Things to do around Chicago: Retrying Socrates, an animé con and ‘Star Wars’ burlesque
“The Empire Strips Back: A Burlesque Parody“: Taking “Star Wars” fandom, not to mention parody law, to new heights, it’s the Midwest debut of a show of burlesque fantasy, dance, comedy and galaxies far, far away. Created by Russall S. Beattie and produced by Foster Entertainment and Neil Gooding Productions. May 24 to Aug. 13 at Logan Square Auditorium, 2539 N. Kedzie Blvd.; tickets from $39 at www.theempirestripsback.com
Ballet Folklorico de Chicago 4th Anniversary Celebration: Ballet Folklorico de Chicago will mark four years with a celebration of Mexican culture. The show will combine music and dance to tell the stories of Mexico’s history and folklore across various regions. 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. May 21 at the Copernicus Center, 5216 W Lawrence Ave.; tickets $10-$35 at copernicuscenter.org
Renegade Chicago’s spring market: More than 250 artists and small businesses will be at this Andersonville craft fair. Items for sale will include clothing, accessories, ceramics, glass pieces, jewelry, sculptures, textiles and other art. 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 20-21 in Clark Street between W. Bryn Mawr and W. Edgewater avenues; suggested entry is free to $12, more information at renegadecraft.com
“The Trial of Socrates”: How to make ancient history come alive? At the National Hellenic Museum’s live event, noted attorneys, judges and actor and Second City alum John Kapelos will act out ancient Greece’s most famous court case: The People vs. Socrates. Judges presiding over the trial will include Illinois Supreme Court justice Joy V. Cunningham. Kapelos will play Socrates. 7 p.m. May 22 at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St.; tickets $100 at nationalhellenicmuseum.org
Jeff Tweedy: The Wilco frontman is putting on a pair of all-request benefit shows this weekend at the Vic. 8 p.m. May 19-20 at Vic Theatre, 3145 N. Sheffield Ave.; (sold out) wilcoworld.net
The MRKT: Head over to the Salt Shed for another outdoor market. This one will feature more than 50 vendors from across the Midwest. There will be interactive art installations, live screen printing, a DJ, a photo booth and a keychain-making station. 1 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Salt Shed, 1357 N. Elston Ave.; admission is pay what you can, more information at retrofuturechi.com
Anime Central: The biggest animé, manga and Japanese pop culture convention in the Midwest is back. The event features a huge video game room, concerts, dances, educational panels and workshops, premiere screenings, autograph sessions and tabletop gaming. May 19-21 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center & Hyatt Regency O’Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Rosemont; tickets are $85 at acen.org
