WEEKEND FORECAST

TODAY

An electric shock for Sophocles

Set in a modern-day barrio, Luis Alfaro’s play “Electricidad” transforms Sophocles’ “Electra” into a contemporary tale of power and revenge involving the son and daughter of a murdered gang leader. A West Coast premiere, directed by Lisa Peterson.

“Electricidad,” Mark Taper Forum, 135 N. Grand Ave., L.A. Opens 8 p.m. today. $34 to $52. (213) 628-2772.

* Runs 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. Sundays, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Exceptions: No 8 p.m. shows April 19-22; 2:30 and 8 p.m. May 11; 2:30 p.m. only, May 15. Ends May 15.

Ms. Fonda’s many facets

Few celebrities have reinvented themselves quite as radically as Jane Fonda, which makes the title of her new book, “My Life So Far,” suggest a tantalizing question: Who will she be next? Fonda’s path -- doe-eyed sex symbol (“Barbarella”) and Oscar winner (“Klute”), Vietnam antiwar activist and leg-warmers-and-leotard-clad aerobics maven, a media mogul’s wife and successful scribe -- has already provided fodder for a substantial recounting.

Jane Fonda book signing, Book Soup, 8818 W. Sunset Blvd., West Hollywood, 7 p.m. today. Free. (310) 659-3110.

FRIDAY

A kung fu funnyman

Equal parts comedian and action star, Stephen Chow writes, directs and acts in his films, which include the 2001 international hit “Shaolin Soccer” (released here in 2004). In his latest, “Kung Fu Hustle,” Chow plays a petty crook in pre-revolutionary China who dreams of becoming part of the notorious Axe Gang. He comes into conflict with its members when he haplessly tries to extort money from the residents of a crowded apartment complex known as Pig Sty Alley.

“Kung Fu Hustle,” rated R for sequences of strong stylized action and violence, opens Friday in limited release.

The joys of Djangirov

Eldar Djangirov, the jazz piano prodigy from Kyrgyzstan, comes to Hollywood for a three-nighter at Catalina’s. Although only 18, Djangirov has garnered praise from such jazz elder statesmen as Benny Carter, Billy Taylor, Marian

McPartland and Wynton Marsalis. His debut CD, “Eldar,” which was released last month and also features saxophonist Michael Brecker, drummer Todd Strait and bassist John Patitucci, includes original tunes and his arrangements of jazz classics.

Eldar Djangirov Trio, Catalina Bar & Grill, 6725 Sunset Blvd., Hollywood. 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Friday. $20-$30. (323) 466-2210.

* Also 8:30 and 10:30 p.m. Saturday; 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Sunday.

SATURDAY

Heartland, hard rock

Slipknot had the look of a short-lived novelty when it rose from the plains of Iowa with its scary masks and

fundamental metal, but the horror show must go on, and Slipknot has managed to survive and thrive. Its latest album, “Vol. 3: (The Subliminal Verses),” has sold 1 million copies, and the band draws big crowds with one of the most spectacle-packed shows on the hard-rock circuit.

Slipknot, The Forum, 3900 W. Manchester Blvd., Inglewood, 7 p.m. Saturday. $35. (310) 330-7300.

Pictures with a story

“Prima Facie” at Margo Leavin Gallery features conceptual artist and UCLA professor John Baldessari’s latest work. The show, which means “on its face” in Latin, explores particular adjectives and the images associated with them, creating a pictorial narrative. Baldessari layers photographic images with text to examine how visuals and language correspond.

“John Baldessari: Prima Facie,” Margo Leavin Gallery, 812 N. Robertson Blvd., L.A. Opens Saturday. (310) 273-0603.

* Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays. Ends May 14.

Six styles from Japan

A private collection of hanging scrolls, folding screens and albums follows the development of Japanese painting in “An Enduring Vision: 17th to 20th Century Japanese Painting From the Gitter-Yelen Collection” at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. The survey is organized around six distinct painting styles that include Chinese-inspired landscapes, Zen paintings and calligraphy.

“An Enduring Vision: 17th to 20th Century Japanese Painting From the Gitter-Yelen Collection,” Santa Barbara Museum of Art, 1130 State St., Santa Barbara. Opens Saturday. $6 to $9; 5 and younger, free. (805) 963-4364.

* Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Ends July 17.

TUESDAY

‘Birdbrain’: It’s a really wild ‘Swan’

If you thought Matthew Bourne’s gender-bending update of “Swan Lake” was the last word in fowl play, think again. Enter “Birdbrain,” a wild postmodern deconstruction of the feathered classic created by Garry Stewart for his accomplished, tireless Australian Dance Theatre. Besides replacing most of Tchaikovsky’s score with techno music, Stewart and his mates find outrageous new uses for the ballet’s 19th century mime, four hand-holding cygnets, 32 fouettes and other hallmarks dear to tutu devotees.

Australian Dance Theatre in “Birdbrain,” Lobero Theatre, 33 E. Canon Perdido St., Santa Barbara. 8 p.m. Tuesday. $20 (students) to $40. (805) 893-3535. www.artsandlectures.ucsb.edu.

* Also 8 p.m. Wednesday.