The Fusion Theatre Company's latest project is a new production of Henrik Ibsen's play Hedda Gabler, using a contemporary translation by Doug Hughes. Jacqueline Reid will play the title role, which is one of the most complex and profound female characters ever created. She'll be supported by a cast made up of some of Albuquerque's best theatrical talent, under the direction of Joe Feldman.

The Gathering of Nations at the Pit

It's touted as the single largest annual gathering of Native Americans on Earth, and it happens right here in Albuquerque. The Gathering of Nations powwow is currently in its 22^nd year, and if you haven't yet witnessed the spectacle of more than 3,000 American Indian musicians and dancers making UNM's Pit Arena tremble under the force of Native feet, drums and vocal chords, then do yourself a favor and check it out this week. You'll never see or hear anything else like it.

Kusun Ensemble

Out ch'Yonda

Opportunities like this don't come along every day. From Thursday, April 28, through Saturday, April 30, Nii Tettey Tetteh and the Kusun Ensemble will present a series of workshops on traditional West African drumming and dance at Out ch'Yonda (929 Fourth Street SW). Kusun will then give a performance on Sunday, May 1, at 6:30 p.m. For information about times, prices and other details, call 385-5634.

Rick Najera

Kiva Auditorium

Writer and actor Rick Najera created Latinologues as a service to the Latino community, but the show is really for anyone who wants to gain a greater insight into Latino life in the United States. This live performance consists of comedic monologues delivered by a rotating cast of talented performers. Show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29.50 to $37.50, available at www.ticketmaster.com or by calling 883-7800.

Watch the NBA on television, and you can see the ghost of every pickup game the stars ever played. To put it another way: The moves that make it to the pros are not always invented, but borrowed, or stolen, from playground legends who didn't, or couldn't, rise to the big leagues.