Theater spotlight: Walker's Out There series begins with Richard Maxwell's 'The Evening'

Opens Thursday: The Walker Art Center's annual festival of "performance alternatives" begins with "The Evening," a Walker commission from playwright/director Richard Maxwell and the New York City Players. Three characters — a washed-up prize fighter, his manager and a bartender — talk about their dreams and desires in a dive bar. Maxwell's work is noted for understated performance and direction. As part of the weekend, Maxwell (a North Dakota native) will discuss his method and style of directing from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday ($6 ticket). The festival continues through the month with three more shows from the avant garde. (8 p.m. Thu.-Sat. $18-$25. Walker Art Center, 1750 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls. 612-375-7600, walkerart.org/tickets.)