Get a Dose of Darwin

About 150 Years after the publication of The Origin of Species, UCLA’s Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the Center for Society and Genetics are hosting a lecture series on Darwin and his theory of Evolution starting Jan. 14.

This lecture series, which runs through May 20, features distinguished speakers such as Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond and the winner of 2007 BBVA Foundation Award Jeremy Jackson discussing topics such as Evolution of Human Societies and Finding Your Inner Fish.

Lectures are held at Fowler Museum Auditorium at UCLA. Admission is free, however reservations are required. For more information, call (310) 825-4373.

“The Actors Rehearse the Story of Charlotte Salomon”

Over 70 years ago artist Charlotte Salomon created “Life? or Theatre?” while exiled in Southern France. This collection, which includes 2000 astonishing paintings and details the artist’s upbringing in the salons of Berlin, was preserved in a suitcase when Salomon was deported to Auschwitz.

About 40 years after Hitler’s madness, actress Penny Kreitzer produced a play based on Salomon’s life. However, the play faced great criticism by Salomon’s step-mother and was cancelled.

On Jan. 15 and 16 USC’s Art and Humanities Initiative in association with Charlotte Salomon Foundation and the Jewish Historical Museum of Amsterdam present a play detailing the difficulties faced by Kreitzer. “The Actors Rehearse the Story of Charlotte Salomon” is directed by Drama Desk Award winner Jonathan Rest and features Penny Kreitzer.

World Press Photo ’08 Events

USC Annenberg School for Communications is hosting an exhibition of the winning photographs from the World Press Photo’s 2008 international press-photography competition. The opening reception, on Jan. 15, features discussions and book signings by award-winning photographers such as Tim Hetherington, Erika Larsen and Justin Maxon.

These award-winning photographers offer panels on ethics in photojournalism and influence of photographs on body image, poverty, war and environment. The exhibition will run through Thursday, Feb. 5.

The Los Angeles Times and Annenberg School will also host a photojournalism seminar for high school and college students and their teachers on Friday, Jan. 16.

Admission to all events is free. RSVP required for the opening reception. For more information, visit annenberg.usc.edu.