The Tufts University Department of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies opens its two-day Winter Festival with “From Cypher to Stage.” Over a semester-long process, students have investigated the duality of preserving the Hip Hop cypher while also opening the circle to invite in an audience. Come see the students explore this theme and further experimentation in the foundations of Hip Hop culture in this one-night-only public performance. Tickets are Pay What You Wish ($1-$20), with a suggested price of $10, through the Tufts online box office. The second Winter Festival program will feature two performances of two 45-minute cuttings of Shakespeare classics, plus presentations of theatrical lighting synchronized with music, at 9 p.m. on Friday, December 8, and at 6 p.m. on Saturday, December 9.