Dramaturgy

In a parallel world, human hearts can take almost any form. Each person has a uniquely shaped heart: one might look like a toaster, another like a mushroom, a rock, a lamp, or a frog. What’s more, they’re easily removed (not a gory process), which frees the owner from emotional turmoil but leads to long-term detrimental effects. The central characters live in a society where treatment for negative emotional states is freely available, although the treatments are bizarre. Relying heavily on metaphors, this is a love story with a lot to say about emotional connections between people and the difficulty in forming them. ■ Title — *With Love and a Major Organ* ■ Director — Kim Albright ■ Cast — Anna Maguire, Hamza Haq, Veena Sood ■ Unrated, suitable for general audiences ■ ©2023 \| 1h 31m \| Drama ■ Distributed by Cineverse

[Link to purchase ticket(s)](https://sunscinema.com/2026-02-19) Tickets are very limited as the theatre is small! Join us on February 19th for a Black female director double feature of [Compensation (1999) by Zeinabu irene Davis](https://boxd.it/8jau) and [Losing Ground (1982) by Kathleen Collins](https://boxd.it/cDVy) at Suns Cinema in Mount Pleasant, D.C. This double feature (2 movies back to back) will be presented by Britt Sankofa as part of her monthly Black cinema series at Suns. / Compensation @ 7:00 PM sharp Losing Ground @ 9:40 PM sharp _It is highly recommended that you arrive at least 15 minutes before the feature_ / Attendance to both films is absolutely not required so feel free to pick whichever showing looks most intriguing to you! Drinks and popcorn available for purchase!

**Match 1** For current members only: [This client is interested in meeting a feminine, grounded woman with a little bit of spice. He is a Dallas native, currently based in Dallas, and open to a nationwide search. He is 36, 6’1”, and has one child. He would love to be a girl dad within marriage, “but it has to be a special woman.”](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSqkFFLjx_k/) If you are an active member and feel aligned, you may reach out directly to be considered. This introduction is part of a private, curated process. For non-members: Inquiries require readiness to become a member and begin with a consultation. To be considered for this match, please text one photo, your age, and location to 917-451-6561 for initial review. Applicants must be attractive and physically fit. Please note: Not all inquiries will receive a response. [📅 To learn more about our matchmaking and coaching services, please schedule a consultation using this link.](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles/) **Match 2** For current members only: [We’re sharing a match opportunity for a male client in his 30s, based in the Dallas–Fort Worth area.](https://www.instagram.com/p/DSqkFFLjx_k/) He was previously matched with one of our New York attorney clients, and the connection was strong on both sides. ❤️ Unfortunately, neither party was willing to relocate due to close family ties and career commitments. As a result, he has asked us to introduce another match. He has been a great match across our database, with consistent mutual interest from past introductions. His matches often highlight his balanced personality, his ability to lead while also listening, and his calm, grounded presence. He is open, emotionally supportive, and respectful of a partner’s career and ambitions. He appreciates a woman who may be more extroverted, as long as she is grounded and self-aware. We are seeking attractive women who do not currently have children and who desire marriage and family. Our search is nationwide; however, we need women who are already in Texas or open to relocating to Texas. He is also open to relocating within Texas, including Houston, for the right match. This is a private, curated process. For non-members: Inquiries require readiness to become a member and must begin with a consultation. To be considered for this match, you may text one photo, your age, and your location to 917-451-6561 for initial review. [📅 To learn more about our matchmaking and coaching services, please schedule a consultation using this link.](https://thehelpmeetclub.com/join-our-database-of-singles/)

Join us for our Thursday Tea Time and social hour for older LGBTQ+ adults! Bring your beverage of choice, and meet in-person at The DC Center from 1:00 – 3:00 pm. For more information, contact Center Aging Program Coordinator, Mac (maca@thedccenter.org). We hope to see you there!

Come by for an hour of evening writing with fellow creative folks. Everyone works on their own thing, no obligation to share — just show up and make any kind of words happen. If you're spending too much time thinking about writing, join us for an hour of focused writing. Guidelines: * While some discussion is encouraged to get to know one another, strive for silent, focused writing from 6:45 PM - 7:45 PM. * Generally avoid disruptive sensory input/behaviors, such as repeated or unpleasant noises, smells, physical movements, etc. (if you have health-related reasons, or some other aspect out of your control due to which this could become an issue, show up anyway and explain that potential disruptions are not intentional.) * Repeated breaking of the above rules without a valid reason may result in dismissal from the group at any point during a session. **Why is Shut Up & Write(!) so effective?** [http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/](http://arsenalofwords.com/2015/10/14/why-i-shut-up-write/) **LOCATION:** Gaithersburg Library, Study Room 2 (if we aren't in 2, check 1!) **SCHEDULE:** 6:30 \| Pre\-session check\-in \- What will you work on? 6:45 \| Shut up and write for 1 hour\! 7:45 \| Post\-session check\-in \- How did it go? Feel free to keep writing and finish your lingering thoughts past this point, but know that the library closes at 8 PM! **BRING:** Whatever you need to be able to write! ***If you are interested in a more collaborative and discussion-focused writing group, the Gaithersburg Library hosts such a group on Sundays from 4:00 to 5:30 PM! Ask Chris or the library staff for more details.***

We are the Federal Center Toastmasters Club. We meet the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursday of each month in Hyattsville, MD, from 12 noon to 1pm. Our meetings are held at the headquarters of the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics of the CDC. Our meetings are open to the public, though visitors must go through building security procedures. For visitors who are not U.S. citizens, we do need to pre-coordinate a first visit with our security team. Contact us at: 1260@toastmastersclubs.org. We have been a Toastmasters Club for 40 years and always welcome new members! Join us, and you will improve your public-speaking and leadership skills in a friendly, supportive atmosphere!

Join the group for *Stereophonic* at National Theatre on Saturday, February 21! There will be a gathering at a nearby restaurant between the matinee and evening performances for folks to gather (those attending after the matinee--just don't give anything away for the evening attendees). All of the group tickets for our initial order have been sold. I can access additional group tickets for those interested, but these seats may not be adjacent to our existing ticket blocks. * Left Orchestra: $132 * Center Mezzanine Row F: $114 * Center Mezzanine Row L or M: $87 * Left Balcony: $42 Please comment below on your ticket location preference. NOTE: This is a play with music. The most Tony Award-winning Show of the year. The most Tony Award-nominated Play of all time. ***Stereophonic*** mines the agony and the ecstasy of creation as it zooms in on a music studio in 1976. Here, an up-and-coming rock band recording a new album finds itself suddenly on the cusp of superstardom. The ensuing pressures could spark their breakup—or their breakthrough. Written by **David Adjmi**, directed by **Daniel Aukin**, and featuring original music by Arcade Fire’s **Will Butler**, *Stereophonic* invites the audience to immerse themselves—with fly-on-the-wall intimacy—in the powder keg process of a band on the brink of blowing up. ***Stereophonic***, which features original songs by Academy Award® nominee and Grammy Award® winner **Will Butler**, formerly of Arcade Fire, dominated the “Best Theater of 2023” lists, with top rankings in *The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Washington Post, Time Out New York, Town & Country, TheaterMania, Theaterly*, and *The Spectator*. In April 2024, Stereophonic became the most Tony-nominated play in history receiving 13 Award nominations. It then became the most Tony Award-winning show of the 2024 season, winning 5 Tony Awards including Best Play, Direction (**Daniel Aukin**), Scenic Design (**David Zinn**) and Sound Design (**Ryan Rumery**).The Stereophonic creative team includes **David Zinn** (scenic designer), **Enver Chakartash** (costume designer), **Jiyoun Chang** (lighting designer), **Ryan Rumery** (sound designer), **Justin Craig** (music director), and **Gigi Buffington** (voice, text, and dialect coach). ***Stereophonic*** is 2 hours and 50 minutes including one intermission.

Experience GALA's contemporary staging of the modern classic ***La casa de Bernarda Alba (The House of Bernarda Alba)*** by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. Directed by José Zayas and with original music by Koki Lortkipanidze, the play explores themes of female oppression, sexual repression, and the conflict between tradition and modernity, all universal topics that resonate with audiences today. García Lorca’s ***The House of Bernarda Alba*** brims with tension, desire, and rebellion as five sisters are forced into strict mourning for their father under the iron rule of their mother, Bernarda. In this electrifying new production, passions simmer behind closed doors, secrets spark dangerous rivalries, and the pressure of a house built on control threatens to explode. This contemporary staging infuses Lorca’s classic with a sensuous, modern pulse and a dark Gothic mystery, illuminating why Bernarda Alba remains as urgent and thrilling today as ever. CAST: Luz Nicolás as Bernarda, Evelyn Rosario Vega as Poncia, María Coral as Adela, María del Mar Rodríguez as Angustias, Giselle González as Martirio, Anna Malavé as Magdalena, Alicia Kaplan an as María Josefa, and Ixchel as Amelia. PERFORMANCES: February 5 through March 1, 2026. The production is presented in Spanish with English surtitles, Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Community Night is Thursday, Feberuary 5 at 8 pm. Press Night and Noche de GALA, which includes a post-performance reception with the creative team and cast, is Saturday, February 7 at 8 pm. TICKETS: $50 Premium Center, $45 Orchestra Standard, $35 Orchestra Value, and $25 Balcony Value; $35 Seniors (65+), Military, Teachers, and Groups (10+); $25 25 and Under; Community Night $20; and Noche de GALA: Chosen ticket price + $5 (per person). **[GET TICKETS](https://ci.ovationtix.com/35923/production/1245608)** This production is made possible with the generous support from the Embassy of Spain in Washington, DC, Spain Arts & Culture, and of our Honorary Producers Circle for The House of Bernarda Alba that includes Janet Farrell, Patricia Sosa, and Wanda Báez.

Let's meet in the parking lot here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VAZS8yjuztMnuza16 Bring your longest telephoto lenses to capture birds and other wildlife. I can help you with camera settings to capture birds on a stick, birds in-flight, close-up and macro photography, and general landscape. At the end of this field trip, the Group typically has breakfast at IHOP, 7694 Richmond Highway, Alexandria, VA. 22306. https://maps.app.goo.gl/RuWPZvy6Normy3p39 From the parking lot near the visitor center off Lockheed Blvd, there is Cedar Trail which is about a 15-minute hike to the Heron Trail boardwalk. The Cedar Trail goes through a great forest that has some wildlife like deer and many birds, The Boardwalk is where the majority of the wildlife is located. The Group has seen deer, foxes, beaver, snakes, frogs, green tree frogs, huge snapping turtles, and many types of birds including Bald Eagles, Osprey, Marlins, Great Blue Herons, Great Egrets, King Fishers in the marshy wetlands. The boardwalk can become crowded before sunrise. The crowd, notwithstanding, the early arrivals have been rewarded with sightings of foxes and Bald Eagles. There is a point on the boardwalk that splits. The left side features sightings of shorebirds snapping turtles and beavers. The right side leads to one of the smaller overlooks and has several benches along the way. In the wintertime, the Group gets to photograph many migrating ducks, such as Green-winged teals, Northern Shovelers, and Northern Pintails! In the springtime, the park provides bird boxes for the Wood Ducks and Mergansers to lay and protect their eggs until their offspring fledge and leave the nest. The Group then continues around the boardwalk to the right towards the forest where Great Blue Herons and Red-winged Blackbirds are photographed. Next, the Group approaches a two-story overlook complete with benches for the Group to rest and survey the park. Following a brief respite, the Group continues to Marker 8, the end of the boardwalk. At this point, the forest reappears. And on that edge of the wetlands, there are Red-Headed Woodpeckers. This is one of the few places in the Washington, DC area where they live. After a couple of hours on the wetlands, the Group retraces the route by continuing on the boardwalk to the right towards Cedar Trail, past the visitor center onto the parking lot. There is a small pond behind and to the south of the visitors center that frequently has small frogs. While they are a true find to photograph, mosquitoes have been known to swarm at the pond! The north side of the visitor center features bird feeders that attract hummingbirds and other small birds. Park Info: [http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/](http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley-meadows-park/) By sending in an RSVP and joining this meetup event hosted by the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I am also agreeing to the terms of the following release and waiver of liability, which shall be binding on my heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and assigns. In consideration of my (and my child’s) participation in the Virginia Beltway Photography Meetup, I do hereby release, discharge, and hold harmless the Organizer, its members, officers, directors, employees, and the leader(s) of this event from any and all liability by reason of any damage, loss, expenses, or injury arising from my (and my child’s) participation in this event, including that caused solely or in part by the fault of any and all of the above-named parties.

Are you struggling to book auditions? Learn from an award-winning casting director! The DC Stage Society presents a two-day TV/Film scene study and cold read workshop! Get 10% off of tickets ($251 instead of $279) with code DCFILM10. When: February 21, 2026 from 2pm-5pm February 22, 2026, from 10am-1pm Where: Studio Theater 1501 14th St NW Washington, DC, 20005 You can find more information at [https://dcstagesociety.com/](https://dcstagesociety.com/)

Join us for the inaugural gathering of the DC Creative Collective for Film, TV, and Theater — a welcoming space for filmmakers, writers, actors, and creative enthusiasts across the DMV to connect and create together. This first meetup will be an introduction to the collective’s vision, followed by networking, artist introductions, and an open discussion where members can share their creative interests, experience levels, and the kinds of projects they hope to collaborate on. We will also host a casual table read and idea exchange, giving participants a chance to hear scripts, workshop concepts, and meet potential collaborators for future productions. Whether you are experienced in the industry or just beginning your creative journey, come ready to build community, share stories, and help shape a collaborative artistic home where ideas move from imagination to stage and screen.

The topic for February is "Transitions" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us as we get together to see the period drama / classic monster movie, THE BRIDE! The film is written/directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale in a new take on the classic tale, The Bride of Frankenstein. We'll be seeing this one on Thurs, 3/5 one day ahead of the film's opening on Friday. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: In 1930s Chicago, Frankenstein's creature asks Dr. Euphronius to create a companion for him. They give life to a murdered woman as "the Bride," sparking romance, police interest and radical social change. It is written, directed and co-produced by Maggie Gyllenhaal and stars Jessie Buckley, Christian Bale, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, Jake Gyllenhaal and Penélope Cruz. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-qJkAXLfYM PARKING: Close, convenient parking is available in the nearby garage (located between 9th and 11th, just off High St). Bring your ticket with you and have it validated at the theater and for $2, you’re covered for the night! PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 7:00pm showing and we’ll meet inside the upstairs lobby between 6:40 and 6:50pm. Advance ticket purchase is advised (via Gateway website preferred). Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments below! Pre-show bite at Cazuela’s next door at 5:30pm. Please arrive by 5:30pm and ask for the Movie Group! Look forward to seeing you there, Dan

Let's play various and sundry board games at [Crooked Can Brewing](https://crookedcanohio.com/)! The brewery has extensive food options, a good amount of space, and a large (free) parking lot. The games I bring come from the following list, but feel free to bring some of your own as well! 1. *[Bang!](https://www.amazon.com/dV-Giochi-VINCI-Bang-4th/dp/B001RU7UNW)* 2. *[Chinatown](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVF4ZH0)* 3. *[Codenames](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B014Q1XX9S/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 4. *[Coup](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GDI4HX4?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title)* 5. *[Deception](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019FPQZNG)* 6. *[Family Feud](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08Y5XD2HN)* 7. *[Just One](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07W3PJTL2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 8. *[Mafia](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D97V536)* 9. [Mexican Train Dominoes](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000EULZDM?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) 10. [Playing cards](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003E6Q8R6/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1) 11. *[The Resistance](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B008A2BA8G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title) ([Hidden Agenda](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00OVZ693W?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title))* 12. *[Secret Hitler](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01JKD4HYC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 13. *[Sequence](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NLKHQ3Q/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 14. *[Settlers of Catan](https://www.amazon.com/CATAN-Board-Game-Discovery-Civilization/dp/B00U26V4VQ)* 15. *[So Clover!](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0941TJHXX/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 16. *[Splendor: Marvel](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08DG63MBG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 17. *[Telestrations](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0083J768O)* 18. *[Ticket to Ride](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0975277324/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 19. *[Tsuro](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002SQBB3O)* 20. *[Ultimate Werewolf](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MHWUJA0/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 21. *[Uno](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07P6MZPK3/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)* 22. *[Wits & Wagers](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09C916PWB)* 23. *[Yahtzee](https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TLEMRKM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1)*

We'll meet at The Capital One Café, 167 Easton Town Center, Space A-103. This is in the main mall where the Microsoft store used to be, on your left if you're standing at the bottom of the AMC Theater escalator. Join us on Saturday for an hour of uninterrupted wordmaking! • What we'll do Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 10AM on Saturday mornings. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. SCHEDULE: 10:00 - SESSION 1: quick intros. 10:10 - timer starts: write for 1 hour. 11:10 - chat / take off / keep writing. OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING happens at 11A-11:30ish. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. BEING LATE IS OKAY: just show up and get settled, then check-in with me after the session. (I’ll be the person with the Shut Up & Write! sign.) If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing and I look forward to seeing you! • What to bring Whatever you need to be able to write! Bring earbuds/earplugs if you want to block noise or the occasional conversation by other patrons. Electrical outlets are limited, so charge your devices before whenever possible. See you at The Café on Saturday!

Let's grab some coffee/food and share a morning chat! The East Market has an ample parking lot and outdoor and indoor seating. Grab a cup of coffee from Winston's Coffee & Waffles or on your way to East Market and meet us on the second floor - table behind or east of the elevator. If the weather cooperates we will be meeting in the patio. Per what this group is about: "Everyone is welcome! International transplants to Columbus who want to improve language skills, Columbus residents who want to discuss international travel and culture, and anyone who enjoys getting together for good conversations."