Expressive high notes of the Harlem Renaissance give way to darker times in Seattle Rep’s beautifully staged slice-of-life drama. Blues for an Alabama Sky runs through 2/23. 

This month’s picks — three in translated Japanese fiction and two rom-coms — include some of the best books I’ve read all year. They couldn’t come up at a better time.

There’s plenty to love this weekend, with shows opening and short runs to catch while they last. Here’s what’s on this week. 

The First Folio, the published collection of Shakespeare works, celebrated its 400th birthday last year. On Seattle-area stages this year, new plays, and new takes on the classics, probe the Bard’s continued relevance.

This week, Seattle playwright Nelle Tankus premieres ‘Tenderness – an anti-capitalist cyberpunk experience’ at Annex Theatre (running through 2/17). NWT talked with the playwright to learn more about her latest work and the inspirations behind it.