Different Stages Theatre has been committed to the performance not only of famous plays but also of lesser-known works. Starting tomorrow, Different Stages continues its 2022-2023 season with THE ART OF MARTYRDOM (A Comedy) by Rita Anderson.

Born 500 years before Shakespeare, the first female playwright of the Western world, Hrosvitha, wrote from behind the walls of a convent, under the disapproving gaze of her superiors who tried to ensure that no one would ever hear of her--and they almost succeeded.

Assigned to document the history of her 10th century convent at Gandersheim, Hrosvitha aspired for more, creating secret plays in her “spare” time. With the help of an irreverent Muse, Hrosvitha unleashed a secret playfulness and penned closet dramas that broke through the constraints of the time. If you haven’t heard of Hrosvitha before, you will now.

While based on real events, THE ART OF MARTYRDOM (A Comedy) is a tale with a comic, magic-realism bent, and its new eyes on an old world telling will resonate with contemporary audiences.

Tickets starting from $15.00 available online.

Tomorrow | 8:00 p.m.

Penfold Theatre Company presents the world premiere this weekend of a new play called Box by Jarrett King at the Ground Floor Theatre.

The second of five world premieres in Penfold's commission series, Box explores the life of Henry Box Brown, a 19th century abolitionist lecturer, magician, speaker, and mesmerist who escaped slavery at the age of 33 by arranging to have himself mailed in a wooden crate. Using actual events and persons, King's play goes beyond reality with an imaginary chapter of the remarkable life of Box.

Performances run Thursday through Sunday until July 8. Tickets range from $16.00 to $31.00 online. Saturday's performance includes a post-show reception with the cast and creative team with food and drink.

Opens Friday | 7:30 p.m.

Fourth and Lavaca becomes "KMFA Corner" on Saturday as part of Pride in Local Music, a block party celebrating local LGBTQ+ musicians and artisans presented by the Austin LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

The one-day music festival will feature a myriad of local artists on two outdoor stages with additional activations inside 4th Street businesses (Austin's unofficial LGBTQ+ district). KMFA is the official sponsor of music in The Riley Building where The Little Gay Shop will curate a Pride Marketplace from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

A suggested donation of $10.00 gets you into the party. VIP tickets are also available and include access to three elevated viewing areas, drink tickets, VIP bathrooms and other special perks and can be purchased online.

Saturday | 4:00 p.m.

Close out the final weekend of National Pride Month at the 2nd Annual Pease Park Pride Picnic on Sunday afternoon.

Presented by Peace Park Conservancy in collaboration with Future Front Texas and Equality Texas, the event promises community vibes and a fabulously queer celebration of the Summer Solstice. Activities include the Future Front Market with 30 vendors, "Field Gay" fun presented by Equality Alliance, an instrument zoo by TuneBugz, a community art installation, voter registration, food trucks and more.

The event is free and family friendly. Guests are highly encouraged to use alternative modes of transportation and can earn a free reusable water bottle by showing proof at the event's welcome tent.

Sunday | 12:00 p.m.

Want more information on upcoming events in the Austin arts community? Visit kmfa.org/events