pariser (bass), Louis Abramson (percussion), Jon Light (steel pedal), and Andrew Green (banjo). Fast-paced songs such as "Simple Man," as well as soulful ballads such as "Man on the Moon," make good use of the group's tight vocal harmonies. Today, 6-8:30 p.m., Clinton Park, Pier 84 at 44th Street, 212-757-0981, free.

READINGS

WINDS OF CHANGE Writer Tom Piazza reads from his new book, "City of Refuge" (Harper), at the Half King Bar & Restaurant. The author of "Why New Orleans Matters" (Harper) tells the disparate stories of two New Orleans families, the Williamses and the Donaldsons, each of them is forced to confront Hurricane Katrina amid ongoing familial problems. The Williamses struggle to reconnect after being scattered between the Convention Center and the Superdome, while the Donaldsons evacuate north, away from the city and the lives they once led. Today, 7 p.m., Half King Bar & Restaurant, 505 W. 23rd St. at Tenth Avenue, 212-462-4300, free.

TALKS

DOWN AND OUT IN PARIS A French journalist, Céline Curiol, discusses her debut novel, "Voice Over" (Seven Stories), translated from the French by Sam Richard. The novelist Paul Auster introduces her. Ms. Curiol tells the story of a lonely young woman who works at Paris's Gare du Nord, a railway station. Despite being surrounded by crowds, the central character desperately seeks human connection, and ultimately becomes obsessed with a man in love with another woman. Mr. Auster, who wrote the foreword for Ms. Curiol's book, is the author of several novels, including "The Inner Life of Martin Frost: A Film" and "The Book of Illusions" (Picador). The talk is presented by the French Institute Alliance Française. Tomorrow, 7 p.m., French Institute Alliance Française, Le Skyroom, 22 E. 60th St. at Madison Avenue, 212-307-4100, $15 general, $10 members.

THEATER

DARK HORSE Playwright Peter Shaffer's "Equus," which won raves in 2007 on London's West End, is now in previews for a Broadway revival at the Broadhurst Theater. The play follows a psychiatrist (Richard Griffiths) who attempts to treat a young man (Daniel Radcliffe) suffering from a pathological fascination with horses. Messrs. Griffiths and Radcliffe are alumni of the London production, along with director Thea Sharrock. Mr. Radcliffe is best known for his role as Harry Potter in the film adaptations of author J.K. Rowling's books; Mr. Griffiths has also appeared in the movies, playing Harry's uncle. Previews through Wednesday, September 24, open run, Monday and Thursday-Friday, 8 p.m., Tuesday, 7 p.m., Wednesday and Saturday, 2 and 8 p.m., Broadhurst Theater, 235 W. 44th St. at Broadway, 212-239-6200, $61.50-$301.50.

FANTASY LAND "Désir," a performance that combines gymnastics, ballet, and circus tricks, shows under Spiegeltent's big top at South Street Seaport. Directed by Wayne Harrison, "Désir," which revolves around the theme of seduction, features a cast of contortionists, singers, and dancers who take the stage as courtesans, maharajahs, and soldiers. Through Sunday, November 2, Monday, 7:30 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m., Friday, midnight, Saturday, 6 and 8 p.m., Sunday, 6 p.m., South Street Seaport, Pier 17, Spiegeltent, Fulton Street at Water Street, 212-279-4200, $35-$79.

PUPPETS AND POMP The flamboyant performer Joey Arias, known for his feathered headdresses, evening gowns, and elaborate eye makeup, performs in "Arias With a Twist," a show created by Mr. Arias and Basil Twist. The evening features a spectacle of singing, tricks, and props — including a large rotating wedding cake. Mr. Arias returns to the New York performance-art scene after five years as the host of Cirque du Soleil's "Zumanity" in Las Vegas. Through Wednesday, December 31, Wednesday-Friday, 9 p.m. and midnight, Sunday, 6 and 9 p.m., Here Arts Center, 145 Sixth Ave., between Spring and Broome streets, 212-352-3101, $35-$100.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.

To submit an event for consideration for the Calendar, please wire the particulars to calendar@nysun.com, placing the date of the event in the subject line.