Katha and Ragamala celebrate IndiaFest, plus a Brave New Workshop best-of

Saturday: Gov. Mark Dayton recently announced Aug. 15 as "India Day" — it's the 68th anniversary of its independence from Britain — and what better way to celebrate than the 42nd annual IndiaFest, hosted by the India Association of Minnesota on the State Capitol grounds. In addition to art and cultural exhibitions, Indian clothing and accessories, and delicious food from local Indian restaurants, the one-day event features two celebrated Indian dance companies based in Minnesota as headliners. At 3:30 p.m., Katha Dance, which celebrates the Kathak dance culture of northern India, will perform, followed at 5 p.m. by the award winning Ragamala Dance, a company rooted in the Bharatanatyam tradition of southern India. Ragamala will perform "Sacred Earth," which explores two ritualistic forms of visual art traditionally practiced by women: Warli painting and kolam drawing, juxtaposed with Tamil Sangam literature and set to live music. (11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sat., Capitol grounds, 75 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul. Free. 651-321-3421, iamn.org.)

SHEILA REGAN

Opening: With its latest show, the Brave New Workshop is sending up the presidential race both wittingly and unwittingly. The skits included in this best-of show include some obviously timed for the political season, including "Pantsuits," an ode to the modern professional woman (and to a former First Lady/Secretary of State/presidential candidate). But who knew that "Menstruation," a comic sex-ed class with one Dr. Nikolai Gynocolovich, would be such a timely trump card? The show features BNW favorites Lauren Anderson, Matt Erkel, Heather Meyer, Tom Reed and Taj Ruler. Sadly, the company lost its only black actor, Andy Hilbrands, and will not be able to do some of the hilarious skits he starred in. "Junk" is staged by longtime director Caleb Mc­Ewen with Peter Guertin returning as music director. (Previews 9 p.m. Fri., opens 8 p.m. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Thu. Ends Oct. 31. Brave New Workshop, 824 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. $18-$36. 612-332-6620 or theatre.bravenewworkshop.com)