North by Northwestern

You know the drill by now. We tell you the cool things going on. You go to them. It’s a great time. Check out what’s going on this week.

May 10

This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous

Maybe you’ve watched her videos – now, watch the documentary about her life. A&O Films will show This Is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous, which follows the model and makeup artist as she transitions genders and adjusts to life in the public spotlight as a trans woman.

May 11

Zadie Smith

English majors and activists, this one’s for you. The Contemporary Thought Speaker Series will bring acclaimed author Zadie Smith, known for her 2000 novel White Teeth which dealt with ideas of race and immigration, to campus for a talk. Michelle Wright, a professor of African American studies and comparative literary studies, will be in conversation with Smith. 7 p.m., Tech auditorium. Free with RSVP.

Under the Big Top

There are things every kid should be able to experience, like theater and the circus, and Seesaw Theatre is making that happen. For its spring production, the group will put up Under the Big Top, a show that aims to make a circus experience for children on the autism spectrum and with developmental differences. 7 p.m., Shanley Pavilion. Also May 12 at 7 p.m. $2 for students.

Dillo Day Battle of the Bands

We get it, theater and books aren't your thing. Maybe you should spend your Thursday night listening to some talented student bands at Mayfest’s Battle of the Bands and supporting your favorites. Bands will include Rich, Tan, Buff, Popular; Kodiak Grove; August Hotel; Dial Up; Prez Harris and Friends; and The Moonlight Palace, and the winner will perform a coveted mainstage set at Dillo Day. 8 p.m., Tommy Nevin’s Pub. 18+, 21+ to drink. $5.

Woodstock

It’s finally starting to get nice outside – why not celebrate? A&O Films will host an outdoor screening of Woodstock, the concert documentary about the 1969 hippie festival, complete with free popcorn. Travel back in time as you watch performances by Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and more. 8 p.m., Norris East Lawn. Free.

The Loving Story

Or, maybe you loved the film Loving and want to learn more – the Block has you covered. Join the Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art for a screening of the documentary The Loving Story, and find out more about the landmark court case that the acclaimed film is based off. 7 p.m., Mary & Leigh Block Museum of Art. Free.

May 12

13: The Musical

If you're a freshman, come to see your friends. If you're not, come for the nostalgia. Regardless, support the Class of 2020 as its members put on 13, a musical about a teenager navigating the move from a big city to a small town, in a production that promises to be fun. 7:30 p.m. and 10 p.m., Harris 107. Also May 13, 7:30 p.m. $5 for Northwestern students.

Stick Fly

Catch one last Wirtz Center show before the end of the school year with Stick Fly, a play by alumna Lydia R. Diamond (Speech '92). The family drama looks at race, class and privilege as the LeVay family gets together for the weekend. 7:30 p.m., Louis Theater. Also May 13, May 18-19 and May 21 at 7:30 p.m.; May 14 and May 21 at 2 p.m. $6 advance, $10 door for students.

Kastalgia

Instead, maybe reminisce with the Korean American Students Association during its spring show, Kastalgia. Performers will include Northwestern groups such as KASA Singers and national headliners such as Sorah Yang. 7:30 p.m., Tech auditorium. $6 in advance.

The Waa-Jew Show

You've seen Waa-Mu – now keep the hype going with ShireiNU's Waa-Jew Show. The Jewish student a capella group will show off its members' talent in a 45-minute show. 9 p.m., McCormick Foundation Center forum. Also May 13, 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. $5 for students.

May 13

Kai School Musical

We know you love High School Musical, and so does Kaibigan. The Filipino student association's Pinoy Show will be themed around the Disney favorite, with dance, songs, skits and even food afterward. 7 p.m., Tech auditorium. $3 advance, $5 door.

F15 Headlines Dillo

So now we know that MGMT and D.R.A.M. are headlining Dillo Day … oh, and Freshman Fifteen, of course. They're not all freshman and they're not all 15, but you can still watch them all perform a capella for their spring show. 8:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m., Helmerich Auditorium in Annie May Swift Hall. $5.

May 14

Wish Night

Ever wonder where the money you pay to attend all these shows goes? At Wishmakers on Campus' first-annual Wish Night, your $5 will help Make-A-Wish Illinois. And, you'll get to see more music and dance groups than you can count on one hand. 7 p.m., Tech auditorium. $5.

Editor's note: An earlier version of this story misstated the plot of 13: The Musical. NBN regrets the error.