Don DeLillo

Acclaimed novelist Don DeLillo rarely gives readings and keeps interviews to a minimum. A recluse on par with his friend and fellow novelist Thomas Pynchon, DeLillo lives by the words of Ulysses' Stephen Dedalus: "Silence, exile, cunning -- and so on." Nevertheless, he is coming to Cincinnati for not one but two readings this week.

A writer of prodigious powers, DeLillo published his first novel, Americana, in 1971. Eleven novels later -- including the National Book Award-winning White Noise (1985), the Pen/Faulkner Award-winning Mao II (1991) and perhaps his greatest triumph, the sprawling, half-century look at America, Underworld (1997) -- he is considered one of America's essential novelists, and for good reason: He takes a Nabokovian delight in the American language.

His latest effort, the recently published Cosmopolis, dives right in to typical DeLillo interests: paranoia, technology's effect on modern culture, random violence and an unceasing search for order in a chaotic world. And, of course, it's all done with his singular, buzzing prose style and oddly affecting empathy.

Cosmopolis follows the exploits of Eric Packer, a 28-year-old billionaire in modern-day Manhattan. Akin to Brett Easton Ellis' monster of self-importance, Patrick Bateman, Packer spends the novel tooling the busy streets of Manhattan in his technological wonder of a limo, in search of the perfect haircut on the city's far West side. Needless to say, it's not your typical journey across town.

While, ultimately, Cosmopolis does not reach the heights of DeLillo's previous efforts, it does what any good novel should, offering an incisive glimpse of ourselves and the world around us. In grand DeLillo style, it's not always pretty.

A rare event not to be missed, DeLillo will read from his work at 8 p.m. Thursday at UC's McMicken Hall and 7 p.m. Friday at the Mercantile Library (reservations required). Call 513-621-0717 for a seat. (See Literary.) -- JASON GARGANO

Wednesday 09
The Shadowbox Cabaret gang divulges its DIRTY LITTLE SECRETS on Wednesday, as if that's a new concept, in a mélange of drama, sketch comedy, one-act plays and Rock music. Some featured Secrets include the sketch "Office Mystery," a look at coffee thievery in the workplace; Mark Slack's own monologue "Jesus Needs a Volvo," a preacher exposing the evils of the automotive industry; and ensemble member James Makofsky's one-act "Roger's Beard" and monologue "Daddy Loves Chachi." Along with the steamy and silly ensemble antics, the 'Box house band BillWho? mixes it up with a most curious Pop/Rock medley featuring suggestive choreography. Guess they're covering all the cabaret bases. 859-957-7625. (See Onstage.) -- JESSICA TURNER

Thursday 10
After last fall's crushing defeat of the transportation tax levy, we should be grateful for TWO TRAINS RUNNING. Especially when it's a script written by August Wilson, one of America's greatest living playwrights -- whose writing is too infrequently staged here in Cincinnati. Wilson has written works reflecting the lives of African Americans in various decades of the 20th century: This one happens in a Pittsburgh coffee shop in the 1960s caught in the swirl of urban change. It's a story of simple truths, hopes and dreams, courtesy of the Know Theatre Tribe at Gabriel's Corner in Over-the-Rhine, another neighborhood that knows something about urban change. Opening with a "pay-what-you-can" night on Thursday and continuing through April 26. 513-300-5669. (See Onstage.) -- RICK PENDER

Friday 11
If "safe" art is what you crave, then the collaborative arts group The Radix Commission succeeded at livening up the recent Friday opening with a miscellany of made-to-order artworks. Louisville-based artists Jay Jordan, Brett Ernst, Jake Heustis and Bryan Warren turned the third floor of the SOUTHGATE HOUSE into a fully-functioning art machine at the opening for Bilden Sie Maschine. Patrons marveled at the made-to-order artworks that continue to challenge preconceived notions of studio art as we know it. "Factory-direct" prices run $25-$60 for original works, so don't forget your billfold: These works are going, going, gone. Remaining pieces are on display through April 30. 859-431-2201. (See Art.) -- LIBERTY WAMPLER

Saturday 12
Cincinnati's reputation as a fight town is well noted (see the recent HBO documentary Legendary Nights: The Tale of Pryor-Arguello for proof). But how 'bout this: firefighters and police fighting each other? Apparently so. The second annual ROUGHMAN CONTEST CHARITY BOXING EVENT has Cincinnati firefighters and police officers squaring off in the ring for a good cause: All proceeds benefit Children's Hospital, Hamilton County Special Olympics and the Moeller High School Boxing Club. The doors of Xavier University's Schmidt Field House open at 5:30 p.m. with the action getting underway at 7 p.m. 513-470-4512. (See Sports.) -- JASON GARGANO

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