Arts briefs: March 2

GLOV sponsors self-defense class at the Center

D.C.’s LGBT anti-violence task force GLOV (Gays & Lesbians Opposing Violence) is hosting a two hour introduction to self-defense class at the D.C. Center (1318 U St., N.W.) on Sunday at 5 p.m.

Sydney Aquino, the instructor, professional personal trainer and martial arts expert, will incorporate martial arts such as muay thai, karate and mixed martial arts, into the workshop.

There is a suggested donation of $10. For more information and to register for the class, visit thedccenter.org.

Gay groups to hold theme dances in D.C.

GLOE (GLBT Outreach & Engagement) presents the fifth annual Masquerade and Mischief Purim Party at the Washington Jewish Community Center (1529 16th St., N.W.) on Saturday from 8:30 p.m. to midnight with a special appearance by the D.C. Cowboys.

Costumes are encouraged, especially drag.

Tickets are $30 and include an open bar, food, dancing and performances.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit washingtondcjcc.org.

KhushD.C. presents Jalwa party, a LGBT Bollywood dance party, on Friday at Green Lantern (1335 Green Court, N.W.) featuring DJ Sue from New York.

There will be various drink specials including a free drink ticket to the first 50 people to show up and $16 drink wristbands giving vodka drinks all night available between 10 and 11 p.m.

Cover is $12 before 11 p.m. and $15 after. Doors open at 10 p.m.

For more information, visit KhushDC.org.

A.U. hosts gay-themed ‘pop-opera’ this weekend

American University students Carter Lowe, left, and Sam Edgerly address LGBT issues in new play, ‘Bare.’ (Photo by Catherine Gannon, courtesy American University)

American University theatre students look at LGBT issues in a production of “Bare,” a pop opera musical written by Jon Hartmere and Damon Intrabartolo at the Katzen Arts Center (4400 Massachusetts Ave., N.W.) tonight at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m.

The show is set in a Catholic boarding school and centers on Peter and Jason, roommates in a secret relationship.

After the matinee performance on Saturday, Matt Bruno from the university’s GLBTA Resource Center will moderate a panel on the struggles of gay adolescents featuring Alison Gill from GLSEN, Andrew Barnett from SYMAL and Phil Hicks from PFLAG.

Tickets are $15 for general admission and $10 for the A.U. community and seniors.