Who’s in town
Tony-winning actor Bill Irwin stars in American Conservatory Theater’s new production of Samuel Beckett’s absurdist dark comedy “Endgame,” opening today. [8 p.m., ACT, 415 Geary St., S.F.]
Lectures
James Fallows: The journalist discusses the five-year plan announced by China to spend a quarter of a trillion dollars to jump-start the next phase of its aerospace industry. [7 p.m., Cubberley Theatre, 4000 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto]
Paul Rice: The president and CEO of Fair Trade USA discusses the successes and challenges of fair trade and his organization’s growth plan for the future. [7 p.m., World Affairs Council, 312 Sutter St., S.F.]
Martin Hellman: The Stanford University professor emeritus gives a talk titled “Iran Today and Its Place in the Nuclear Puzzle.” [7 p.m., Los Altos Youth Center, 1 South San Antonio Road, Los Altos; RSVP: www.worldaffairs.org]
Andy Cohen: The reality TV mogul, talk show host and author (“Most Talkative”) discusses his career in the world of television and celebrity. [7:30 p.m., Castro Theatre, 429 Castro St., S.F.]
Cal vs. Harvard debate: “Next Steps for the Economic Recovery” is the theme of this program featuring the UC Berkeley and Harvard University debate teams. [6 p.m., Commonwealth Club, 595 Market St., S.F.]
Urban agriculture: Speakers discuss San Francisco’s current involvement in and support for urban agriculture. [12:30 p.m., SPUR, 654 Mission St., S.F.]
Literary events
Michael Sandel: The Harvard professor talks about “What Can’t Money Buy?” [7 p.m., Jewish Community Center, 3200 California St., S.F.]
Gayle Rubin: The feminist anthropologist talks about “Deviations: A Gayle Rubin Reader.” [7:30 p.m., Green Arcade, 1680 Market St., S.F.]
At the colleges
African art: “Central Nigeria Unmasked: Arts of the Benue River Valley,” an exhibition featuring artwork from sub-Saharan Africa, opens. [11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Cantor Arts Center, Stanford University, Museum Way and Lomita Drive, Stanford]
At the public library
Election information: Representatives from the Department of Elections visit the library to provide information about the June 5 open primary. [6:30 p.m., Glen Park Branch, 2825 Diamond St., S.F.]
Cinema city: Jim Van Buskirk, author of “Celluloid San Francisco,” presents film clips featuring humorously horrifying depictions of the Golden Gate Bridge. [6 p.m., Main Library, Koret Auditorium, 100 Larkin St., S.F.]
Local activities
Orchestral program: The San Francisco Symphony opens a series of concerts featuring works by Beethoven, Mahler and Schnittke. Featured artist: concertmaster Alexander Barantschik, celebrating his 10th anniversary with the symphony. [8 p.m., Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave., S.F.]
Art opening: “The Painted Word,” an exhibit of visual art created by well-known literary figures — William Saroyan and Lawrence Ferlinghetti among them — opens with a reception. [6 to 8 p.m., Meridian Gallery, 535 Powell St., S.F.]
Rock band: Moonalice, a rock, roots and R&B band, performs in Union Square. [6 to 8 p.m., 333 Post St., S.F.]
Dining out
Waterbar: Tataki of Spanish mackerel is recommended today. The mackerel, quickly seared on one side, is served with tempura avocado, radish and grapefruit. [399 Embarcadero, S.F.; (415) 284-9922]