Who’s in town

Playwright and actor Wallace Shawn appears in conversation with culture critic Steven Winn. [8 p.m., Herbst Theatre, 401 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]

 

Lectures

Hossam Zaki: The senior political adviser for the minister of foreign affairs of Egypt gives a talk titled “Palestine, Israel: The Egyptian Perspective.” [Noon, World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]

Michael Abkin: The National Peace Academy’s director of organizational development and operations discusses the academy’s background, status and plans. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]

 

Literary events

Litquake: Author and commentator Sarah Vowell talks about “The Wordy Shipmates” as part of the festival. [7:30 p.m., Booksmith, 1644 Haight St., S.F.]

Ann Wright: The retired U.S. Army colonel discusses “Dissent: Voices of Conscience.” [7 p.m., Modern Times Bookstore, 888 Valencia St., S.F.]

 

At the colleges

‘Chamber Music Masters Concert’: Cellist Paul Katz performs. [8 p.m., San Francisco Conservatory of Music, 50 Oak St., S.F.]

 

At the public library

Redwood trees: The Sierra Club’s William Walsh presents a slide show about California’s old-growth redwood forests and the challenges involved in preserving them. [6:30 p.m., Richmond Branch, 351 Ninth Ave., S.F.]

Tibetan experiences: Exhibit features photos from “Sky Train: Tibetan Women on the Edge of History,” a book by Canyon Sam. [9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Main Library, Chinese Center, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]

 

Local activities

Cuban music: Gema y Pavel, a singer-songwriter duo who perform contemporary Cuban music, appear in concert. The evening benefits Instituto Familiar de la Raza. [7:30 p.m., Brava Theater, 2781 24th St., S.F.]

Dance salon: Museum of the African Diaspora presents “Dancefirst! — Living the Present,” a dance salon. Choreographers Jacinta Vlach, Raissa Simpson and Sheena Johnson present solo pieces. [6 to 8 p.m., 685 Mission St., S.F.]

Science social: The Academy of Sciences hosts “Nightlife.” Guests include DJ Dragonfly, raptor expert David Mindell and radio host Kishore Hari (“This Week in Science”). [6 to 10 p.m., Golden Gate Park, S.F.]

 

Dining out

Sens: Chef Dane Boryta recommends a pair of items. First is a manti dish — a Turkish ravioli — with roasted kabocha squash, nutmeg, pistachio and preserved lemon. Also look for a new selection: Loch Duart salmon filet with a mushroom and orzo clay pot. [4 Embarcadero Center, S.F., (415) 362-0645]