5 things to do this weekend, including a South Asian dance competition and an experimental variety show

As we dig out of the most recent blizzard, there are glimmers of inspiration arising around Boston, if you know where to look. Tune into an artist talk with contemporary luminary Jeffrey Gibson at Boston’s Institute of Contemporary Art, or visit the Strand Theatre in Dorchester to watch a Bollywood/fusion dance contest. An experimental theater festival will also take place this weekend, as will a concert and uplifting theater production. More on these events below.

Lowell’s Merrimack Repertory Theatre stages the joyful story of a queer Cambodian American teenager. Written by Vichet Chum and directed by Pirronne Yousefzadeh, “Kween” follows a young woman named Soma as she posts a viral poetry video about the challenges in her life, including her father’s deportation. The heroine of this narrative must learn to find her own voice and step “into her legacy,” navigating her path in a humorous and heartfelt way. Tickets start at $16, but can be purchased for $5 for the opening night performance. This world premiere production runs through March 15. [Explore our winter theater guide for more productions to see this season.]

Join a conversation with celebrated contemporary artist Jeffrey Gibson, globally recognized as having represented the United States at the 2024 Venice Biennale. First appearing at the ICA in 2013, Gibson has organized the museum’s current traveling exhibition “An Indigenous Present,” alongside curator Jenelle Porter. For this Thursday evening at the ICA, Gibson will be in dialogue with ICA director Nora Burnett Abrams, as they discuss his story and leadership while spearheading “monumental projects and initiatives.” The talk starts at 7 p.m., and while entry is free, tickets are required.

The 17th annual South Asian Showdown, a Bollywood/fusion dance competition, will sweep into Boston this weekend. Teams from across North America and Canada will put their best moves on display, electrifying the audience with hip-hop, Bhangra, contemporary styles and more. Competitors include Cornell University’s co-ed South Asian fusion dance team Cornell Sitara, as well as MIT Mirchi, MIT’s competitive Bollywood-fusion dance team. The show starts at 6 p.m. at the Strand Theatre in Boston, and tickets start at $20.

Idle Hands Theater Collective is an organization that draws together performing artists of all genres to experiment and take risks while creating live art together. This Saturday, “Idle Fest: The New Variety Show,” comes to Warehouse XI in Somerville, as creatives from Providence and Boston unite to present works, many of which will have been devised within a week. The event will feature four pieces, a one-act play, a musical duo and six soloists. On site, there will be a full bar, as well as food provided by Woburn restaurant The Fox Den. The performance will happen at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m., and tickets start at $17.85, including processing fees.

The Center for Arts at the Armory welcomes Djékady to its stage for a night of music in honor of the release of the band’s debut album, “Benkan.” Six-piece ensemble Djékady, which plays Malian music and derives its name from the Mandinka phrase “coming together is good,” is led by Grammy Award-winners Balla Kouyaté on balafon and vocals, and Mike Block on cello and vocals. The group takes Malian music and places it in discourse with American folk music and contemporary styles, delivering performances that burst with cultural richness. Singer-songwriter and violinist Skye Darling will open for them. The show officially starts at 6 p.m. and tickets cost $35 for general admission.