North by Northwestern

Midterms and cold weather are impending. Feel like you need a break? The Northwestern arts world has you covered, whether you’re looking for comedy, theater or A&O Ball.

April 17

Evanston Spotlight: The Moth in Evanston: Duped

If you’ve ever been pranked or you’ve been a pranker, if April 1 is your favorite day or if you just enjoy hearing people tell stories, head straight over to the Evanston music club SPACE on Monday. There, you’ll find “The Moth in Evanston: Duped,” a live storytelling event that will present five-minute stories about deception. 7 p.m., SPACE. Sold out online, first-come first-served tickets at door (price TBD).

Commedia dell’Arte lecture and demonstration

Commedia dell’Arte is not just a cool Italian phrase – it’s also a form of improvised theatre comedy from Renaissance-era Italy. Presented by the Panini Players, a student Commedia dell’Arte troupe, expert Antonio Fava will describe this art form’s origins and demonstrate Commedia masks that he made. 3 p.m., Kresge Centennial Hall, Room 2-415. Free.

April 18

Commedia dell’Arte workshop with Antonio Fava

So your folks are worried you’re not spending enough time playing with Commedia dell’Arte masks or learning this comedic art’s movement styles? Put your (very specific) parents at ease with this workshop, under the teachings of a master in Commedia. 6 p.m., Virginia Wadsworth Wirtz Center for the Performing Arts, Black Box 3. Free with RSVP.

April 20

Marie Watt: Sewing Community

Every kindergarten teacher’s favorite concepts, collaboration and creativity, were put into practice this past winter with a community sewing circle hosted by Marie Watt, whose art is on display at the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art’s If You Remember, I’ll Remember. On Thursday, Watt will unveil and discuss her new piece, which includes the work of those Evanston and Northwestern embroiderers. 6 p.m., Block Museum. Free with RSVP.

Oedipus El Rey

Oedipus ... that’s the Greek guy who killed his father and had sex with his mother, right? Right, but in Lovers & Madmen's version, Oedipus lives in Los Angeles and used to be in jail. 7:30 p.m., Shanley Pavilion. Also April 21 at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m.; April 22 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. $5 for students.

April 21

Fuente Ovejuna

For a show about a Spanish village being terrorized by an uncontrollable military commander, Fuente Ovejuna is pretty joyful, according to its co-adapter Kori Alston. This is the first of Wirtz’s spring mainstage shows and looks to be full of stage fighting, rap and beautiful costumes. 7:30 p.m., Barber Theater. Also April 22 and April 27-29 at 7:30 p.m.; April 23 and April 30 at 2 p.m. $6 advance, $10 door for Northwestern students.

A&O Ball

Co-sponsored by A&O Productions and For Members Only, this annual concert in Chicago will be a must-see. Aminé will be opening for a headliner that is still a mystery, although recent A&O performers have included Rae Sremmurd and T-Pain. Buy your tickets soon at the Norris Box Office and check out A&O’s Facebook page for updates. 8 p.m., Riviera Theatre. $10.

April 22

Fly Me to the Moon: An Evening of Music, Dancing and Food

It’s the weekend and you wanna feel classy. What better option than to attend Fly Me to the Moon, a fundraiser for a music education nonprofit? Presented by music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha, the night will feature jazz performances by musicians from Bienen, Extreme Measures and more. 6 p.m., Parkes Hall. Free admission, small donation for dinner.