EVENTS **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. ART Feb. 4 to Dec. 31 Myths of St. Petersburg: Impressions of the City From the Hillwood Collection To honor the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, the Hillwood Museum has compiled more than 50 objects that explore the famed cityís symbolic meaning and its place in Russian history. Hillwood Museum and Gardens Feb. 8 to May 5 Whistler and His Circle in Venice This exhibition commemorates the centennial of Whistlerís death with a look back at the artistís efforts to capture his beloved Veniceóbeyond its popular tourist traps. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through Feb. 9 An Artistís Artist: Jacob Kainenís Collection From Rembrandt to David Smith The art collection of Washington painter and printmaker Jacob Kainen reveals a remarkable range of fine works that spans four centuries. National Gallery of Art Feb. 9 to May 11 Thomas Gainsborough, 1727-1788 English painter and draftsman Thomas Gainsborough is considered one of the great proponents of 18th-century portraiture and landscape painting. Find out why in this comprehensive exhibit of more than 100 of his works. National Gallery of Art Through Feb. 10 Homeland Six artists from the United States and abroad investigate unpopulated suburban areas using photography, video and digital media, exploiting our notions of surveillance. Corcoran College of Art + Design Feb. 12 to May 4 Art of the Ballets Russes Experience the excitement of the Ballets Russes in a rare presentation of original costumes and stage designs by some of the 20th centuryís greatest artists, including Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso. Baltimore Museum of Art Feb. 14 to 28 Arte Per? Works A broad assortment of works by contemporary Peruvian artists make up this eclectic exhibit. Embassy of Peru Feb. 14 to June 18 An Imperial Collection: Women Artists From the State Hermitage Museum Sculptures and paintings by women trained in the European traditionórarely viewed outside of Russia or Europeóreveal how patrons and painters contributed to Russian imperial, social and cultural history. National Museum of Wome n in the Arts Feb. 15 to May 11 Margaret Bourke-White: The Photography of Design, 1927-1936 Discover how Margaret Bourke-Whiteís images of industrialization in Fortune magazine catapulted her to the upper echelons of American photography and earned her a spot in womenís history. Phillips Collection Feb. 15 to July 27 After the Madness: The Secular Life, Art, and Imitation of Bada Shanren This aptly named exhibit looks at the great Qing dynasty Chinese artist Bada Shanren, a descendant of Ming royalty who became a Buddhist monk, was considered to have gone mad in his middle age, and ultimately returned to secular life and painting in his 60s. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Feb. 16 The Classical Tradition in Anatolian Carpets Dating from the 14th to the 17th centuries, Anatolian carpets offer a glimpse into the rich history of the Ottoman Court and its enduring weaving tradition. The Textile Museum Through Feb. 22 Vicente Pascual/In Illo Tempore See how Spanish artist Vicente Pascual, who now lives in Washington, uses simple geometric designs set against monochromatic backgrounds to create potent visual dramas on the canvas. Luther W. Brady Art Gallery Feb. 27 to May 18 Gerhard Richter: 40 Years of Painting More than 120 works demonstrate German artist Gerhard Richterís prowess for evocative abstract canvases, the multitude of styles he used, and the broad influence he has wielded during his career. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through Feb. 28 Katharina Neuwirth: The Experiment, Photography An intriguing surrealist style has become the trademark of up-and-coming Austrian photographer Katharina Neuwirth and her experiment-based photography. Embassy of Austria Through March 1 Thys Boke Is Myne Explore how bibliophiles, famous and forgotten, have staked their claim over treasured books for more than 500 years. Folger Shakespeare Library Through March 2 Deceptions and Illusions: Five Centuries of Trompe LíOeil Painting ìDeceptions and Illusionsî surveys the playful and intellectual nature of trompe líoeilóthe artistic ability to depict an object so precisely as to make it appear real. National Gallery of Art Through March 2 DirectionsóCecily Brown Seven sensuous abstract paintings by London-born, New York-based artist Cecily Brown recast and conceal erotically charged scenes beneath large-format, gestural abstraction. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through March 9 The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes From South India Among the most exquisite works of Indian art are the numerous portable bronzes produced between the ninth and 13th centuries during the rule of the Chola Dynasty, 60 of which are shown here in this stellar exhibit. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through March 10 Fantasy Underfoot The 47th Corcoran Biennial explores the legacy of conceptual art and the ìnew mediaî of the 1960s through the critically acclaimed video installations of Bruce Nauman, the compulsive ink drawings of Jacob El Hanani as well as a vast range of works by 11 other contemporary artists. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through March 15 Frans Lanting: Jungles From the lowlands of the Congo to the peaks of the Andes, photographer and naturalist Frans Lanting has spent 20 years working in jungles and producing photographs that convey a compelling vision of Earthís most endangered ecosystems. National Geographic Explorers Hall Through March 16 In and Out of Focus: Images From Central Africa, 1885-1960 Learn how widely disseminated images of Central Africans taken by Western photographers perpetuated and popularized colonial rule. National Museum of African Art Through March 30 Palaces and Pavilions: Grand Architecture in Chinese Painting An ancient assortment of scrolls, album leaves and three-dimensional objects illustrates how imperial structures and mythical Daoist palaces have been depicted in Chinese art over the centuries. Freer Gallery of Art Through March 31 Through My Fatherís Eyes Photographs taken by Ricardo Alvarado provide a poignant and intimate backdrop to the rich cultural history of Filipino Americans, one the nationís largest and most rapidly growing Asian American ethnic groups. National Museum of American History Through April 20 ...douard Vuillard Comprising some 200 works, this exhibit represents the full range of ...douard Vuillardís subject matter, revealing both the public and private sides of this quintessentially Parisian artist. National Gallery of Art Through May 7 The Road to Rome: A Modern Pilgrimage Father Jerome Tupa, a Benedictine monk, retraces his spiritual journey through 21 cities in Italy with an innovative, abstract take on the sacred sites he encountered along the way. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through May 25 Common/Places: Contemporary Photography From Germany and Northern Europe Familiar scenes of everyday life are transformed into stunning, large-scale works by some of the most influential contemporary photographers in ìCommon/Places.î This exhibit runs concurrently with ìParallel Tracks: The History of Photography in Two Brief Installments,î which chronicles the evolution of street versus studio photography. Baltimore Museum of Art Through May 26 The Floating World Revealed: Ukiyo-e Paintings and Prints The style of art known as ukiyo-e depicts a panoply of actors and courtesans from the entertainment, theater and pleasure quarters of Japanís great cities during the Edo period (1615-1868). The exhibit runs concurrently with ìTea in the Floating World,î which looks at tea ceremonies in Kabuki theaters during the same time period. Freer Gallery of Art Through May 31 Silver Speaks Traditional jewelry and costumes from Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia and other Middle Eastern nations are sure to entice and enrapture viewers. Bead Museum Through June 1 Laying the Foundation for Liberty Learn how America prepared for Franceís monumental gift through the design and construction of the pedestal that anchors the Statue of Liberty. The Octagon Museum Through June 2 Hold It! Textiles as Containers Discover the many ways in which various cultures have exploited textile containers to suit their needs in this unique exhibit. The Textile Museum Through June 15 Whistler in Venice: The Pastels Expatriate American artist James McNeill Whistler fell in love with Venice during what was supposed to be a short stay, remaininghere instead for 14 months to create an array of pastels exploring the cityís backwater canals and decaying palazzos. Freer Gallery of Art Through Oct. 5 Ethiopian Icons: Faith and Science Reflecting two voicesócurator and conservatoróìEthiopian Iconsî explores the unique imagery of icons using the museumís own collection, which recently underwent a technical analysis and conservation treatment. National Museum of African Art Through Nov. 30 Journeys and Destinations: African Artists on the Move ìJourneys and Destinationsî examines the migration of African artists living in Europe and America and how they have negotiated their changing artistic, cultural and personal identities. National Museum of African Art Through Jan. 11, 2004 The Mountain of the Lord Five detailed models of the temples built on the ancient Temple Mount in Jerusalem give visitors the chance to explore these sacred sites firsthand. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center AUCTIONS Mon., Feb. 10, 6 p.m. Tenth Epicurean Food and Wine Auction Les Dames díEscoffierówhich raises scholarships and grants to train disadvantaged women for careers in food serviceóhosts this four-course Auguste Escoffier-style dinner prepared by the ìDameî chefs, among them Ann Amernick, Ann Cashion, Joan Nathan and Nora Pouillon. Auction items include a one-week stay in Paris and a cocktail reception for 10 at Todd Grayís Equinox. Tickets are $185. Embassy of France Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Hopes and Dreams Auction The St. Johnís Episcopal Preschool and Church will be holding an auction to raise money for scholarships to its school, where the curriculum is driven by the children and their demonstrated interests. Tickets are $25. St. Johnís Episcopal Preschool DANCE Sat., Feb. 1, 8 p.m. Paco PeÒa Paco PeÒa, one of todayís most respected flamenco guitarists, leads his sensuous and dazzling company of dancers, singers and guitarists in a performance that is sure to attract both traditional and crossover fans of flamenco. Tickets are $26. Robert E. Parilla Performing Arts Center Sat., Feb. 1, Fri., Feb. 7, 8 p.m. Third Annual D.C. Flamenco Festival Farruquito and Juana Amaya, two of the leading Gypsy dancers of the traditional ìflamenco puro,î share the stage in Saturdayís show, while Grammy-winning flamenco guitarist Tomatito headlines Fridayís show in this electrifying series of performances. Tickets are $25 to $50. Lisner Auditorium Sun., Feb. 2, 2 p.m. Mudra Dance Ensemble Four bharata-natyam dancers charm audiences with classical Indian dances, presented in conjunction with the exhibit ìThe Sensuous and the Sacred.î Freer Gallery of Art Through Feb. 2 Peter Pan This high-flying production of Septime Webreís ìPeter Panî comes complete with the charming childhood characters Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys and Pan himselfóas well as a dancing crocodileówhich are sure to bring out the kid in everyone. Tickets are $45 to $60. The Washington Ballet Feb. 18 to 23 American Ballet Theatreís Romeo and Juliet The American Ballet Theatre performs Sir Kenneth MacMillanís brilliant staging Shakespeareís tragic love story set to Prokofievís exhilarating music. Tickets are $27 to $75. Kennedy Center Concert Hall DISCUSSIONS Feb. 4, 25 and 28 Billy Cubed This three-session series takes an insightful look at jazz legends Billie Holiday and Billy Strayhorn with special guest Dr. Billy Taylor. Tickets are $44 for the three discussions, which includes a concert on Feb. 28. Kennedy Center Education Resource Center Wed., Feb. 5, 7 p.m.,Wed., Feb. 12, 5 p.m. Spies and Disguise On Feb. 5, Antonio and Jonna Mendez, experts in espionage and disguise, share their suspenseful stories detailing the role they played in bringing down the Cold War. On Feb. 12, participants take a guided tour of the International Spy Museum followed by a reception at the trendy new Zolaís restaurant. Tickets are $15 and $12 for Corcoran members for each lecture, or $55 and $45 for Corcoran members for both events. International Spy Museum Sat., Feb. 8, 3 p.m. Silk Road Stories Local volunteers with cultural ties to the ancient Silk Road paint a loving portrait of their homelands. Freer Gallery of Art Tue., Feb. 11, 7 p.m. American Ambassadors to Moscow: Reflections on Two Decades of Change Three former U.S. ambassadors to RussiaóArthur Hartman, Thomas Pickering and James Collinsóreflect on their experiences as both witnesses to and players in Russiaís evolution and on the current developments facing Russia. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian and Meridian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Wed., Feb. 12, 6 p.m. Edouard Vuillard Art historian Sally Shelburne presents various paintings that reveal the full range of artist Edouard Vuillardís complex and diverse career. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Ring Auditorium Thu., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m. Art and New Media in Italy Italian art critic Maria Grazia Mattei discusses the evolution of technology-based Italian art, particularly in Milan, site of the 2003 Inter-American Development Bank annual meeting. The lecture will also illustrate the Cultural Centerís new exhibit, ìDigitalyart,î set to open Feb. 20. Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center Thu., Feb. 13, 6:30 p.m., Sat., Feb. 15, 9:30 a.m. Portrait of the Hermitage: 300 Years of Collecting In a joint lecture on Thursday and an all-day seminar on Saturday, Mikhail Piotrovsky, director of the Hermitage Museum in Russia, discusses the history of one of the most important and sumptuous museums in the world. Tickets are $35 and $25 for Smithsonian members (lecture only), $75 and $50 for Smithsonian members (seminar only), or $90 and $65 for Smithsonian members (both events). S. Dillon Ripley Center Tue., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. The Kitchen Boy/Book Signing On the 300th anniversary of the founding of St. Petersburg, this fascinating talk deals with the mystifying legend surrounding the Romanov murders. Tickets are $16 and $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Tue., Feb. 18, 7 p.m. Stuart Eizenstat Stuart Eizenstat reads from his new book ìImperfect Justice: Looted Assets, Slave Labor, and the Unfinished Business of World War II,î also discussing his controversial swastika-covered book jacket. Tickets are $8 and $5 for DCJCC members. DCJCC Wed., Feb. 19, 6 p.m. The Moscow Kremlin Participants join cultural expert Karen Kettering for an illustrated virtual walking tour of the Kremlin and its many extraordinary buildings. Tickets are $35 and $25 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Ring Auditorium Thu., Feb. 20, 12 p.m. Grand Architect: Sir Christopher Wren Lisa Jardine, a professor at Queen Mary University of London, journeys through modern-day London to reveal how architect Sir Christopher Wren designed dramatic, innovative structural features using mathematics and engineering. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., Feb. 24, 7 p.m. Chagall in Russia Renowned scholar Pamela Kachurin draws on her experience living in the Russian village of Vitebsk to explore the art of Chagall. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Ring Auditorium Feb. 24 to April 30 Korean Language and Culture Classes The 2003 winter-spring semester of Korean language classes begins this month, with levels I, II and III being held on Mondays and level IV on Wednesdays, both from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuition is $175 and includes a textbook. Embassy of Korea Wed., Feb. 26, 6 p.m. A Return to the Undersea Realm of the Galapagos With video clips, director Craig McLean and oceanographic experts Stephen Hammon and Timothy Shank explain the importance of understanding the Galapagos and probing this ecological treasure. Tickets are $14 and $11 for Smithsonian members. Please call Resident Associates at (202) 357-3030 for location information. Location TBA FESTIVALS Sat., Feb. 8 and 15, Sun., Feb. 9 and 16 Paris on the Potomac Le Neon Theatre brings its second festival of French theater, music, dance, juggling, cabaret acts and food catered by Brasserie Les Halles to Washington audiences. Featured performances include ìExercises in Styleî and ìLíAmour MÈdecin,î among others. Admission tickets are $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for students under 21. Rosslyn Spectrum Thu., Feb. 13, 6 p.m. Art After Hours: Hirshhorn Heartfest Celebrate Valentineís Day with other art lovers by designing cards, learning about different artist romances, and savoring in a scrumptious cheese and wine reception (cash bar). Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden MUSIC Sat., Feb. 1, 6 p.m. The Sound Poet of Pathos: Yasuji Ohagi, Guitarist Accomplished Japanese guitarist makes his long-awaited U.S. debut with an extensive repertoire that includes classical and ancient Latin, Japanese and Indian music. Kennedy Center Millennium Stage Sat., Feb. 1, 8 p.m. Soundtracks: Music and Film The National Symphony Orchestra presents this portrait of composer John Williams, who has penned such film scores as ìShark Cage Fugueî from ìJawsî and the theme to ìSchindlerís List.î Tickets are $19 to $69. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Sun., Feb. 2, 7:30 p.m. Nordic Voices Scandinaviaís foremost chamber music choir, an a capella 12-voice choiróhere on their debut U.S. tourópresents ìNordic Voices,î featuring early and contemporary Scandinavian music. Tickets are $30 and include a pre-performance discussion at 6:30 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Wed., Feb. 5, 7 p.m. Peter Dvorsky World-renowned opera singer Peter Dvorsky comes to Washington to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Slovak Republic for this exciting recital. Tickets are $25 and are available through Friends of Slovakia by calling (202) 362-4493 or e-mailing information@friendsofslovakia.org. Lisner Auditorium Wed. and Thu., Feb. 5 to 27, 5 p.m. Jazz on Ice Every Wednesday and Thursday, visitors can enjoy live jazz inside the National Galleryís Pavilion CafÈ or outside on the skating rink through its state-of-the-art music system. National Gallery of Art Fri., Feb. 7, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Nocturne This concertófeaturing Charlie Haden and Quartet West with Gonzalo Rubalcabaóis devoted to the sensuous, romantic ballads that have distinguished Latin American music for generations, otherwise known as boleros. Tickets are $27. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sat., Feb. 8, 2 p.m. Alexander Ghindin, Piano Now 24, Russian piano phenomenon Alexander Ghindin shows why he has been garnering attention for his musical prowess since the tender age of 10 in this delightful concert. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sat., Feb. 8, 8 p.m. Brian Ganz To commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Dumbarton Concerts series, Brian Ganz and the Left Bank String Quartet perform the chamber version of Chopinís piano concertos in a one-time performance of these rarely heard masterpieces. Tickets are $26 and $22 for students and seniors. Dumbarton Church Sun., Feb. 9, 7:30 p.m. Yungchen Lhamo Single Ticket: $25 The a cappella singing of Tibetís internationally acclaimed diva creates a memorable evening that is sure to life the mind and spirit. Tickets are $25. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Thu., Feb. 13, 8 p.m. Jazz Cabaret With Carol Sloane Joseph and Alma Gildenhorn Recital Hall This pre-Valentineís Day cabaret is sure to get the heart stirring with love songs by jazz vocalist Carol Sloane, pianist Norman Simmons and special guest Paul West. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Thu., Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. New Music for Kotos In this unique musical performance, Keiko Nosaka plays the 25-string koto instrument from Japan accompanied on bass koto by Mizuyo Komiya. Freer Gallery of Art Fri., Feb. 14, 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. Jane Monheit Make this a Valentineís Day to remember with a dazzling performance by one of the hottest young female jazz vocalists in the business. Tickets are $27. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Feb. 14 to 16 Obo Addy Master drummer Obo Addy presents an overview of Ghanaian music and danceófrom ìHighlife,î a blend of African, British and American music genres, to one of his latest contemporary compositions. Tickets are $13. Kennedy Center Theater Lab Thu., Feb. 20, 8 and 10 p.m. KC Jazz Club: Arturo OíFarrill Quartet Led by Mexican pianist Arturo OíFarrill, this quartet plays a mix of sultry Cuban music as well as a kaleidoscope of jazz styles. Tickets are $22.50. Kennedy Center Education Resource Center Sat., Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Ensemble Wien-Berlin Pre-performance discussion at 7 p.m. Single Ticket: $25 Former members of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and the Berlin Philharmonic join musical forces to bring you a thrilling program that includes works by Briccialdi, Respighi, Hindemith and Beethoven. Tickets are $25 and include a pre-performance discussion at 7 p.m. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Sat., Feb. 22, 8 p.m. Pascal RogÈ Internationally acclaimed pianist Pascal RogÈ joins rising star Vanessa Benelli for a stunning repertoire of classical piano compositions. Tickets are $26 and $22 for students and seniors. Dumbarton Church Tue., Feb. 25, 7:30 p.m. From Romanticism to Rebellion Acclaimed Icelandic baritone Sigurdur Bragason presents this intriguing concert of Russian and Icelandic songs accompanied by his fellow countryman, pianist Olaf Eliasson. Tickets are free but required. Please call the Icelandic Embassy at (202) 265-6653 for reservations. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Wed., Feb. 26, 8:30 p.m. BÈatrice et BÈnÈdict The Washington Concert Opera presents Hector Berliozís ìBÈatrice et BÈnÈdict,î based on Shakespeareís ìMuch Ado About Nothingî about one coupleís futile attempts to avoid the daunting prospect of love and marriage. Tickets are $23 to $80. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Fri., Feb. 28, 7:30 p.m. Le Vent du Nord Mardi Gras Celebration Join the Smithsonian Associates for a pre-Mardi Gras celebration with the traditional Quebecois band Le Vent du Nord. Tickets are $23 and $18 for Smithsonian members. Please call the Resident Associates at (202) 357-3030 for location information. Location TBA RECEPTIONS Wed., Feb. 12, 7 p.m. Insider Embassy Nights: Morocco Officials from the Embassy of Morocco share their perspectives on Jewish culture in this fascinating presentation, which is capped off by a light wine reception. Tickets are $30 and $20 for DCJCC members. Embassy of Morocco Mon., Feb. 17, 6:30 p.m. Moveable Feast: Three Restaurants With Design Join architect and interior designer Theo Adamstein and Olvia Demetriou for this portable dinner procession featuring hors díoeuvres and libations at Poste Brasserie in the Hotel Monaco, a main course at Zola, and dessert at Zaytinya. Tickets are $145 and $130 for Corcoran members. Poste Brasserie Wed., Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Concert and Reception to Celebrate Independence Day of Lithuania Enjoy a sparkling concert by young Lithuanian pianist Edvinas Minkstimas, laureate of six international piano competitions, followed by a reception courtesy of the Embassy of Lithuania. Tickets are $20 and $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., Feb. 20, 7 p.m. Mrs. Tependris: The Contemporary Years The eccentric Mrs. Tependris lives in the imagination of Konstantin Kakanias, an Athens-born artist and author who will share with audiences the adventures of her mythical character (followed by a Greek reception co-sponsored by the Greek Embassy). Tickets are $16 and $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art THEATER Sat., Feb. 1, 2 p.m. Hippolyte et Aricie Opera Lafayette presents Rameauís first opera, ìHippolyte et Aricie,î featuring the groundbreaking music and extraordinary attention to detail that has set the company apart over the years. Tickets are $20 to $40. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Through Feb. 2 A Night With Dame Edna Bring your gladiolas and prepare to laugh out loud with the incomparable Dame Edna Everage, Australiaís wacky sequin-studded, superstar-advising import. Tickets are $35 to $67.50. National Theatre Through Feb. 2 Shakespeareís Villains: A Masterclass in Evil Acclaimed actor Steven Berkoffóof such films as ìBeverly Hills Copî and ìOctopussyîótackles the Bardís greatest villains in this electrifyingly evil one-man riff. Tickets are $30.25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Through Feb. 2 South Pacific The Rodgers and Hammerstein post-war classic looks at love in the tropics amid racial tensions and warís inhumanity. Tickets are $40 to $58. Arena Stage Fichandler Theater Feb. 4 to March 2 Stones in his Pockets Marie Jonesís award-winning play tells the story of 15 characters (all played by Bronson Pinchot and Tim Ruddy) as they struggle to find a sense of reality on a big-budget Hollywood film shoot set in an Irish village. Tickets are $25 to $70 (contains strong language). Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Feb. 5 to March 15 Sixth International Festival of Hispanic Theater Experience theater companies from Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Mexico and many more Latin American nationsóas well as Hispanic companies from as far away as Switzerland and Spainóin this truly global theatrical endeavor. Please call for specific show information. Teatro de la Luna Feb. 6 to March 16 Cervantes: Master of the Interlude Scheming lawyers, amorous priests, rebellious womenóthe genius of the Golden Age author Don Quixote still reigns fresh and pertinent in this evening of short farces that captures life in 17th-century Spain. Tickets are $28 and $18 for students and seniors. Gala Hispanic Theatre Through Feb. 9 Twelfth Night Journey to the land of Illyria where mistaken identity, cross-dressing and cross-gartered hose come together in one of Shakespeareís most musical and inspired comedies. Tickets are $29 to $46. Folger Theatre Through Feb. 16 Runaway Home Continuing a very personal exploration of his roots, Javon Johnson brings to the stage the true story of a single African American mother who must choose between the demands of her family and a life of her own. Tickets are $25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Feb. 21 to 23 Shadowís Child Urban Bush Women and the National Company of Song and Dance of Mozambique collaborated to create this charming story of one little girlís heroism. Tickets are $13. Kennedy Center Theater Lab Feb. 22, 24, 26, March 1, 3, 6 and 11 Aida Giuseppe Verdiís monumental epic ìAidaî inaugurates The Washington Operaís new stage at DAR Constitution Hall. Acclaimed Russian soprano Maria Guleghina plays the slave Aida in this wrenching drama of a lonely exile torn between her love for the leader of an enemyís army and her loyalty to her father and country. Tickets are $41 to $285. DAR Constitution Hall Through Feb. 23 George Gershwin Alone This story of one of the worldís most beloved composers comes straight from its record-breaking runs in Boston, Los Angeles and Broadway. Tickets are $29 to $45 with discounts for groups of 20 or more. Fordís Theatre Feb. 26 to March 30 The Miser In this classic Moliere farce, the money-loving eccentricities of the tight-fisted Harpagon spin out of control when those around him conspire to help his children get married. Tickets are $25 to $35. Olney Theatre Center Feb. 27 to March 30 SalomÈ Oscar Wildeís ìSalome,î inspired by the biblical account of John the Baptist, follows a young princess consumed by her desire for an imprisoned holy man in what unfolds as a poetic vision of love, death and perverse passion. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Through March 9 The Silent Woman An old bachelor with a severe aversion to noise marries a ìsilent womanî to deny his nephew a large inheritance, but this lady turns out to be anything but quiet in this witty satire on Jacobean society. Tickets are $15 to $65. The Shakespeare Theatre Through March 9 Whoís Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Classika brings its own unique touch to the turbulent story of two couples caught up in a night of conflict, intimidation, excess and sexual tension. Tickets are $17 to $22. Classika Theatre