Laurie Anderson introduced herself to the world via large-scale works that wove together video, music, and performance to address big ideas. (See her eight-hour 1983 epic United States.) More recently, the great American performance artist has been scaling back with “solo story works,” shows that are smaller, more literary, and much more personal. Anderson’s new Dirtday! explores topics ranging from the political (the Occupy movement) to the autobiographical (the loss of her beloved piano-playing dog). Expect flat affect and deep insight. (Meany Hall, 1313 NE 41st St, UW campus, www.meany.org, 8 pm, $44–$48)