Highlights this weekend include Tamika D. Mallory celebrating Women’s History Month at Hofstra University, the world premiere of Ellen Cornfield’s latest dance and Joy Behar’s star-studded play about ex-husbands.
Plus, there’s a French film festival at Lincoln Center and the closing festivities for the “Barbie” museum exhibition.
Books
“Unapologetically Me! Women’s History Luncheon & Book Signing”
Hofstra University — 200 Hofstra University, Hempstead (Nassau County)
Sat. March 15, 12 p.m.- 3 p.m.
Harlem’s own Tamika D. Mallory is the featured speaker celebrating Women’s History Month at the Long Island college.
The award-winning social justice activist and best-selling author released the memoir “I Lived To Tell The Story: A Memoir of Love, Legacy and Resilience” last month. She will share her insights on activism, empowerment, life lessons and the importance of self acceptance at the event presented by Hempstead’s Union Baptist Church.
“I believe in the work of Pastor and First Lady Easley and Union Baptist Church,” Mallory tells the Daily News. “I recognize their dedication and commitment to community engagement. As I grew up in the Black Church, I understand firsthand the importance and impact for our communities to have a safe space. Faith is and will always be a source of confidence, and for that I prioritize the Black Church.”
The Women’s March co-founder, who opens up about her struggles, abuse, motherhood and loss in “I Lived to Tell The Story,” described the book as “a powerful reminder that true leadership is about serving others, embracing vulnerability, and using every struggle as a stepping stone toward collective liberation.”
Tickets are $125.
Dance
Cornfield Dance‘s “The Endless Ladder”
University Settlement — 184 Eldridge St., Manhattan (Lower East Side)
Fri. March 14 and Sat. March 15, various showtimes
Choreographer Ellen Cornfield has reunited with composer Jerome Begin for her latest work — the premiere of an evening-length dance featuring Mariah Anton Arters, Sarah Cecilia Bukowski, Julian Donahue, Eve Jacobs, Alexzander Larson, Deniz Erkan Sancak, Jin Ju Song-Begin and Hannah Straney.
“‘The Endless Ladder’ explores two simultaneously existing realities that comprise our life’s ongoing climb — the inevitable roller coaster of experience, the good and the challenging, and the need to meet our moral and spiritual obligations — maintaining our comity, respect, and love for one another,” the veteran dancemaker told the News of the new work.
“My intention in this dance has been to present different “rungs” of experience, to entertain, stimulate, calm and provide sustenance as we each navigate our own ladders,” she added.
Tickets start at $15.
Family
“Barbie: A Cultural Icon”
Museum of Art & Design — 2 Columbus Circle, Manhattan (Midtown)
Through March 16. Various times.
For the exhibition’s closing weekend, there is special programming to commemorate the 65-year history of Barbie and the doll’s international impact since the fashion doll was introduced on March 9, 1959.
Curated by fashion historian Karan Feder and drawn from the private collection of David Porcello and Mattel, the exhibit features more than 250 vintage dolls, life-size fashion designs, advertisements and other archival material, video interviews with the doll’s designers and more.
There’s even a life-size mirror-pink Barbie Corvette visitors can get into along with other unique photo ops.
A “Dream & Design Pajama Party” with DJ Mary Mac and a drag performance from Paige Turner will take place Saturday afternoon, featuring a guided artmaking space and pizza.
Tickets are $20, discounts available.
Music
The Roots
Blue Note Jazz Club — 131 West 3rd St. Manhattan (Greenwich Village)
Through March 15. 8 p.m., 10: 30 p.m.
The hottest ticket in town this weekend is The Roots playing at the landmark jazz club. The Grammy-winning hip hop band from Philadelphia is commemorating the 30th anniversary of their seminal 1995 sophomore opus “Do You Want More?!!!??!” with a string of shows.
Marking their major label debut, the gold-selling set featured collaborations with Cassandra Wilson, Dice Raw and Ursula Rucker. So fans could be in store for some surprises from the “The Tonight Show” house band
Tickets start at $65, plus $20 minimum per person.
Theater
“My First Ex-Husband”
Manhattan Movement & Arts Center — 248 West 60th St., Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Through April 20. Various showtimes.
Joy Behar‘s debut as a playwright is inspired by true stories from real women about their first marriages.
The 75-minute show features a rotating cast of actresses telling stories of love, lust, lies and loss the longtime co-host of “The View” culled from her interviews.
Comedian Judy Gold, soap opera great Susan Lucci and Tony Award winner Tonya Pinkins deliver the monologues with gusto in the show through March 23. Obie winner Veanne Cox, “Showgirls” star Gina Gershon, comedic actress Jackie Hoffman and Andrea Navedo (of “Jane The Virgin”) are scheduled to take over the reins after.
Tickets start at $72.
Film
30th Rendez-Vous with French Cinema
Walter Reade Theater — 165 West 65th St., Manhattan (Upper West Side)
Through March 16. Various showtimes.
For its 30th edition, Unifrance and Film at Lincoln Center’s French film festival is showcasing 22 feature films, one documentary series block and appearances from 15 directors at Q&A sessions with audiences.
This year’s highlights include stories that reflect current events.
Boris Lojkine‘s 94-minute “Souleymane’s Story” follows Abou Sangaré as a Guinean food delivery worker preparing for his asylum application interview.
Olivier Assayas‘ “Suspended Time” revolves around director Etienne and his music journalist brother Paul being confined in their childhood home with their new partners during the early days of worldwide COVID-19 pandemic quarantine.
Tickets are $19, discounts available. Select screenings are free for New York City–area students.
Outdoors
“Wealth with Purpose: Women on a Mission” Trolley Tour
Green-Wood Cemetery—500 25th St. (at Fifth Ave.) Brooklyn (South Slope)
Sat. March 15, 10:00 a.m. to Noon
Brooklyn’s historic cemetery is celebrating Women’s History with a ride on its famous trolley to visit the final resting places of prominent New York women of the 19th and early 20th centuries.
The legacies of Harlem Renaissance socialite and activist Grace Nail Johnson, philanthropist and suffragist Louisine Havemeyer, wealthy abolitionist Elizabeth Gloucester and others will be revisited during the two-hour tour.
“[This] tour is an inspirational journey across the Cemetery’s scenic grounds, exploring the lives of women who recognized the power of their privilege and used it to champion the most important moral causes of their time,” senior manager of public programs Derya Mergin said.
Tickets are $15, plus fees.
If you have an upcoming weekend event you’d like to submit for consideration in an upcoming roundup, please email: [email protected] with the full listing details. Consideration does not guarantee inclusion.