Women of All Walks Legendary Spanish Painter Captured Complex World of Fairer Sex by Gary Tischler Anticipating the exhibition “Goya: Images of Women,” now at the National Gallery of Art, you might feel that you’re about to find out secrets about the great and idiosyncratic Spanish artist Francisco Goya y Lucientes: that he was a misogynist, a lecher, a hopeless romantic, or something that says, “This is what Goya thought of women.” You think you’ll be able to tell all this just by looking at the set of 115 paintings, drawings, tapestry cartoons and tapestries. Well, yes, but mostly, no. ... Buff of the Bard Head of Shakespeare Guild Has Devoted Life to Revered English Playwright by Gary Tischler Once, when he was young, John Andrews thought about being an architect. Andrews grew up in Carlsbad, N.M. “Not exactly a hotbed of Shakespeareans,” Andrews said. The Painted Word Sackler Exhibit Reflects Illustrations From Persian Poetry by Serena Lei Persian manuscripts of poetry and prose were often accompanied by intricate illustrations of the text. These paintings and drawings were exquisitely detailed, retelling a story in rich colors and gold ink. Toward the end of the 15th century, picture books of these illustrations with little or no text became increasingly popular. This trend led to individual portraits or single-page drawings that conveyed their own poetry.

Ceramic Canvases ‘The Potter’s Brush’ Explores Kenzan Creations by Serena Lei This year’s National Cherry Blossom Festival, which finishes April 8, celebrates the 90th anniversary of Japan’s gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the United States and the friendship that has developed between the two countries. Send-Up of a Send-Up Wonderfully Silly ‘Hot Mikado’ Rocks Ford’s Theatre by Gary Tischler Hot Mikado,” now at the venerable Ford’s Theatre, is a reprise of a send-up of a send-up. Resistance is futile. They might as well have a guy in a purple zoot suit standing outside, whispering, “Hey, looking for a good time?” Going to Market ‘Faces’ Showcases Folk Art of Northeastern Brazil by Gary Tischler It may be impossible for the windowed exhibition space at the Inter-American Development Bank’s Cultural Center to look like a festive village market.... Dining: Indian History Lesson Heritage India Offers Refined Cooking, Appealing Atmosphere by Rachel Hunt and Stephen Qualiana Events On the Road Again Comedy, Drama Propel Mexican Reinvention of Coming-of-Age Movie by Ky N. Nguyen If one doesn’t have words, how does one think?” wondered Iris Murdoch, the important British philosopher and the “foremost novelist of her generation” who lived a life full of language and introspection.... • Repertory Notes • ‘Maelström’: A Fishy Mix • Portrait of ‘Pauline and Paulette’ Film Directory/Cinema International Film Clips