February 2002








  Washington Diplomat
  PO Box 1345
  Wheaton, MD 20915
  Tel: 301.933.3552
  Fax: 301.949.0065


Events

**Admission is free unless otherwise noted.

Art

Feb. 1 to April 12
Habitat
“Habitat” spotlights the work of Canadian artist Shayne Dark, whose pieces evoke the contrasts between urban settings and the natural world and address the larger forces of creation, growth, destruction and decay.
Mon.-Fri., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Embassy of Canada
501 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
(202) 682-1740

Feb. 3 to June 23
Christo and Jeanne-Claude in the Vogel Collection
From covering a portion of the Australian coastline in mesh fabric to wrapping the oldest bridge in France, Bulgarian artist Christo Javacheff and his wife have undertaken some massive projects. Drawings, collages, scale models and photographs survey the artists’ monumental works.
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
National Gallery of Art
3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW
(202) 737-4215

Through Feb. 6
Portraits
A wide array of contemporary portraits, as diverse as the prestigious Latin American artists who painted them, are the focus of the 10th Ibero-American Art Salon.
Tue.-Sat., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Mexican Cultural Institute
2829 16th St., NW
(202) 728-1628

Feb. 7 to 27
Bending Branches
The works of Tina Carrol, Joel C. Gaydos and Jean S. Rah are highlighted in this fascinating exhibit.
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Embassy of Korea
2370 Massachusetts Ave., NW
(202) 797-6343

Feb. 7 to 28
The Shore: Paintings by Jean Gaudaire Thor
Inspired by the mystery and magic of man’s origins, avant-garde French artist Jean Gaudaire Thor draws on primitive artwork in this compelling collection. Viewings are by appointment only and during all cultural events.
Mon.-Fri., 11 a.m.-4 p.m.
Embassy of France
4101 Reservoir Road., NW
(202) 944-6091

Feb. 10 to Sept. 2
Year of the Horse: Chinese Horse Paintings
To celebrate the year of the horse, the Freer is showing an assortment of exquisite Chinese horse paintings on silk and paper dating back to the 14th century.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700

Feb. 14 to June 8
An Imperial Collection: Women Artists from the State Hermitage Museum
A compelling look at how women artists contributed to Russian imperial, social and cultural history. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave., NW
(202) 783-5000

Feb. 15 to May 19
Lois Mailou Jones: Imagining Africa
A life-altering trip to Africa was the inspiration behind this group of paintings that incorporates images of African sculpture, textiles and people. Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for students and seniors.
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
National Museum of Women in the Arts
1250 New York Ave., NW
(202) 783-5000

Feb. 16 to May 12
Corot to Picasso
Nearly 60 European masterpieces from the late 18th to the early 2 0th century, including major French Impressionist and early modernist works, are on display in this exciting exhibit. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for students and seniors.
Tue.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m,. Thu., 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m., Sun., 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
The Phillips Collection
1600 21st St., NW
(202) 387-2151

Feb. 17 to May 26
Reflections of Sea and Light
From stormy seas to shorelines washed in sunsets, this exhibit includes more than 100 breathtaking paintings and watercolors by J.M.W. Turner, considered to be one of the premier British romantic landscape artists. Tickets are $12 with discounts for students, seniors, children and groups.
Wed.-Fri., 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat.-Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Baltimore Museum of Art
10 Art Museum Drive
Baltimore, Md.
(410) 396-7100

Through Feb. 23
Istanbul with People
Two Turkish artists, Somnur Kurt and Cino Kanell, will make their U.S. premiere with their eclectic, captivating works.
Wed.-Thu., 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Fri.-Sat., 12 p.m.-7 p.m.
International Visions
2629 Connecticut Ave., NW
(202) 234-5112

Feb. 23 to March 18
Jan Honza Exhibition
Following in the ancient Czech tradition of woodturning, artist Jan Honza presents his wooden crafts in an exhibition as well as a workshop for children and adults on Feb. 23. Tickets are $44 for the workshop.
Workshop:
Sat., 1 p.m.
Exhibit:
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Czech Embassy
3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW
(202) 274-9100

Through Feb. 25
Antonin Kratochvil
Czech photographer Antonin Kratochvil has hauntingly documented communism in the Soviet Bloc. Now he focuses on American artists in this riveting compilation.
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Czech Embassy
3900 Spring of Freedom St., NW
(202) 274-9100

Through Feb. 26
Narrative Works
Gerald Wartofsky’s art is on one level narrative and figurative, and another level elusive and ambiguous, with references to the Bible, Kabbalah and the mysticism of Hebrew letters.
Sun.-Thu., 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Fri., 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
DCJCC
Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery
1529 16th St., NW
(202) 518-9400

Through March 10
Storage Jars of Asia
Based on the Freer’s rich but rarely displayed collection of large, bold jars made in East, Southeast and West Asia until the 16th century are on display.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700

Through April 5
Bengt-Goran Carlsson
An impressive array of photographs by acclaimed Swedish photographer Bengt-Goran Carlsson are on view at the Embassy of Sweden. Please call for more information.
Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Embassy of Sweden
1501 M St., NW
(202) 467-2600

Through April 7
A Century of Drawing: Works on Paper from Degas to Lewitt
A spectacular selection of paintings and drawings spanning the 20th century that chart the development of modern art.
Mon.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun., 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
National Gallery of Art
3rd and 9th Streets at Constitution Avenue, NW
(202) 737-4215

Through May 5
Making the Grade
Six highly symbolic works of art shed light on African initiation rites and the cultural values that shape the important transition from childhood to adulthood. The exhibit compliments another exhibit, “Spectacular Display,” devoted to the complex visual arts created by the Nkanu people of the Democratic Republic of Congo, which runs through March 3.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave., SW
(202) 357-4600

Through May 5
Visual Poetry: Paintings and Drawings from Iran
Striking single folios of paintings, drawings and poetry from 16th- and 17th-century Iran are on view in this one-of-a-kind exhibition.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave., SW
(202) 357-2700

Through May 31
Margaret Mead: Human Nature and the Power of Culture
This massive collection explores noted anthropologist Margaret Mead’s fieldwork and the anthropological issues she encountered in places such as Samoa, Papua New Guinea and Bali.
Mon.-Fri., 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., Sat., 8:30 a.m.-6 p.m.
The Library of Congress
101 Independence Ave., SE
(202) 707-2905

Through July 7
The Cave as Canvas: Hidden Images of Worship along the Silk Road
This exhibition highlights a group of fifth-century mural fragments from lavishly decorated Buddhist cave temples.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave., SW
(202) 357-2700

Through Oct. 27
The Potter’s Brush: The Kenzan Style in Japanese Ceramics
For the next year the Freer focuses on legendary Japanese ceramic artist Ogata Kenzan (1663-1743) and his work in the largest such collection
outside of Japan.
Open daily, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700

Dance

Feb. 6
Havana Select: Concert of Afro-Cuban Music and Dance
Delve into Cuba’s rich heritage with traditional Afro-Cuban singing, drumming, dancing and pulse-pounding rumba beats. Tickets are $22 for the public and $16 for Corcoran members.
Wed., 7 p.m.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th St., NW
(202) 639-1770

Feb. 12 to 17
The Kirov Ballet
The majestic company performs the first engagement of a 10-year cycle at the Kennedy Center with its signature version of “The Sleeping Beauty” and Balanchine’s “Jewels.” Tickets are $50 to $75.
Please call or visit http://kennedy-center.org for show times
The Kennedy Center
Opera House
2600 Virginia Ave., NW
(202) 467-4600

Feb. 13
Warsaw Philharmonic
The Warsaw Philharmonic has been praised for its ability to combine the powerful and passionate sound of an orchestra with the precision and clarity of a small chamber ensemble, while still maintaining its distinctive Eastern European charm. Tickets are $20 to $45.
Wed., 8:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
Concert Hall
2600 Virginia Ave., NW
(202) 467-4600

Feb. 15 to 17
Shaolin Warriors
Showcasing the death-defying combat moves and martial arts prowess for which they are famous, the Buddhist Shaolin monks, who originated the practice of Kung Fu, impress the young and the young at heart. Tickets are $25 to $45 with discounts for GW students.
Fri., 7:30 p.m., Sat., 7:30 p.m., Sun., 3 p.m.
George Washington University
Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St., NW
(202) 994-1500

Lectures

Feb. 1
America and Asia: National Security Policy Perspectives
Robert M. Hathaway, director of the Asia Program at the Woodrow Wilson Center and a diplomatic historian, moderates this thought-provoking panel discussion. A box lunch is served. Tickets are $80 for adults and $45 for students.
Fri., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
(202) 357-3030

Feb. 2
Tour of Light 2001: Children of Uganda
Eighteen Ugandan orphans share their African heritage through mesmerizing songs and dances for young people and their families. Tickets are $12.
Sat., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
Terrace Theater
2600 Virginia Ave., NW
(202) 467-4600

Feb. 3
All that Glitters: The Splendor of African Jewelry
Three noted scholars examine the visual splendor and cultural meaning of African jewelry.
Sun., 1:30 p.m.
National Museum of African Art
950 Independence Ave., SW
(202) 357-4600

Feb. 3
Rembrandt’s Amsterdam
Amsterdam’s meteoric rise from small town to the financial hub of Europe lured Rembrandt to the city’s wealthy merchants who would pay well for his portraits. Luncheon included. Tickets are $100.
Sun., 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Pentagon City
1250 South Hayes St.
Arlington, Va.
(202) 357-3030

Feb. 6 to March 29
Classical Literature and Imperial Athens
Through major works of classical literature, this in-depth course illuminates the two faces of Athens. The eight sessions are $141.
Wed., 8 p.m. or Fri., 12 p.m.
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
(202) 357-3030

Feb. 7
Becoming Mona Lisa: The Making of a Global Icon
Historian Donald Sassoon traces the Mona Lisa’s rise to stardom and examines the mystique surrounding her identity and her unparalleled status as a cultural icon. Tickets are $16 for the public and $12 for Corcoran members.
Thu., 7 p.m.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th St., NW
(202) 639-1770

Feb. 8 to 9
Painting, from the Egyptians to the Late Renaissance
Learn through slides and live demonstrations of painting techniques, gilding and panel preparation how various materials and techniques affect a finished work. Participants provide their own lunch. Tickets are $130.
Fri., 6 p.m., Sat., 9:30 a.m.
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
(202) 357-3030

Feb. 9
The Laughter Project: Storytelling Session
The Laughter Project is a community-based program that looks at the pleasures and pains of speaking a foreign language by bringing together second-language learners to share their experiences.
Sat., 3 p.m.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery
1050 Independence Ave., SW
(202) 357-2700

Feb. 14
Origins of Originality: Richard Wagner and the German Tradition
The Wagner Society proudly presents Professor Donald Crosby as he provides his insights into the life and legacy of composer Richard Wagner.
Thu., 7:30 p.m.
George Washington University
Funger Hall 108
2201 G St., NW
(301) 907- 2600

Feb. 19
House of Returned Echoes Presentation and Book-signing
Award-winning author Arnost Lustig presents his latest work, “House of Returned Echoes,” a fictionalized yet chilling memoir of his father who perished in Auschwitz.
Tue., 7 p.m.
Politics and Prose Bookstore
5015 Connecticut Ave., NW
(202) 274-9100

Feb. 23
Baba Jamal Koram: The Story Man
Nationally renowned master storyteller, author and educator Jamal Korame enthralls audiences with his tales and songs that speak of traditional African mores. Admission is $7 and free for members and children under 2.
Tue.-Sun., 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Capital Children’s Museum
800 Third St., NE
(202) 675-4120

Music

Feb. 4
Sarisan Folk Ensemble
One of the leading Slovak folk ensembles, their masterful rendering of dance and music numbers has entertained audiences in more than 20 countries worldwide. Please call for ticket information.
Mon., 7 pm
Embassy of Slovakia
3523 International Court, NW
(202) 237 1054 ext. 240

Feb. 5
Wolfgang Holzmair, baritone; Russell Ryan, piano
One of the premier vocalists on today’s music scene, Wolfgang Holzmair joins Russell Ryan for their rendition of songs by Schubert, Schumann, Mendelssohn, Brahms and Schoeck. Free tickets are required and may be obtained through Ticketmaster or at the door (two-person limit) one hour before the event.
Tue., 7:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Meyer Auditorium
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700 or (202) 432-7328

Feb. 7
Gagaku Today: Ensemble Harena
Co-presented with the Embassy of Japan, a flurry of winds, strings and percussion bring classic Japanese gagaku instruments to life in this remarkable performance. Free tickets are required and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the door (two-person limit) one hour before the event.
Thu., 7:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Meyer Auditorium
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700 or (202) 432-7328

Feb. 8
Vicente Amigo
Acclaimed flamenco guitarist Vicente Amigo, winner of the 2001 Latin Grammy for Best Flamenco Album, brings his stirring Spanish sound to Washington. Tickets are $20 to $30 with discounts for GW students.
Fri., 8 p.m.
George Washington University
Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St., NW
(202) 994-1500

Feb. 9
From Mozart to Mephisto
Canadian pianist Stewart Goodyear enchants audiences with a medley of Mozart, “Mephisto Waltz No. 1” as well as his own compositions. Tickets are $26 for adults and $22 for students and seniors.
Sat., 8 p.m.
Dumbarton Church
3133 Dumbarton St., NW
(202) 965-2000

Feb. 9
The Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra
Composers and conductors have flocked to Amsterdam to work with the talented musicians of the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra—masters of their instruments who epitomize the classic Dutch sound. Tickets are $30 to $85
Sat., 5 p.m.
The Kennedy Center
Concert Hall
2600 Virginia Ave., NW
(202) 467-4600

Feb. 10
Aristocrat of Instruments
Tina Chancey exhilarates with French baroque music played on the pardessus de viole, an aristocratic instrument rarely played since the time Louis XIV. Tickets are $10.
Sun., 3 p.m.
The Rosslyn Spectrum
1611 N. Kent St.
Arlington, Va.
(703) 525-7550

Feb. 10
The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble
The most-recorded classical music ensemble in the world plays a program of 19th-century favorites plus a rare English offering with folksongs by Percy Grainger.
Tickets are $20 to $40.
Sun., 7:30 p.m.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland
College Park, Md.
(301) 405-ARTS

Feb. 11
The Classical Music of Persia
Chakavak Ensemble embraces the creative aspects of Persian music while playing classical songs by 19th- and 20th-century composers. Persian reception to follow. Tickets are $15 for the public and $12 for Corcoran members.
Mon., 7 p.m.
Corcoran Gallery of Art
500 17th St., NW
(202) 639-1770

Feb. 12
National Song and Dance Company of Mozambique
The 30-member troupe performs with its trademark power and energy, infusing traditional African dance with edgy modern movements. Tickets are $10.
Tue., 7 p.m.
Publick Playhouse
5445 Landover Road
Cheverly, Md.
(301) 277-1710

Feb. 16
Asante Jazz Band
Lead by Ghanaian percussionist Okyerema Asante, this jazz ensemble interprets jazz through its African, African American and Caribbean roots. Please call for ticket information.
Sat., 2 p.m.
S. Dillon Ripley Center
1100 Jefferson Drive, SW
(202) 357-3030

Feb. 20
Musicians from Marlboro II
The sounds of Debussy’s String Quartet, influenced by Javanese music, along with Schubert’s Octet for Woodwinds and Strings are featured in this memorable concert. Free tickets are required and may be purchased through Ticketmaster or at the door (two-person limit) one hour before the event.
Wed., 7:30 p.m.
Freer Gallery of Art
Meyer Auditorium
Jefferson Drive at 12th Street, SW
(202) 357-2700 or (202) 432-7328

Feb. 21
Kronos Quartet
Known for its risk-taking interpretations of contemporary work, the Kronos Quartet presents its new project, “The Nueva Collection.” Tickets are $25 to $35 with discounts for GW students.
Thu., 8 p.m.
George Washington University
Lisner Auditorium
730 21st St., NW
(202) 994-1500

Feb. 28
Anansegromma of Ghana
Songs, games and dances are accompanied by drum rhythms that evoke the majesty and mystery of West Africa.
Thu., 12:15 p.m.
National Building Museum
401 F St., NW
(202) 272-2448

Receptions

Feb. 6
Opening Night Reception
To celebrate the start of the Fifth International Festival of Hispanic Theater (see theater), the Embassy of the Dominican Republic hosts a special reception and fundraiser. Tickets are $50.
Wed., 6:30 p.m.
Residence of the Ambassador
2930 Edgevale Terrace, NW
(202) 882-6227

Feb. 18
Dinner at Laboratorio Del Galileo
Chef Robert Donna and his crew prepare a savory eight-course Italian feast with six wines and an enticing dessert to compliment the meal. Tickets are $195 for the public and $150 for Corcoran members.
Mon., 7:30 p.m.
Laboratorio del Galileo
1110 21st St., NW
(202) 639-1770

Feb. 28
Evening in Indonesia: Shadow Puppets/Embassy Reception
The Embassy Javanese gamelon music group accompanies an entertaining lecture/demonstration of the mesmerizing and enduring art form Wayang Kulit—traditional eight-hour dramas performed with shadow images of flat, leather puppets. Tickets are $55 for the public and $45 for Corcoran members.
Thu., 6:30 p.m.
Embassy of Indonesia
2020 Massachusetts Ave., NW
(202)639-1770

Theater

Feb. 2 and 3
Miklat
Howard and Judy Kleinman are in for quite a surprise when they travel to Jerusalem to find their son Marc has joined an ultra-Orthodox Yeshiva and agreed to an arranged marriage. Please call for ticket information.
Sat. and Sun., 3 p.m.
DCJCC
1529 16th St., NW
(202) 518-9400

Feb. 2 and 3
Via Dolorosa
David Bryan Jackson recreates Hare’s transformation from ecumenical observer to deeply affected traveler in this devastating portrait of life in the Middle East. Please call for ticket information.
Sat., 10:15 p.m., Sun., 5:15 p.m.
DCJCC
1529 16th St., NW
(202) 518-9400

Feb. 7 and 8
Homer’s The Wrath of Achilles
Drawn from the later books of Homer’s epic war poem, “The Iliad,” this original work tells the story of the Greeks’ near-defeat to the Trojans, Achilles’s stubborn refusal to fight in the war, and the hero’s eventual return to the battlefield. Tickets are $25.
Thu., 8 p.m., Fri., 8 p.m.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland
College Park, Md.
(301) 405-ARTS

Feb. 8 to March 16
The Fifth International Festival of Hispanic Theater
This festival showcases nine companies with stellar performances from countries such as Puerto Rico, Mexico, El Salvador, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Uruguay, Argentina and the United States. Tickets are $25 for adults and $20 for students and seniors.
Please call or visit www.teatrodelaluna.org for specific performances and show times.
Theater on the Run
3700 South Four Mile Run Drive
Arlington, Va.
(202) 882-6227

Feb. 15 to 17 and Feb. 19 to 23
Problem Child
Canadian playwright George F. Walker has an affinity for bringing flawed but fascinating characters up to the light, as illustrated by this story about a couple trying to get their child out of foster care. Tickets are $13.
Thu.-Sat., 8 p.m., Tue. and Wed., 7:30 p .m., Sun., 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center
University of Maryland
College Park, Md.
(301) 405-ARTS

Feb. 23 to March 31
She Stoops To Conquer
A sidesplitting 18th-century farce jam-packed with mistaken identity and matchmaking gone awry. Tickets are $25 to $41 with discounts for students, seniors and groups.
Please call or visit www.folger.edu for show times
Folger Theatre
201 East Capitol St., SE
(202) 544-7077