DIVERSIONS
by Mark Pinkos
THURSDAY 5/18
SIFF OPENING-NIGHT GALA–The Seattle International Film Festival continues its dark-horse bid for festival supremacy against such luminaries as Sundance and Cannes with the North American premiere of Love’s Labor Lost at the Paramount. In this film, director Kenneth Branagh continues his megalomaniacal quest to rework the entire Shakespearean catalog, and star Alicia “Clueless” Silverstone attempts to smash her So-Cal mall-denizen mold by speaking entirely in iambic pentameter. Paramount Theater, 911 Pine St, $35. Tickets can be purchased at Broadway Performance Hall (1625 Broadway), Pacific Place (ground floor), or by phone (324-9996).
SATURDAY 5/20
SHAPING THE NETWORK SOCIETY–Will the Internet and telecommunications revolution foster a new era of global creative dialogue, or will it devolve into the didactic, teleological medium that television has been since its inception? This four-day symposium will address this question as well as explore the possible political and social effects that the new medium promises to impose on society at large. Featured speakers include Geert Lovink (world-famous hackivist), Howard Rheingold (pioneer of virtual communities), and Bill Joy (chief scientist of Sun Microsystems). UW HUB, 9 am-5 pm, 526-2465 for info; $50 students, $85 members of endorsing organizations, $120 general.
JOAN RANQUET–Barks, cheeps, bleats, and lows will fill the air at this workshop hosted by modern-day Dr. Dolittle, Joan Ranquet. The thorny subjects of cat, dog, and horse lexicons will be illuminated by Mrs. Ranquet, the country’s foremost expert on human-animal communication. This is a must-attend event for the Art Bell crowd and curiosity seekers alike. Eyak Acres, 15019 SE May Valley Rd, Renton, 935-8888 for time and info, $45.
U-DISTRICT STREETFAIR–A Seattle tradition rolls into its 31st year like Jeff Spicoli emerging from a cloud of pot smoke on the first day of school. While not exactly the Champs :lysées, the stretch of the Ave from 40th to 50th should be an entertaining place to usher in summer this weekend. The strains of live music will fill the air, the highest echelons of the local arts and crafts community will be peddling their wares, Cascade-area farmers will be hocking fresh produce, and hopefully that death-defying kid who rides a 12-foot-high unicycle while juggling will be there as well. The Ave, call 632-9084 for info, free. Continues through Sun 5/21.