When the noted ethnological photographer Edward S. Curtis published his 20-volume collection of photographs titled “The North American Indian” in the early years of the 20th century, it was celebrated by the New York Herald as “the most ambitious enterprise in publishing since the production of the King James Bible.”

More important than that, Curtis’ hundreds of photographs of Native Americans from many tribes depicted the humanity and the dignity of people who’d had stripped from them not only their homes but their cultural heritage. The photographs are historical documents but also art in the purest sense.

A photograph by Edward S. Curtis taken in 1908 shows three Apsaalooke men gazing skyward, two holding rifles, and a bison skull at their feet. Between 1907 and 1930, Curtis published a 20-volume collection of photos of North American Indian tribes and their lives. (Edward S. Curtis/Library of Congress via AP)

In recognition of Native American History Month, the San Diego Public Library is making its archived volumes of Curtis’ photographs available for viewing on Saturday afternoon in the downtown Central Library’s Shiley Special Events Suite. Because space is limited, register in advance. Register at sandiego.librarymarket.com/?page=1.

Curtis was once quoted as saying of American Indians: “I want to make them live forever.” These photographs are as close as he could get to fulfilling that dream.

Director Sam White. (Laur Nash)

Theater

I’ve never seen a production of Shakespeare’s “Henry VIII,” and I’m likely not alone: The history play co-written with John Fletcher is rarely produced. Maybe out of superstition. When it was performed at the Globe Theatre in London in 1613, the firing of a cannon used as a special-effects prop set off a fire that burned the place down.

Undaunted by that bit of infamy, the Old Globe in Balboa Park is staging “Henry VIII” for 11 performances beginning Saturday. It’s a production of the Old Globe and the University of San Diego Shiley Graduate Theatre Program. Sam White will direct a cast of 14 students from USD’s graduate program.

These Old Globe/USD productions are always well done and more than worth your while.

Film

The film festivals just keep on coming. But here’s one that has its heart in the right place: the San Diego Environmental Film Festival, which opens on Wednesday with a “Music Night” celebration at the Che Café on the UC San Diego campus.

Official opening night for the third SDEFF is Nov. 22 with a red carpet event and screening at UCSD’s Loft. A full day of films, discussions and panels follows on Nov. 23 at the university’s Suraj Israni Cinematic Arts Center.

One of the films being presented is Harry Rabin and Joey Scalkiewicz’s ironically titled “Greetings from Summerland,” a documentary chronicling the devastating environmental impact of the more than 1 million coastal oil wells drilled and then abandoned along the Santa Barbara coast in the early 1900s. It should give you something to think about, especially in light of the recent presidential election.

Here’s a rundown of this year’s SDEFF films: sdeff.org/2024-film-guide.

Patti LaBelle sings at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago on Aug. 20, 2024. CHICAGO TRIBUNE

Pop music

They don’t call Patti LaBelle the “Godmother of Soul” for nothing. From the early days when she fronted Patti LaBelle and the Bluebelles, which became simply LaBelle, through a lengthy, honored career that continues to this day, LaBelle has been bringing passion and high octane to performances across the world round.

At 80 years old, she’s still doing so. Proudly celebrating that fact, LaBelle is on her “80/65 Tour” (the 65 is how many years she’s been performing), which comes to Pechanga Resort Casino’s events theater in Temecula on Friday night.

Incidentally, LaBelle has said she has absolutely no plans to retire. Good for her. Good for us.

Jefferson McDonald, left, and Matthew McGloin star in 2 Pianos, 4 Hands at North Coast Repertory Theatre. (Aaron Rumley)

More theater

When it comes to popular December fare at North Coast Repertory Theatre in Solana Beach, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

For the third year in a row, North Coast Rep will present the non-holiday stage comedy “2 Pianos/4 Hands,” this time co-starring actors Richard Todd Adams and returnee Matthew McGloin.

The musical comedy was co-written by pianist/performers Ted Dykstra and Richard Greenblatt, who based the script on their own childhood experiences growing up in a highly competitive recital world with dreams of careers as concert pianists, only to end up in piano bars. The score ranges from Bach to Billy Joel. The very funny show runs Dec. 12 through Dec. 29. northcoastrep.org.

Lightscape returns to the San Diego Botanic Garden on Friday. U-T file

Light show

In my book, the holidays are officially here as San Diego Botanic Garden brings back its awesome “Lightscape,” a self-guided illuminated trek through the San Diego Botanic Garden in Encinitas. The showcase opens Friday and runs through Jan. 5. It’s understandably popular, so book your reservations and entry time in advance.

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I experienced “Lightscape” for the first time a couple of years ago. What I found was an amazing world of lights that is more immersive than what you’d get in a movie theater or sitting in the audience at a high-tech concert.

Take your time as you walk the winding paths of illuminated plants and flowers. Don’t feel rushed by kids whizzing past you. They’re just having fun. Reservations at sdbg.org/lightscape.

U-T arts and entertainment stories you may have missed this week

The cast and crew for Blindspot Collectives world premiere musical Another Day in Paradise. (Joe Kao)
New play with music gives a voice to San Diego’s homeless community 2025 Grammy nominees include La Jolla’s Alicia Keys, Oceanside’s Shemekia Copeland and other San Diegans Review: Sabrina Carpenter gets fizzy with it at her flirty San Diego concert San Diego’s William Bradley named to prestigious global Best Chef list Review: Old Globe’s ‘Grinch’ just as sharp, funny and sweet as ever Le Parfait Paris bakery owners double down on expansion plans The Dish: Deckman’s launches chef’s counter, 2 new restaurants and Little Italy tasting tour Books: Journalist Sebastian Junger, coming to La Jolla next week, reports live from the brink of death

UCTV

University of California Television invites you to enjoy this special selection of programs from throughout the University of California. Descriptions courtesy of and text written by UCTV staff:

“Mind-Body Medicine to Build Stress Resilience”

Explore the power of mind-body medicine (MBM) with Dr. Kavita K. Mishra as she discusses this integrative approach to stress resilience and wellness. MBM emphasizes the connections between mind, body, and behavior, equipping individuals with tools to improve awareness and manage stress. Mishra highlights the significant, research-backed benefits of MBM, which positively impact physical, mental, social-emotional, and interpersonal well-being, both in the short and long term. See how MBM can support a balanced lifestyle and enhance quality of life, and learn practical ways to incorporate these techniques into everyday routines for lasting health benefits.

“Winning the Cold Peace: A New Path for U.S.-China Relations with Fareed Zakaria”

Join Fareed Zakaria, host of CNN’s acclaimed “Fareed Zakaria GPS,” as he discusses the challenges of maintaining peace in today’s turbulent geopolitical landscape. Zakaria reflects on the period from 1989 until the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, a rare era of relative global stability, free from constant geopolitical rivalry. He explores the current geopolitical revolution marked by rising tensions, particularly with China, and offers insights into how global dynamics are shifting. In this thought-provoking discussion, Zakaria is joined by Stephen Hadley, former National Security Advisor, to examine strategies for navigating conflict and tension in a complex world. Together, they delve into the realities and future of global peace efforts.

“Revisiting the Classics: ‘Schmigadoon!’”

Composer Christopher Willis joins moderator Tyler Morgenstern to discuss his work on the hit series “Schmigadoon!”, a comedy that parodies and celebrates the golden age of musicals. The show follows two modern-day characters who find themselves trapped in a magical town straight out of a classic musical, where life is always a song and dance. Willis shares how his musicology background and deep appreciation for musical theater history influence his approach to the show’s vibrant soundtrack. Together, they dive into the challenge of composing an underscore that honors musical styles from the upbeat Golden Age to the darker tones of the 1960s and ‘70s, creating a soundscape that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly original.

And finally, top weekend events

At SeaWorld San Diego, Holiday lights are arranged and illuminated in the form of a Christmas tree. (SeaWorld San Diego)

The best things to do this weekend in San Diego: Nov. 15-17.