October brings theater, music and independent cinema to the Bay Area. This week’s events offer opportunities to enjoy live performances, meet artists and discover stories connecting communities
by the El Reportero staff
Teatro Nahual brings migrant stories to San José
Two intertwined plays explore memory and humor
Directed by Verónica Meza, Teatro Nahual combines El viaje de los cantores, written by Hugo Salcedo, with Meza’s Circo, maroma y teatro in a single production. Migrants’ testimonies, family memories, dreams and aspirations intertwine with humor, exploring the social and political realities immigrant communities face in the United States. Music is by Isidro Jiménez. The 80-minute performance is recommended for audiences ages 12 and older. Saturday’s presentation includes English subtitles.
Saturday, Oct. 10, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 11, 2 p.m. MACLA, 510 S. First St., San José. Tickets: teatronahual.org or at the door.
Top of the Hill celebrates Daly City
Music, food and family activities return
The third annual Top of the Hill Festival features live performances, food vendors, a car show and family activities. Scheduled performers include J Boog, The Stylistics, Digital Underground and Kamaiyah. Residents can enjoy an afternoon of entertainment while supporting neighborhood businesses along Mission Street. Admission is free, and the celebration welcomes families and music lovers.
Saturday, Oct. 17, noon–6 p.m. Mission Street at John Daly Boulevard, Daly City. Free admission.
Cine+Más opens Latino Film Festival
Documentary honors television pioneer Sonia Manzano
The 18th San Francisco Latino Film Festival opens with Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon, a documentary about Sonia Manzano, who portrayed María on Sesame Street. The program features 20 feature films, shorts and conversations with filmmakers. Another highlight, Bird of Four Hundred Voices, explores the musical and cultural legacy of Los Cenzontles. The group will perform live during a screening at KQED on October 29. The festival offers virtual screenings.
Opening Thursday, Oct. 22, 6 p.m., Roxie Theater, 3117 16th St., San Francisco. In-person screenings Oct. 22–Nov. 1; virtual program Oct. 26–Nov. 5. cinemassf.org.
The Eternal Song screens in Berkeley
Documentary examines Indigenous cultural memory
The Native Voices Film Series presents The Eternal Song, exploring Indigenous traditions, ancestral relationships and the effects of cultural loss across generations. Filmmakers Zaya and Maurizio Benazzo will participate in a discussion following the screening, offering audiences an opportunity to reflect on the documentary’s themes.
Monday, Oct. 26, 7–10 p.m. David Brower Center, 2150 Allston Way, Berkeley.
