With bans on gay marriage being reconsidered and struck down in states like Pennsylvania and Idaho, the upcoming Maltz Museum reading of Standing on Ceremony: The Gay Marriage Plays is as timely and topical as ever. Part of the Museum’s Begin the Conversation series designed to spark community dialogue, Standing on Ceremony is a thematic collection of short works from Mo Gaffney, Jordan Harrison, Moises Kaufman, Neil LaBute, Wendy MacLeod, Jose Rivera, Paul Rudnick and Doug Wright conceived by Brian Shnipper. The eight prominent American playwrights expose the humanity, heart and even the humor behind same-sex marriage. Standing on Ceremony is a staged reading co-produced with Interplay Jewish Theatre and Cleveland Public Theatre. Craig J. George directs. The performance begins at 7 p.m. Wedding cake will be served to all guests. Call or visit the museum website to make reservations. Tickets are $12. (Niesel)
Africa & Byzantium considers the complex artistic relationships between northern and eastern African Christian kingdoms and the Byzantine Empire from the fourth…