This post was written by Hatchet staff writer Tim Palmieri.

Skip pricey shows and pretentious crowds for these free, no-frills performances, from a Q&A with the devil to a banned books-themed musical showcase.

Thursday

“One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” Free Screening at Tenley-Friendship Library: Rounding off the banned books festivities is a free screening of a classic film inspired by a banned book. Ken Kesey’s ‘60s novel “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest,” adapted to a film in 1975, is the well-known story of free-spirited Randle P. McMurphy (Jack Nicholson) contending with the wretched Nurse Ratched (Louise Fletcher) for power amid the oppressive conditions of an insane asylum. But really, the combination of “free” and “Jack Nicholson” should be reason enough to go.
Tenley-Friendship Library, 4450 Wisconsin Ave. NW, 6:30 p.m. Free.

“The Devil in His Own Words” at the Capitol Hill Arts Workshop: A tragicomedy about the devil isn’t exactly a common performance. As part of its 10th anniversary celebration, the Taffety Punk Theatre Company is revamping its debut show, “The Devil in His Own Words,” which covers the devil’s appearances in literary work spanning the centuries.
Capitol Hill Arts Workshop, 545 Seventh St. SE, 7:30 Doors, 8 p.m. Tickets: $15

Friday

Human Rights Open Mic Night at The Lamont Collective: Say it loud and say it proud. The American University Society for Ethics, Peace and Global Affairs is hosting a Human Rights Open Mic Night to celebrate Human Rights Week at the Lamont Street Collective. All are welcome to the stage to read a favorite human rights or social justice-themed poem, short story or passage. Don’t forget the event is BYOB (bring-your-own book and bring-your-own booze).
The Lamont Street Collective, 1822 Lamont St. NW, 7 p.m. Free.

“Don’t Block the Box” Comedy Show 35 with Natalie Shure: For cheap drinks and not-so-cheap jokes, stop by the Wonderland Ballroom for a $3 comedy show Friday night. The event features a performance by Natalie Shure, rated one of the “Top 50 Funniest People in Brooklyn,” along with a stand-up show from D.C.’s own LizaBanks Campagna. Expect more than a few jokes to re-use with your friends.
Wonderland Ballroom, 1101 Kenyon St. NW, 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $3. Must be 21 or older.

Saturday

Flash Banned: Freedom of Speech Showcase: Finish off Banned Books Week at the “Flash Banned: Freedom Of Speech Showcase,” which challenges local musicians to perform original songs inspired by the concepts of censorship and free speech. For only $15 at Club Heaven and Hell, you’ll hear never-before-heard tracks live from eight local censorship-themed groups like “ContraBand” and “Pas Literati.”
Club Heaven and Hell, 2327 18th St. NW. Doors open at 7 p.m., show begins at 8 p.m. Tickets: $15 

“The Odd Couple” (Female Version) at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library: Presented by the Theatre Lab School of Dramatic Arts, this show reimagines the iconic play “The Odd Couple” for a mostly female cast. The original “The Odd Couple,” written by Neil Simon in 1965, follows two friends with equally perturbing problems who find solace living together.
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library, 901 G St. NW, 2 p.m. Free.

Sunday

Youth Speaks “Raise Up” Contest Winners at the Kennedy Center: The Kennedy Center is teaming up with Youth Speaks to present a hip-hop and spoken-word program. The free show Sunday night will feature the winners of a nationwide competition designed to use the power of spoken word, hip-hop and the reach of social media to encourage discussion about education and ambition.
The Kennedy Center, 2700 F St. NW, 6 p.m. Free.

48-Hour Video Challenge Screening at the Thurgood Marshall Center: Celebrate the procrastinator in you at this free event, which features films created in just two days as part of the Media Rise Festival. Following the screening of the high-impact films, which were made for nonprofits, there will be an awards ceremony for the best last-minute flicks.
Thurgood Marshall Center, 1816 12th St. NW, 6:30 p.m. Free.