Even as it celebrates freedom of expression, the ACLU of Western Pennsylvania’s annual Banned Book Weeks reading actually remains on the family-friendly side. Tonight, the group gets a little naughtier with a free 21-and-over show called Banned After Dark (B.A.D.).

Books, plays and songs that have been “banned or challenged for being too bawdy or risqué” — you know, Catcher in the Rye, The Handmaid’s Tale, Where’s Waldo — will be performed at Brillobox by local artists.

The performers include drag queen Kitty Klottsalot; the Rage of the Stage theater group; “radical librarian” Bekezela Mguni; and DJ Operation Sappho.

Says event chair Meredith Knight in a press release: “We want to celebrate the fact that the First Amendment means that no one has the right to wash our mouths out with soap.”

Costumes are encouraged: come dressed as your favorite character from a banned or challenged book,” says the ACLU. The group even offers costume ideas.

There’s also music by DJ Operation Sappho, an open mic for audience members to share their own favorite naughty bits (from literature), and limerick-writing.

B.A.D. runs from 8-11 p.m. Brillobox is at 4104 Penn Ave. in Bloomfield.

For more information call 412-681-7736 or email [email protected].