Top picks of the week

THURS 1.12 SASHA HODGES AND RICARDO DELINA PHOTOGRAPHS 2006

Born of her fascination with Karl Lagerfeld, who replaced Coco Chanel as Chanel’s head designer, local photographer Sasha Hodges tapped Ricardo DeLina to help her shoot a photo series of herself dressed as both designers. The series begins with a replication of an iconic portrait of Chanel from the 1920s, in which the fashion maven is turned to the side, resembling an Egyptian hieroglyphic. In subsequent images, Chanel’s pose is altered, Lagerfeld is substituted in her place, and finally, the two are morphed together. And what did Hodges and DeLina learn through the process? ‘‘It is interesting to see how a designer ‘designs’ their own persona by using established fashion symbols, such as a tie or pearl necklaces,’’ Hodges explains by e-mail. The show is up at ZuZu! through Feb. 5 and can be seen daily 5:30 p.m.-1 a.m. Free. ZuZu!, 474 Mass. Ave., Central Square, Cambridge. 617-864-3278, ext. 237.

SAT 1.14 ‘‘GENESIS’’

With passions running high in the debate between proponents of Darwin and so-called ‘‘intelligent design,’’ this 2004 documentary about the birth of the universe and the origins of our own planet offers an educational, but playful, addition to the great debate. The film is narrated by an African griot, or traditional storyteller, who weaves science, myth, and fable into a vivid and entertaining tale. Filmed in locations from Iceland to the Galapagos by Claude Nuridsany and Marie Perennou, who previously gave us ‘‘Microcosmos,’’ the movie’s footage includes surprising perspectives and unbelievable animals. The film screens at 2:30 p.m. Additional screeningsSun at 4:15 p.m., Jan. 18 at 8:15 p.m., and Jan. 19 at 4:15 p.m. Tickets are $9; $8 members, seniors, and students. Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave., Boston. 617-267-9300.

MON 1.16 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. DAY TRIBUTE TO BARBARA JORDAN AND SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

This is one holiday that’s not about gifts or gluttony, but honoring a man who changed our country’s history forever. This panel discussion honors the legacy of the late Barbara Jordan, the first African-American woman from a Southern state to serve in the House of Representatives, and the late Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to Congress and the first African-American to run as a Democratic presidential candidate, in 1972. Featuring National Public Radio news analyst Cokie Roberts, former Texas governor Ann Richards, and US Representative Barbara Lee of California, the forum will be moderated by WGBH commentator Callie Crossley. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Free. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Stephen Smith Center, Columbia Point, Boston. 617-514-1643.

TUES 1.17 BENJAMIN FRANKLIN, PRINTER, ETC.

It’s not every day that someone celebrates the big 3-0-0, as in 300 years old, but that’s the age original hometown patriot Benjamin Franklin will reach on Jan. 17. Celebrate the occasion with this one-man show by veteran actor and Franklin enthusiast Burdette Parks, who presents the man behind the legend, talking informally in his print shop about everything from the Constitution to his love of women. Parks previously toured the country in another one-man show, the critically acclaimed ‘‘Frankly, B. Franklin,’’ so if anyone is fit to fete this legendary man, he’s the one. Plus, stick around for a post-show party with birthday cake. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and repeats on Jan. 18, 24, and 25 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20, $18 seniors, $10 students. For info call 617-591-1616. For tickets call 866-811-4111. Jimmy Tingle’s Off Broadway Theater, 255 Elm St., Davis Square, Somerville.

WEDS 1.18 AZURE HEAT WAVE PARTY TO BENEFIT COMMUNITY SERVINGS

What could be better than indulging in some exotic Caribbean-Latin hors d’oeuvres prepared by chef Robert Fathman while helping ensure that critically ill Greater Boston residents are able to have hot, nutritious meals delivered right to their doors? That’s the reason for the revelry at Azure’s Heat Wave Party, where all the proceeds benefit the local nonprofit organization Community Servings. Plus, did we mention signature cocktails featuring Cruzan rum? The soiree is from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $50. Azure, 61 Exeter St., Boston. 617-445-7777.