May 2003












  Washington Diplomat
  PO Box 1345
  Wheaton, MD 20915
  Tel: 301.933.3552
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Indian Road Trip
Raghubir Singh’s Photos Capture Vibrant Cities, People of India

by Carolyn Chapman
Looking at Indian photographer Raghubir Singh’s photos is a lot like going on a road trip through India with him, seeing the vibrant cities, ancient buildings, lively people and varied landscapes through his eyes—and through his car, one of the ubiquitous Indian Ambassadors. Known affectionately in India as an “Amby,” the Ambassador car has changed little since it debuted in 1957, and, like yellow cabs in New York City, it seems to be a predictable and constant presence on Indian roads.
Over a 30-year period, Singh spent much of his time on the road in his Amby, traveling throughout the country taking photographs. “Auto*Focus: Raghubir Singh’s Way Into India,” now on display at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery, features his last series of photographs, which use the Ambassador as his focal point...

Plant Person
Hökerberg’s Inventive Watercolors Based on Linnaeus Fauna

by Gary Tischler
Who knew about celsia blattaria alba, a.k.a. verbascum? Who would have figured that rudbeckia could be so glorious? And who would have guessed that sparmannia africana and thunbergia grandiflora could have such interesting back stories?
Most of us wouldn’t know about these various plants, but botanists, horticulturalists and naturalists know about them, and artist Annika Silander Hökerberg certainly knows as well.
Hökerberg, a gifted and award-winning Swedish artist, chose to do a series of watercolors around a unique theme: She painted the plants and flowers named after followers of the great Swedish naturalist Car l Linnaeus, hence the exhibition “Men Around Linnaeus,” a surprisingly inventive and provocative collection of watercolors now on display at the Embassy of Sweden...

Breaking Tradition
Multicultural Australian Artist Mixes Styles in Textile Creations
by Serena Lei
Japanese-born textile artist Keiko Amenomori-Schmeisser grew up in Germany and since 1979 has called Australia her home. When asked how living in three such distinct cultures affected her perspective, Amenomori-Schmeisser did not immediately mention her artistic influences but rather her ability to view international news from three different points of view. “My focus is not so narrow,” she explained. “From Germany, I watch Japan. From Japan, I watch Australia...”

Organic Mix
Buster’s Huge Abstract Installations Resemble Familiar Objects
by Carolyn Chapman
Kendall Buster’s drawings, models and large-scale installation sculptures, now on view at The Kreeger Museum, combine the artist’s fascination with biology, technology and architecture. What results is an intriguing array of abstract, organic, neutrally colored structures that evoke familiar shapes...

No Escape
Disturbing, Bloody Richard III Reflects Contemporary Events
by Lisa Troshinsky
Many play directors are highlighting connections between their productions and the war themes of today’s political climate. Gale Edwards’s violent, modern-day interpretation of “Richard III,” currently at The Shakespeare Theatre, is no exception—and her statement on contemporary politics is far from flattering...

Exactly ‘As You Like It’
Royal Shakespeare Company Brings Out the Brit in the Bard

by Gary Tischler
It’s probably fair to say that nobody does Shakespeare better than Britain’s Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC)—the title alone is enough to make you want to bow. As the Royal Shakespeare Company performs “As You Like It” at the Kennedy Center this month, the company not only initiates the first performance of a five-year exclusive annual American residency arranged with the support of the Prince of Wales Foundation, it also brings with it a legendary history and troupe of great performers...

Change of Seasonings
New Chef, Menu Offer Culinary Thrills at Café Lombardy
by Rachel Hunt and Stephen Qualiana
Events Listing
Featuring art, dance, lectures, music, receptions and theater, our comprehensive listing offers an array of options for those interested in international events. Included is a list of all major event locations in the Washington, D.C., area...
Events Locations

Sensual ‘Salomé’
Synetic Synthesizes Different Forms to Make Intoxicating Wilde
by Lisa Troshinsky
Attending the Synetic Theater’s current production of “Salomé” by Oscar Wilde is much like taking a mild, pleasant intoxicant. Artistic director Paata Tsikurishvili’s creation—sandwiched into the company’s quaint Church Street Theater—is a feast for the senses. And you’re better off relaxing and going along for the journey than resisting the unfamiliar sensations it may provoke or overanalyzing this complex work...

Light Show
Wright’s Decorative Glass Adds Insight Into Architectural Vision
by Natalie Koss
A 70-year career spent developing a new form of architecture is impressive. But American architectural icon Frank Lloyd Wright also spent his years redefining decorative glass windows in some of America’s most well-known homes and buildings...

Rousing Revue
Fats Waller’s Genius of Jazz Gets Its Due in ‘Ain’t Misbehavin’’

by Carolyn Cosmos
The song and dance delight “Ain’t Misbehavin’ : The Fats Waller Musical Show,” now playing at the Arena Stage, isn’t a musical at all in one sense of the word: It’s pure revue—music theater stripped down until form is the focus, and what you essentially get is a live concert...

Organizations: Group Introduces New Diplomats To Washington, American Culture
by Serena Lei
THIS began in 1961 when the State Department needed a full-time organization to handle the increasing number of new diplomats in the city. The nonprofit, nongovernmental organization was created as an affiliate of the Meridian International Center, which has similar goals of promoting international understanding...



International Film Clips
Film Locations

Film Reviews:
Relevant ‘Iraq’
Ghobadi Offers Searing Journey Through War-Torn Kurdistan
by Ky N. Nguyen
Set in the aftermath of the Persian Gulf War, the timely “Marooned in Iraq” hits Washington, D.C., screens while talk of current military actions in Iraq fills the air...
Back in the USSR
The Shining Path
The Meaning of Life
Outsider-Insider’s View of Ali
Repertory Notes

Working with Music and Humor
Director Ghobadi’s Explains Making ‘Marooned in Iraq’

by Ky N. Nguyen

An Original
Director Jordan Discusse
s ‘Good Thief,’ Remake of ‘Bob le Flambeur’
by Ky N. Nguyen

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