Lit Beat
SPECIAL EVENT
Brown Bag book Talk, Pulitzer-Prize-winning author Ian Johnson, China bureau chief for the Wall Street Journal, discusses his book "Wild Grass: Three Stories of Change in Modern China" and the lives of three people who are risking imprisonment or death as they fight against government oppression and corruption, 12:30-1:30 p.m. Thursday, room 4012, John Burns Hall, East-West Center; free. 944-7176.
Living in a Rainbow, stories for young and old from Auntie J. Nani (Judith Nakamura Nani'ole), about her family and childhood, 1:30-2 p.m. and 2:30-3 p.m. Saturday, Native Books/Na Mea Hawai'i at Ward Warehouse. 956-8885.
SIGNING
Rita Beamish, author of "Perils of Paradise," signs her book, noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Waldenbooks, Mililani, 623-2138. Also, 2-3 p.m. Saturday, Waldenbooks, Pearlridge. 488-9488.
FOR WRITERS
Lizard Loft announces "XXIV," a two-phase competitive theater event scheduled for April 16, 17, 23 and 24 and seeks applications from teams consisting of one playwright, one director and two or more actors. In Phase 1, teams will have 24 hours to write, direct and perform a 5- to 10- minute play based on a given theme. In Phase 2, the winning teams from Phase 1 will have six days to write, direct and rehearse a 15- to 30- minute one-act play using a "kit" the team will be given. Cash prizes will be awarded. Application deadline for teams is Wednesday. For additional information call 536-8047 or see www.lizardloft.org.
Call for Scripts, Aloha Performing Arts Company, Big Island, requests submission of scripts for the Original Play Festival scheduled for Aug. 18-22. Deadline is May 28. Call for details and requirements for submissions: (808) 322-9924.
Honolulu Theatre for Youth and Kumu Kahua Theatre announce an open call for stories to be included in "Christmas Talk Story 2004." Submissions must be themed on winter holidays in Hawai'i, be told in the first person from a child's point of view, and be between 350 to 700 words in length. Deadline for submission is June 1. For additional requirements and submission directions call 839-9885, ext. 17.
READING GROUP
NonFiction Reading Group now forming. Persons interested in discussing serious works can express their interest by e-mailing talkischeap@hawaii.rr.com.
Send announcements to Island Life, Lit Beat, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; e-mail islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com; or fax 525-8055.
