EVENTS **Admission is free unless otherwise noted. Unless listed, please call for specific event times and/or hours of operation. art May 2 to Oct. 5 Ethiopian Passages: Dialogues in the Diaspora Commemorating the centennial anniversary of U.S.-Ethiopia diplomatic relations, this is the first major exhibition devoted to the contemporary visual arts of the Ethiopian Diaspora. National Museum of African Art May 3 to Sept. 7 Isamu Noguchi and Modern Japanese Ceramics Best known for his abstract stone sculpture, public plazas, and lamp and furniture designs, Japanese-American artist Isamu Noguchi (1904-1988) also produced a radically original body of ceramic art during three visits to Japan, 43 of which are now on display. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through 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 Through May 4 Brilliance of Bakst: Theater and Textile Designs from Baltimore Collections Exhibition featuring the multi-paneled stage set and more than 12 brilliantly colored textile designs by Russian painter and stage designer LÈon Bakst. Baltimore Museum of Art Through May 4 Faith and Culture: The Art of Egg-Writing in Poland In Poland, decorating eggs during Easter has become nothing short of its own unique art form, signaling the start of spring and the promise of a new beginning. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center May 4 to Sept. 7 Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828): Sculptor of the Enlightenment Houdon is universally recognized as the greatest European portrait sculptor of the last half the 18th-century; however, despite her fame, this markís Houdonís first major monographic exhibit. National Gallery of Art Through 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 May 7 The Road to Rome: A Modern Pilgrimage Father Jerome Tupa, a Benedictine monk, retraces his spiritual j ourney 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 May 7 to June 22 Troubled Images: Posters and Images of the Northern Ireland Conflict The 70 posters on view in this exhibit represent a wide range of opinions on major events and individuals involved in the arduous struggle for peace in this deeply divided society. Meridian International Center Through May 9 Come Face to Face with Africa: A Day in the Life of Africa One hundred of the worldís foremost photojournalists visited 53 African nations on a single day for this panoramic perspective on the people, culture and environment of this diverse continent. Union Station May 9 to July 25 Dreaming Mexico This mesmerizing exhibit combines folk arts from Oaxaca, Mexico, with paintings by internationally renowned artists schooled in the Oaxacan tradition. Inter-American Development Bank Cultural Center May 10 to July 14 Robert Frank: London/Wales ìLondon/Walesî juxtaposes to distinct bodies of work to reveal a new understanding of Robert Frankís contribution to the history of photography. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through May 11 Margaret Bourke-White: The Photography of Design, 1927-1936 Discover how Margaret Bourke-Whiteís images of industrialization in Fortune and Life magazines catapulted her to the upper echelons of American photography and earned her a spot in womenís history. The Phillips Collection Through 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 May 16 Japan After Perry: Views of Yokohama and Meiji Japan Twenty-four striking and exquisitely detailed woodblock prints celebrate the 150th anniversary of Commodore Matthew Perryís arrival in Japan and the onset of cultural relations between Japan and the United States. Japan Information and Culture Center Through May 16 With the Flow Against the Grain Soothing textile creations by Australian-Japanese artist Keiko Amenomori Schmeisser make up this visually stunning exhibit. Embassy of Australia Through May 18 Gerhard Richter: 40 Years of Painting More than 120 works demonstrate German artist Gerhard Richterís prowess for evocative abstract canvases, his highly diverse style, and the influence he has wielded during his prolific career. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden May 23 to June 16 Expressions 2003: Art by DC Youth ìExpressionsî showcases the imagination and creativity of more than 200 young people involved in the award-winning Corcoran ArtReach program. Corcoran Gallery of Art 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 May 30 to July 28 The Eyes of History 2003 Compelling images by some of the nationís most distinguished photojournalists vividly chronicle the yearís top news stories. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through June 1 Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, 1880-1938 This is the first major U.S. exhibition in 30 years devoted to Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, one of the most prolific and creative of the German Expressionists. National Gallery of Art Through June 1 Hands of Peace, Hands of Prayer A casting of the hands of Abraham Lincoln, Pope John Paul II and more than 300 school children are on exhibit in conjunction with several workshops and craft activities for children and families. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center 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 distinctive ways various cultures have exploited textile containers to suit their needs in this unique exhibit. The Textile Museum Through June 6 About Time This collaborative exhibit addresses issues of time through the works of alumni from the Corcoran College of Art and Design and the Emily Carr Institute of Art and Design in Vancouver. Embassy of Canada Through June 13 Tapio Wirkkala: Design Legend From Finland This marks the first comprehensive exhibit of works by Tapio Wirkkala (1915-1985), a pioneer of Finnish industrial art and a symbolic figure in the Finnish design world. Embassy of Finland Through June 15 Jean Hugo: An Artist Observes World War I Thirty watercolors and drawings capture vivid images of World War I in France through the eyes of Jean Hugo, great grandson of legendary writer Victor Hugo. Woodrow Wilson House 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, remaining there instead for 14 months to create an array of pastels exploring the cityís backwater canals and decaying palazzos. Freer Gallery of Art Through 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 female patrons and painters contributed to Russian imperial, social and cultural history. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through June 21 Kendall Buster: Inventory of Imagined Places One of Washingtonís star sculptors, Kendall Buster fashions large-scale sculptures that are both object and architectureócomplete with portals that allow viewers to ex plore the artistís inventive interior spaces. The Kreeger Museum Through July 13 Frederic Remington: The Color of Night Some 25 paintings reveal the spare modernism and surprising use of color and light in American artist Remingtonís series of works depicting the ìcolor of night.î National Gallery of Art Through July 20 Light Screens: The Leaded Glass of Frank Lloyd Wright This exhibit showcases Frank Lloyd Wright, the innovative icon of American architecture, with 48 of his stained glass windows, two architectural models and 13 original plates. American Art Museum Through 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 Aug. 2 Elizabeth I, Then and Now Four-hundred years after her death, Englandís Elizabeth I continues to attract intense interest, as seen in this far-reaching retrospective culled from the Folgerís own extensive holdings. Folger Shakespeare Library Through Aug. 10 Auto * Focus: Raghubir Singhís Way Into India ìAuto * Focus,î one of Raghubir Singhís last great projects, combines the photographerís passions for color and the Indian landscape with his fascination for the Ambassador car, a symbol of modern India. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Aug. 10 Carpets of Andalusia During the period of Muslim rule over the Iberian Peninsulaówhat we today call Spainócarpet weaving was introduced into Spain and the practice continues to reflect an impressive amalgamation of cultural traditions. The Textile Museum 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 Insomnia: Night Landscapes From peaceful dreams to the dark catacombs of nightmares, 30 artists probe the effects of nightfall on an artistís perception and imagination. National Museum of Women in the Arts 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 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 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 dance Sat., May 10, 8 p.m., Sun., May 11, 7 p.m. Living Dance Studio: Report on the Body Chinaís first independent dance and theater company cleverly fuses dance, video, stories, sets and lightening to document the routine and personal side of life in modern China. Tickets are $25. Dance Place Thu., May 15, 7:30 p.m. Rincones & Company Dance Theater The vision of Rinconesís founder Juan Carlos Rincones fuses the cultural influences of his native Venezuela and his adopted country, the United States, through collaborations with an array of musicians, singers, actors and writers. Tickets are $50. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sun., May 18, 8 p.m. Rhythm of Korea The Youn Duck-Kyung Dance Company, established in 1989, modernizes traditional Korean dance in this fascinating and diverse program. Tickets are $30 to $65. Kennedy Center Concert Hall May 28 to June 1 Cinderella The Washington Balletís 2002-2003 season concludes with the world premiere of artistic director Septime Webreís spectacular full-length take on the classic fairy tale, set to Prokofievís impassioned score. Tickets are $45 to $75. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater lectures Sat., May 3, 2 p.m. How to Travel Safely Balancing the adventure and delight of traveling while remaining aware and vigilant is the topic of this presentation designed for both first-time and experienced travelers. Tickets are $15; advance registration is required. International Spy Museum Sun., May 4, 1 p.m. Strange Bedfellows: The Military and the Movies Motion Picture Association president Jack Valenti and several military experts, film industry representatives and critics reveal the full breadth of the relationship that has produced more than 800 movies portraying the military since 1911. Tickets are $40 or $33 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sun., May 4, 2 p.m. Catherine the Great: Representations of Power Guest speaker Simon Dixon of the University of Leeds examines the power of symbolic representation and the importance of sovereign visibility for Russian rulers, focusing on Catherine the Great. Tickets are $12. Hillwood Museum and Gardens Mon., May 5, 7 p.m. St. Petersburg: Reflections on an Impossible City With Robert K. Massie Author Robert K. Massie looks at St. Petersburgís enduring legacy and storied history. Tickets are $16 or $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Mon., May 5, 8 p.m. Discovering Michelangelo at the Smithsonian Sir Timothy Clifford, director general of the National Galleries of Scotland, shares the dramatic story of a rare discovery of a Michelangelo drawing and speculates on when and why the drawing was made. Tickets are $15 or $12 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Wed., May 7, 7:30 p.m. Ancient Egypt: Moments of Discovery Photographer Kenneth Garrett shares his experiences working alongside archaeologists to unearth some of the most amazing finds that have come out of Egypt over the past decade. Tickets are $16 or $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Thu., May 8, 7 p.m. Balmoral Castle and the Leisure Life of the Royals In a slide-illustrated lecture, renowned naturalist Sir John Lister-Kay tells the fascinating story of Balmoral Castle in the Highlands, which has been the holiday home of the British Royal Family since 1852. Tickets are $15 or $11 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Thu., May 8 and 15, 7 p.m. Israeli Intelligence: The Mossad Find out why the Mossad is considered to be the worldís premier intelligence agency in this intriguing program. Tickets are $30 for both evenings; advance registration is required. International Spy Museum Fri., May 9, 7 p.m. Scottish Films for Short Attention Spans Enjoy some of the top films from recent Edinburg Film Festivals and other award winners. Tickets are $15 or $12 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Mon., May 12, 7 p.m. Steve Forbes on the Financial Scot Steve Forbes shares his insights into what the Scottish financial heritage can mean in todayís business climate. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Smithsonian members. National Museum of Natural History Tue., May 13, 7 p.m. Eating Across Europe Savor this gourmandís journey across Europe with Rudy Maxa of NPRís popular show ìThe Savvy Travelerî and restaurateur Daisuke Utagawa, as well as a sampling of tasty treasures from their culinary travels. Tickets are $30 or $25 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Thu., May 15, 12 p.m. Journey to Peking: A Secret Agent in Wartime China Author Daniel C. Pinck recounts his adventures along the Japanese-held coast of China as a 19-year-old American agent who helped U.S. forces sink Japanese ships during World War II. International Spy Museum Tue., May 20, 6:45 p.m. Christo and Jeanne-Claude: Two Works in Progress Renowned for their monumental wrapping projects, husband-and-wife team Christo and Jeanne-Claude discuss their latest grand venture called ìThe Gates,î which has been in the works since 1979 and will open for 16 days in 2005 in New York. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., May 22, 6:30 p.m. Rafael ViÒoly Uruguayan architect Rafael ViÒoly, whoís currently working on the new Kennedy Center expansion and was a finalist in the new World Trade Center design competition, discusses his recent designs. Inter-American Development Bank AndrÈs Bello Auditorium Wed., May 28, 7:30 p.m. Surviving Everest As a doctor on expeditions to some of the most remote and hostile regions of the world, including Everest, Dr. Ken Kamler shares his insights into medical and spiritual survival and the limits of human endurance. Tickets are $16 or $13 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Thu., May 29, 6:30 p.m. Dr. Michael Chibnik Anthropologist Michael Chibnik examines the globalization of crafts marketing with a particular focus of the arts and crafts traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Inter-American Development Bank AndrÈs Bello Auditorium Thu., May 29, 7 p.m. Scottish Devolution: In Principle and In Practice Brian Taylor, political editor of BBC Scotland, looks at the motivations that led to the establishment of Scotlandís Parliament and examines devolution as a response to that countryís continuing sense of national identity. Tickets are $14 or $11 for Smithsonian members. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden music May 2 to 4 Sones de Mexico This premier Chicago Mexican folk group specializes in son, a lively music tradition that has its roots in the mariachi. The childrenís production also features dance and lessons on the ecosystem and Aztec cosmology. Tickets are $13. Kennedy Center Theater Lab Sat., May 3, 4:30 p.m. Evgeny Kissin Enjoy the melodies of Russian pianist Evgeny Kissin, whom The Guardian describes as a ìformidable musical personality, his playing a seamless blend of transcendental technique and piercing musical intelligence.î Tickets are $55 to $105. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Sat., May 3, 7:30 p.m. Dimitri Papapostolou in Concert The Greek Embassy presents renowned Greek composer Dimitri Papapostolou in ìA Musical Journey Through Greece,î a showcase of the melodies of the Greek mainland and islands. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Tue., May 6, 7 p.m. Philip Thomson, Pianist One of Canadaís most brilliant pianists, Philip Thomson is widely acclaimed for his technical prowess and poetic interpretation. Tickets are $15 or $10 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri., May 9, 8 p.m. Scholarship Benefit Series The University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra joins the Guarneri String Quartet, the longest-running artistic collaboration of any quartet, for this musical tour de force. Tickets are $20. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Sat., May 10, 4:30 p.m. Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra This all-Brahms program features the new music director of the New York Philharmonic. Tickets are $45 to $85. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Mon., May 12, 7:30 p.m. Asian Song Festival To celebrate Asian-American Heritage Month, the Asian American Music Society delights audiences with a program of traditional folk songs from China, Japan and Korea, along with contemporary works by local composers. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Fri., May 16, 7:30 p.m. Sixth Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart Emerging Singers Concert This annual showcase of up-and-coming talents consists of spectacular program of solos, duets and scenes from Wagner operas. Tickets are $35 or $25 for Wagner Society members. Embassy of Germany Sat., May 17, 2 p.m. European Academy of Music and Arts Winners of an international piano contest perform in an afternoon dedicated to pianist and composer Sergei Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sat., May 17, 8 p.m. Alexander Tselyakov Pianist Alexander Tselyakovís playing has inspired standing ovations all over the world, including Japan, Germany, Italy, Israel, Spain, Finland, the United States and Canada, now his home. See why in this dazzling program of Chopin and Rachmaninoff. Tickets are $35. La Maison FranÁaise Fri. and Sat., May 23 and 2 4, 8 p.m. Operetta Evening The Embassy Seriesí annual operetta evening with young Austrian baritone Klemens Geyrhofer returns in rousing fashion. Tickets are $30. Embassy of Austria receptions Wed., May 21, 6:30 p.m. Breaking the Ice: An Evening at the Australian Embassy Enjoy prints, drawings and paintings from Antarctica and meet noted Australian printmaker J^rg Schmeisser followed by a wine and cheese reception. Tickets are $40 or $30 for Corcoran members. Embassy of Australia theater Through May 4 Elizabeth the Queen A sea of political plots and schemes are hatched to unravel the already strained relationship between the Earl of Essex and Elizabeth I, portrayed by Michael Learned. Tickets are $29 to $46. Folger Shakespeare Library Through May 4 Uncle Vanya Chekhovís story of disillusionment and betrayal chronicles an aging man, starved for love and suffering from alcoholism, who must come to terms with the truths of his life and the needs of his family. Tickets are $15 to $17. Classika Theatre May 10, 13, 16, 19, 21 and 24 Fidelio ìFidelio,î Beethovenís only opera, celebrated the triumph of good over evil with the story of a political prisoner who is saved from execution by his courageous and determined wife, Leonora, played by soprano Susan B. Anthony in her Washington Opera debut. Tickets are $41 to $285. DAR Constitution Hall Through May 18 As You Like It The Royal Shakespeare Company returns to the Kennedy Center for its first engagement in an unprecedented five-year American residency with the pastoral comedy ìAs You Like It.î Tickets are $25 to $70. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through May 18 El Loco y la Triste (Soul Mates of the Fringe) This gritty drama portrays a homeless man and an aging prostitute who befriend each other in the outskirts of a South American city and proceed to change each otherís lives. Tickets are $28. Gala Hispanic Theatre Through May 18 The Miser The tightfisted Harpagon takes his greed a little too far when he tries to upend his childrenís plans to marry in this classic Moliere farce. Tickets are $25 to $35. Olney Theatre Center Through May 18 The Play About the Baby Edward Albee chronicles the surprising turn of events when a mysterious man and woman visit a naÔve young couple in this provocative and wickedly funny exploration of grief and loss. Tickets are $30.25 to $44.25. The Studio Theatre Through May 18 Richard III Gale Edwards directs Shakespeareís riveting portrait of a world perched on the edge of war, driven there by a bent and brutal man whose only goal is destruction. Tickets are $16 to $66. The Shakespeare Theatre Through May 25 Ainít Mesbehaviní Foot-stomping ragtime romps, passionate ballads and off-the-cuff comedy take center stage this electrifying musical showcase of Thomas (Fats) Wallerís most cherished hits. Tickets are $40 to $58. Arena Stage Through May 25 SalomÈ A young princess is consumed by her desire for an imprisoned holy man, culminating in a perverse web of passion, love and death. Tickets are $25 to $30. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Through June 1 1776 This Tony Award-winning musical takes a humorous look at the making of the U.S. Declaration of Independence. Tickets are $29 to $45. Fordís Theatre Through June 1 The Princess and the Pea The classic Hans Christian Andersen tale gets a remake by Classikaís award-winning Green Parrot Puppet Theatre. Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Classika Theatre