Center Stage

Surrealism in America During the 1930s and 1940s: Selections from the Penny and Elton Yasuna Collection
through March 12. Influenced by the metamorphic movement of European surrealism, artists such as Joseph Cornell, Man Ray, and Dorothea Tanning helped define a new American avant garde. Along with pieces by 50 other influential artists, their work is featured in an exhibit that examines both American surrealism and the ensuing development of abstract expressionism. Smart Museum; call 773/702--0200.

Desire Under the Elms, January 21 through February 20. In this co-- production with Philadelphia's Freedom Theatre, Court Theatre presents Eugene O'Neill's play about a torrid family affair--moved from its original 1850s New England setting to 1930s Georgia. Court Theatre; call 773/753--4472.

Brentano String Quartet, with guests Maria Lambros, viola, and Michael Kannen, cello, January 28 at 8 p.m. The Chamber Music Series hosts the string quartet's Chicago debut. The program includes Shostakovich's Quartet no. 3 in F Major, Brahms's String Sextet in G Major, op. 36, and Steven Mackey's "String Theory." Mandel Hall; call 773/702--8068.

The Ecstatic Journey: Athanasius Kircher In Baroque Rome, February 1 through April 7. A German Jesuit priest, Kircher greatly influenced Roman intellectual life during the second half of the 17th century. This exhibition of first and early editions emphasizes the effect of papal Rome on Kircher and on his practice of science. Special Collections; call 773/702--8705.

Pasiones! Songs of the Spanish Civil War, February 13 at 3 p.m. Folksingers Jamie O'Reilly and Michael Smith lead this tribute to Oliver Law, the first African American to command integrated troops. Rockefeller Memorial Chapel; call 773/702--2100.