Events, October, 2001 ART Oct. 3 to Oct. 29 The Photography of Tracey Moffatt The Australian Embassy and the Conner Contemporary Art Gallery present the work of acclaimed photographer and independent filmmaker Tracey Moffatt, one of Australiaís leading contemporary artists. Much of Moffattís work draws on her own experiences as an Aboriginal woman adopted by a white foster family in the suburbs of Brisbane as she shatters the preconceived notions of gender, sexuality and racial identity. Admission is free at the Conner Contemporary Art Gallery (Oct. 4 to 29) and an appointment is required for viewing at the Embassy of Australia (Oct. 3 to 26). Tue.-Sat., 11:00 a.m-6:00 p.m. (Conner Gallery) Tue.-Fri., 12:00 p.m.-2:00 p.m. (Embassy) Embassy of Australia 1601 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C (202) 797-3176 (Embassy) (202) 588-8750 (Conner Gallery) Oct. 5 to Feb. 25 Incognito Czech photographer Antonin Kratochvil depicted the horrors of communism in his first book, "Broken Dream: Twenty Years of War in Eastern Europe." Now in his second book, "Incognito," Kratochvil takes on the history of American artists in this riveting compilation. A presentation and book signing will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 5 at Politics and Prose Bookstore, 5015 Connecticut Ave., NW. The event will be followed by an exclusive 8:30 p.m. opening of the "Incognito" exhibit at the Czech Embassy, with Kratochvil and the band Traband on hand for the celebration. Admission is free. Weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. and evenings during events Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 274-9100 Oct. 13 to Nov. 26 Confronting Nature: Icelandic Art of The 20th Century The National Gallery of Iceland gathered collections from 18 of the countryís most celebrated 20th century artists to take a look back at the past 100 years of Icelandic painting. The exhibit coincides with a concert/reception on Oct. 14 (see listing below). Wed.-Mon., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thu., 10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. The Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1700 Through Oct. 26 Eva Zettervall Paintings and Prints The Embassy of Sweden is showing the recent works of Eva Zettervall, one of the countryís most colorfulóand often provocativeóartists. Weekdays, 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Embassy of Sweden 1501 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-2640 Oct. 29 Culture on Clo th: Inuit Wall Hangings The Embassy of Canada is the setting for an exotic exhibit of Inuit wall hangings created in the 1950s. Along with prints and drawings, these hangings are how the Inuit people recorded their history and traditions for future generations. Tickets are $25 for members and $40 for the general public. Pre-registration is required. Mon., 6:30 p.m. Embassy of Canada 501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1770 Through Nov. 9 Strictly Swedish This unique exhibition will showcase contemporary Swedish designs through various objects such as chairs, lamps and even a coat rack. Swedish designs have had a profound impact on the furniture industry both here and abroad, and many of the designers featured in the exhibition have garnered national as well as international recognition for their work. Please call for more information. Mon.-Fri., 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Art Gallery 1300 New York Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 623-3774 Through Dec. 30 Antioch: The Lost Ancient City The Baltimore Museum of Art presents more than 160 artifacts from Antioch, one of the great cities of the Roman Empire, in this awesome display of ancient treasures. The exhibit includes antiquities from early Christianity and mosaics that shed light on the evolution of ancient art. Admission to the museum is $7 for adults, $5 for students and senior citizens and free for anyone under 18. Wed.-Fri., 11:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. The Baltimore Museum of Art 10 Art Museum Drive Baltimore, Md. (410) 396-6310 Through Jan. 5 The Floating World Of Ukiyo-e: Shadows, Dreams, and Substance The Library of Congress is featuring a major exhibition of Japanese art and literature, with more than 100 rare and historically significant woodcuts, drawings and books on display. Ukiyo-e art, which translates into "pictures of the floating world," delves into the culture surrounding the theater and brothel districts in the 17th century city of Edo (now Tokyo). Admission is free. Mon.-Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building 101 Independence Ave., SE Washington, D.C. (202) 707-4604 Through Jan. 13 Impressionist Still Life The Phillips Collection is offering two-for-one tickets to this special exhibition devoted to French Impressionist still life painting. Paul CÈzanne, Edgar Degas, Paul Gauguin, and Claude Monet are just a few of the 19th century painters whose works are highlighted in this massive exhibition. A total of 80 works from 55 public and private collections worldwide are featured. Two-for-one admissions will only be available on Wednesdays throughout the month of October. Tickets are $15 and $9 for students and senior citizens. Tue. Wed. Fri. Sat., 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Thu., 10:00 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun., 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m. The Phillips Collection 1600 21st St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 387-2151 DANCE Oct. 19 to 21 Bangarra Australiaís aboriginal dance troupe, Bangarra, comes to the United States to debut its new work, "Corroboree." Ancient rhythms and pulse-pounding urban movements come together in this thrilling performance that explores the relationship between the indigenous people of Australia, its land and its creatures. A workshop will be held following the Oct. 20 performance. Tickets are $22 to $35. Fri., Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 2:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 Oct. 23 and 24 Shen Wei Dance Arts Choreographer Shen Wei fuses Chinese opera, the visual arts and modern dance to create dream-like, surreal works, including the innovative "Under the Terrace," which will be performed at the show. Free post performance discussion. For mature audiences only. Tickets are $19 to $32. Tue., Wed., 7:30 p.m. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 LECTURE Oct. 6 The Austrian Dilemma The Embassy of Austria invites audiences to join author Hubert Feichtlbauer as he explores the provocative themes in his new book, "The Austrian Dilemma: An Inquiry in National Socialism and Racism." Please call for reservations and more information. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Ct., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 895-6776 Oct. 9 Mi Moto Fidel Award-winning author and photographer Christopher P. Baker will share his memories of the 7,000-mile motorcycle trek he took across Cuba for the National Geographic Society. Baker is also the author of the new book, "Mi Moto Fidel," which chronicles the many visits he has made to Cuba over the past decade. Tickets are $12 for members and $15 for the general public. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 857-7700 Oct. 10 African Rock Art: Paintings and Engravings on Stone Photographer David Coulson will discuss his work photographing and documenting rock art in all regions of Africa. A book signing will follow the discussion. Wed., 7:00 p.m. National Museum of African Art 950 Independence Ave., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 Oct. 11 Contemporary Austrian Literature Join Professor Klaus Zeyringer at the Embassy of Austria as he takes a probing look at some of the greatest works of contemporary Austrian literature. Please call for more information. Thu., 8:00 p.m. Embassy of Austria 3524 International Ct., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 895-6776 Oct. 18 Baptism of the Morning Dream: The Quintet From Die Meistersinger Canadian Wagner expert Iain Scott will enlighten audiences about the beauty of his favorite opera, "Die Meistersinger," and why he thinks it is "one of the high points of civilization." Audio excerpts from the Wagner masterpiece will accompany the lecture. Thu., 7:30 p.m. George Washington University Funger Hall 103 2201 G St., NW Washington, D.C. (301) 907-2600 Oct. 21 Behind the Words-Beyond Language: The Xu Bing Exhibition In conjunction with "Word Play: Contemporary Art by Xu Bing," artist and curator Britta Erickson will discuss his long-held fascination with the written word and the manipulation of language. Xu Bing is a Chinese calligrapher, printmaker, and artis t whose language-based works illustrate the powerful role words play in our lives. Admission is free. Sun., 2:00 p.m. Smithsonian Institute Meyer Auditorium Independence Ave. at 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 357-2700 Oct. 29 Ghada Amer Public Slide Lecture Join Egyptian-born artist Ghada Amer as she talks about her distinctive style of painting, which incorporates images sewn directly onto the canvas. Her works have been lauded for challenging conventional thought and breaking down stereotypical views of women, particularly in the aftermath of the feminist movement. Admission is free but seats are on first come, first served basis. Mon., 3:00 p.m. Corcoran College of Art and Design 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1800 Oct. 30 Broken Empire The National Geographic Society is pleased to present seasoned photographer Gerd Ludwig, author of the new book "Broken Empire," as he offers a retrospective of his experiences from more than 10 National Geographic magazine assignments covering the former U.S.S.R. Tickets are $13 for members and $16 for the general public. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium 1600 M St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 857-7700 MUSIC Oct. 12 to 14 Anima A fusion of Brazilian, African and European beats will unite in this performance that transcends the boundaries between classical and popular art. Instruments from Brazil will combine with Middle Eastern and European instruments in this multimedia show. Tickets are $12. Fri., 7:00 p.m., Sat., 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., Sun., 1:00 p.m. The Kennedy Center Theater Lab 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 Oct. 12 Spain In The Heart 2001/Musical Theater This cabaret-style homage to Hispanic heritage will feature favorite arias from Spanish musical theater, classic Latin American pop songs and poetry by Federico Garcia Lorca and Pablo Neruda. Tickets are $17 for Corcoran, FINS members and $20 for the general public. Fri., 8:00 p.m. The Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1700 Oct. 14 Guitar Islancio Concert/Reception Two of Icelandís foremost musicians, Bjorn Thoroddsen and Jon Rafnsson, team up with Canadian colleague, Richard Gillis, to present their best-selling CDs. The light jazz melodies are a perfect compliment to the exhibition, "Icelandic Art of the 20th Century." An Icelandic reception follows the performance. Tickets are $15 for members, $20 for the general public. Sun., 6:30 p.m. The Corcoran Gallery of Art 500 17th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 639-1700 Oct. 15 Australian Guitar Legend Tommy Emmanuel, one of Australiaís foremost guitarists, will perform his unique blend of music unplugged at the Embassy of Australia this month. Emmanuelís sound mixes elements of jazz, classical, country, folk, rock and bluegrass. Inspired by American legend Chet Atkins, he began playing guitar at age 4 and 35 years later his career continues to flourish. Seating is extremely limited. Embassy of Australia 1601 Massachusetts Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 797-3176 Oct. 16 Jan Novotny, Pianist The Czech Embassy is proud to present Jan Novotny, head of the Piano Department at the Prague Conservatory of Music. Novotny is a leading interpreter of Czech piano music who has paid particular attention to the works of Bedrich Semtana over the years. Reservations are recommended. Tickets are $10 at the door. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Czech Embassy 3900 Spring of Freedom Street, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 274-9100 Oct. 16 Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble The virtuoso cellist Yo-Yo Ma joins his ensemble of Asian and Western musicians for a discussion and performance of new works that explore cultural interactions along the Silk Road. Admission is free but tickets must be reserved by contacting Ticketmaster beginning at 10 a.m. two Mondays before the event. Tue., 7:30 p.m. Smithsonian Institute Meyer Auditorium Independence Ave. at 12th St., SW Washington, D.C. (202) 432-7328 or (800) 551-7328 Oct. 19 Thomas Stewart and Evelyn Lear Emerging Singers Concert Five singers with potential careers in the world of opera will perform a series of Wagner arias and song at the German Embassy. They have been handpicked by the renowned opera stars Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart as well as John Edward Niles, who is the director of the Opera Theater of Northern Virginia. Admission is $25 for Wagner Society members and $35 for the general public. Parking is available on the embassy grounds and on Reservoir Road. Sat., 7:30 p.m. Embassy of Germany Auditorium 4645 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, D.C. (301) 907-2600 Oct. 25 Silver/Garburg Piano Duo Two of Israelís most promising young pianists will perform a montage of Brahms at the Embassy of Israel. The program will include variations on a theme by Beethoven and "Concerto Pathetique in E-minor." An artistís reception will follow each concert. Please call for reservations. Thu., 8:00 p.m. Embassy of Israel 3514 International Drive, NW Washington, D.C. (202) 625-2361 THEATER Oct. 12 to 14 Cloudstreet (see also: Cloudstreet) Two of Australiaís most respected theater companies ñ Sydneyís Company B Belvoir and Perthís Black Swan Theatre ñ bring Tim Wintonís acclaimed novel to the stage. This post war Australian classic traces the sometimes bittersweet journeys of two families living on Cloudstreet. Tickets are $45-$60. Fri., 6:30 p.m., Sat., 3:00 p.m., Sun., 3:00 p.m. The Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 467-4600 Through Oct. 14 El Arquitecto y el Emperador de Asiria GALA Hispanic Theatre presents "The Architect and The Emperor of Assyria," a surreal tale that follows the "Emperor" to a deserted island where he meets a lone inhabitant, the "Architect." The play forces the audience to confront the changing nature of human relationships with wit and humor. All performances are in Spanish with simultaneous English interpretation available on audio phones. Tickets are $27 and $18 for students and senior citizens. Thu. ñ Fri., 8:00 p.m., Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 4:00 p.m. The Warehouse Theatre 1021 7th St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 234-7174 Oct. 23 A.R. Gurneyís Far East The Studio Theater presents this lush, romantic drama about East-West relations and forbidden love as part of its 2001 Fall Benefit. Directed by Helen Hayes Award winner Joy Zinoman, "Far East" promises to be an exquisite performance spanning two very different cultures. Proceeds from the benefit go to The Studio Theaterís community service programs such as Arts Motivating Youth. Contact Mark Garcia-Christie at the number below for reservations. Tickets for the Fall Benefit are $100 for subscribers and $125 for the general public. Tue., 8:00 p.m. The Studio Theater 1333 P St., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 232-7267 ext. 173 Through Oct. 27 Dangerous Corner Russian Director Yuri Kordonsky, a member of the prestigious Maly Theatre in St. Petersburg, returns to Classika Theatre to direct "Dangerous Corner" by J.B. Priestley. The play tracks a group of London publishers, one of whom has committed suicide, as the unsavory secrets about the dead manís family and associates slowly come to light. Tickets are $15 in advance and $17 at the door on Thursdays and Sundays; $17 in advance and $20 at the door on Fridays and Saturdays. Thu.-Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 4:00 p.m. Classika Theater Shirlington Village Arlington, VA (703) 824-0660 Oct. 27 and Oct. 30 Giacomo Pucciniís Madama Butterfly The Washington Opera will stage an innovative production of Pucciniís "Madame Butterfly" originally devised for the Teatr Wielki-Opera Narodowa in Warsaw by opera and film director Mariusz Trelinski. Three highly acclaimed sopranos share the title role: Veronica Villarroel, Catherine Malfitano, and Xiu Wei Sun. The production is in Italian with English surtitles. Please call for more information. Sat., 7:00 p.m., Tue., 8:00 p.m. The Washington Opera 2600 Virginia Ave., NW Washington, D.C. (202) 295-2400 TOURS Iíve Got a Secret Every Tuesday and Thursday, learn secrets about Americaís capital city. This walk is perfect for every smarty-pants suffering from the delusion of omniscience about Washington as well as those looking for little-known facts with which to impress friends. The following tidbits are offered: a tree house on the Mall, a ghost in a castle, a brothel, a canal, and the severed leg of a Civil War general. The tour meets at Smithsonian Station (Independence Avenue exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Tue., 8:30 a.m. Thu., 4:30 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com Embassy Row Every Thursday, this walk down Washingtonís grandest boulevard features the most impressive turn-of-the-century residences in the city, many designed in the French beaux-arts style. In addition to viewing sumptuous architecture, youíll hear stories about the families who once resided in these stately palaces. Fabulous wealth, extravagant parties, scandalsóeven the curse of the Hope Diamondóare mixed with a glimpse of the life led by Washingtonís diplomatic community today. The tour meets at Dupont Circle Station (Q Street exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Thu., 5:00 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com Capital Hauntings No other part of the city claims a more mysterious, macabre history than Lafayette Square, the park north of the White House. The restless ghosts of presidents, a first lady, assassins and military officers roam the hallways of old homes, a theater and even the White House. As the day draws to a close, youíll creep through the park and adjoining streets past these haunted sights. The guide will relay the ghost stories associated with each person or place. Every Friday, the tour meets at McPherson Square Station (White House exit). The guide will be wearing a Washington Walks badge. No reservations necessary. Tickets cost $10 per person. Children 12 and under, $5. Cash only. Fri., 7:30 p.m. Washington Walks (202) 484-1565 www.washingtonwalks.com