Fairy tale ballet, Hitchcock films, and other happenings around Costa Rica

Dance: “Beauty and the Beast”

A beautiful woman meets a cursed, monstrous-looking man. But can she look past his animal features and fall in love? This innovative ballet, choreographed by Pedro Martin Boza and Annia Rosales, promises to be a beautiful rendition of the 18th-century fairy tale, produced by the Costa Rican Youth Ballet.

“La Bella y La Bestia” will be performed Oct. 25-27 at the National Theater, downtown San José. 8 p.m. ₡5,000-18,000 ($10-36). Info: National Theater website.

Carnavales de Limón

Prepare to party this weekend in downtown Limón, as parades, live music, and Afro-Caribbean cuisine liven up Costa Rica’s largest port city.

Art: “75 Years of Photos”

Browse decades of photojournalism at this striking exhibit, thanks to Spain’s Agencia EFE – the fourth-largest wire service in the world.

“EFE: 75 Años de Fotos” continues through Dec. 7 at the National Museum, San José. Mon.-Sat., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ₡1,500 ($3). Info: Museum website.

Film: Hitchcock Festival

The Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center hosts this four-evening homage to the “master of suspense.” Catch such classics as “Vertigo” and “The Birds.”

The Hitchcock Festival screens Oct. 22-25 at the Costa Rican-North American Cultural Center, Los Yoses. Wed., 6 p.m.; Thu. & Fri., 5 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. Free. Info: RedCultura.

Film: Future Shorts

View provocative short films at this ongoing weekly festival.

Future Shorts screens Oct. 17 at the Spanish Cultural Center, Barrio Escalante. 7 p.m. Free. Info: Center website.

Music: Malpaís

The progressive Latin rock band brings their music to Jazz Café.

Malpaís plays Oct. 17 at Jazz Café, San Pedro. 10 p.m. ₡6,000 ($12). Info: Jazz Café website.

Theater: “The Cross”

Following a violent shooting in La Cruz de Alajuelita, the community reacts in Fernando Rodríguez’s award-winning new play.

“La Cruz” is performed through Nov. 30 at the Vargas Calvo Theater, downtown San José. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 5 p.m. ₡5,500 ($11). Info: National Theater website.

Art: “A Chronicle of Interventions”

Learn about U.S. incursions in Central America, thanks to this provocative group show co-produced with London’s revered Tate Gallery.

“Una Crónica de Intervenciones” displays at TEOR/éTica Gallery, Barrio Amón. Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Free. Info: TEOR/éTica website.

Art: “Creative Portals”

The students of St. Clare High School flaunt their creative skills at the National Gallery in an exhibit that showcases more than 60 artists.

“Portales Creativos” continues through Oct. 25 at the National Gallery, Former Penitentiary, San José. Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Free. Info: National Gallery website.

Theater: “The Sheperd’s Martyrdom”

Learn about the life and death of Archbishop Óscar Romero in the National Theater Company’s revival of Samuel Rovinski Gruszco’s 1987 drama.

“El Martirio del Pastor” continues through Oct. 28 at the Antigua Aduana, Barrio Aranjuez. Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 & 6 p.m. ₡5,000 ($10). Info: National Theater Company website.

Enamoráte de tu ciudad

Yes, you can go gaga for San José – especially when the Culture Ministry is sponsoring Enamorate de tu ciudad, or Fall in Love With Your City, a year-round celebration of art, culture and urban parks. Check out the event site for news on games, workshops, presentations and surprise performances.

Fall in Love with Your City takes place on Saturdays in various parks in downtown San José. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. Info: Enamorate de tu Ciudad website and Facebook page.