**Admission is free unless otherwise noted. All information on event venues can be found on The Washington Diplomat Web site at www.washdiplomat.com. Times and locations are subject to change. Unless listed, please call venue for specific event times and hours of operation. ART May 3 to June 1 Body Art: Natural Material Collages Contemporary African artist Hussein Saidi highlights the reasons why cultures have carried on the traditions of body art with his sculptural-like collages. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center Northern Virginia Community College May 6 through May 2005 The Enemy Within: Terror in Americaó1776 to Today ìThe Enemy Withinî reveals nine major events in U.S. history when Americans were threatened by enemies within their borders, depicting the response of the public and counterterrorism agencies and examining the challenge of national security versus civil liberties. International Spy Museum Through May 8 The Art of Egg Writing More than 300 decorated eggs from Poland, Hungary, Russia and the Ukraine demonstrate the vibrate art of egg writing, with examples by master artist Father Czeslaw Krysa, a practitioner of the Polish batik decorating method. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center May 8 to Oct. 17 Caliphs and Kings: The Art and Influence of Islamic Spain Boldly painted ceramics, sumptuously patterned textiles, medieval maps, manuscripts, coins and other rarely exhibited objects illustrate the cultural legacy of Islamic Spainóknown as Al-Andalus in Arabic. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through May 9 Douglas Gordon This marks the first American survey of works by Scottish artist Douglas Gordon, best known for his video installations that take as their inspiration classic Hollywood films such as ìPsychoî and ìTaxi Driver.î Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through May 14 Wim Wenders: A Panoramic Road Movie Nearly 30 photographs taken by internationally acclaimed German director Wim Wenders capture the vastness of the Australian Outback. Goethe-Institut Through May 15 Sheldon Horton and Almagul Menlibayeva This diverse exhibition features the art of Almagul Menlibayeva, a native of Kazakhstan who draws her inspiration from the mystic laws of Kazak art, and Sheldon Horton, a local artist whoís taught art throughout the country. International Visions Gallery Through May 15 From Skaagen to Bordeghera: Danish Painting, 1872-1922 Spotlighting the works of such r enowned Danish artists as Holger Drachman, Peder Monsted and Carl Budtz-Muller, the exhibit celebrates the development of modern Danish art. Guarisco Gallery Through May 16 Edda Renouf: Revealed Structures Thirty of Edda Renoufís meditative abstract paintings and oil pastels reveal structures that address themes of time and the four elements of nature. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through May 16 Visual Arts of Japan ìVisual Artsî features sculpture and artwork by some of the most distinguished Japanese artists of the 19th and 20th centuries, as well as pieces by artists influenced by Japanese aesthetics and culture. Georgetown University Lauinger Library Through May 21 Ex Libris: PragueóHeart of Europe This exhibit examines the artistic representation of ìex librisîóLatin for ìbooks belonging toîówas born during the advent of movable type, with cubism, expressionism, abstraction and surrealism each leaving their imprint on the art of ex libris. Czech Embassy Through May 22 Thomas Trevelyonís Pictorial Miscellany (1608) An impressive range of subjectsófrom proverbs and epigrams to portraits of kings and queensóThomas Trevelyonís elaborately illustrated miscellany is essentially a history of England and the world since the beginning of time. Folger Shakespeare Library Through May 23 Guardians of the Law: Chinese Luohan Paintings More than 20 works depicting ìluohansîóenlightened beings exempted by Buddha from the cycle of rebirth to act as guardians of the lawósurvey the major trends in the evolution of luohan painting. Freer Gallery of Art Through May 23 Paintings by Mark Kostabi Born in Los Angeles to Estonian immigrants, Mark Kostabi has built a following through both his provocative art and media persona, as well as his forays into music. Embassy of Estonia Through May 23 Toulouse-Lautrec: Master of the Moulin Rouge More than 100 rarely seen posters and prints by Henri Toulouse-Lautrecówho became a sensation after his poster of a cancan-performing dancer hit the streets of Parisóportray raucous scenes of the Parisian cabaret and groundbreaking 19th-century advertisements. Baltimore Museum of Art May 26 to Sept. 17 Riccardo Maranzana Exhibit Riccardo Maranzana, born to a Swiss mother and Italian father, became a multifaceted architect whose portfolio included furniture design and art made of wood, glue and ink. Italian Cultural Institute May 28 to July 5 The Eyes of History 2004 Witness the yearís top news stories through the compelling images of the White House photojournalists who document history in the making. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through May 31 A New Heart Will I Give You Part two of this four-part exhibit illustrates Pope John Paul IIís efforts at reconciliation through his work to advance peace among nations, social classes, religions and even his own attempted assassination. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through May Naga Tribal Adornment: Signatures of Status and Self This display of Naga jewelry, textiles and artifacts reveals the rarely seen people and culture of Nagaland. Bead Museum Through June 1 The East Building: Celebrating 25 Years This special installation highlights the history of the East Building, its construction and its ever-growing collection of modern art through architectural drawings and other archival material. National Gallery of Art Through June 6 Draped, Wrapped and Folded: Untailored Clothing Although simple in form, untailored clothing can reveal a great deal about both the weaver and the culture from which the clothing originates, as seen in this showcase of 19 garments from Africa, Asia and the Americas. The Textile Museum Through June 7 Memento: Muriel Hasbun Photographs Selected to represent El Salvador at the 2003 Venice Biennale, Muriel Hasbun displays her collection of haunting, emotionally complex and collage-like photography. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through June 10 Inge Morath: Austrian Photographs Cosmopolitan photographer Inge Morath returned to her native Austria time and again, capturing unique portraits of people and daily life in Vienna. Embassy of Austria Through June 21 Joel Barlow: The Sage of Kalorama On the 250th anniversary marking the birth of ambassador and author Joel Barlow, the Woodrow Wilson House explores the life of this underappreciated yet fascinating figure in the founding of the nation. Woodrow Wilson House Through June 26 Churchill and the Great Republic This comprehensive exhibit of Churchill materialóthe first of its kind in the U.S.óexamines the career of Winston Churchill and his lifelong links with the United States. Library of Congress Through June 27 Ancient Threads, Newly Woven: Recent Art From Chinaís Silk Road Immense, remote, and utterly different from the rest of the country, far Western China has in recent years produced a large number of new artists whose works have rarely been seen outside Chinaóuntil now. Meridian International Center Through July 18 Birds and Beasts in Japanese Art An array of objects and paintings, including Japanese screens, highlight the Freerís distinct collection of bird, flower and animal artwork. Freer Gallery of Art Through July 18 Faith and Form: Selected Calligraphy and Painting From the Japanese Religious Traditions This is the first in a series of exhibitions showcasing important private collections of Japanese art, complemented by works from the Freer Gallery of Art. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through July 18 The Tea Ceremony as Melting Pot The constant search for new tea utensils among imported goods contributed to the excitement and fascination with the tea ceremony in Japan from the 16th century onward. Freer Gallery of Art Through July 25 Courtly Art of the Ancient Maya ìCourtly Artîóthe first exhibit ever devoted to this subject in the United Statesódemonstrates the visual magnificence of ancient Maya art with more than 176 masterpieces drawn from public and private lenders around the globe. National Gallery of Art Through July 25 The Cubist Paintings of Diego Rivera: Memory, Politics, Place Emphasizing Diego Riveraís distinctive approach to synthetic cubism, this exhibit present some 25 works from Riveraís time in France and Spain from 1913 to 1915. National Gallery of Art Through July 31 The True Artist is an Amazing Luminous Fountain In celebration of its 10th anniversary, the Kreeger showcases art from the di Rosa Preserve in Napa, Calif. The Kreeger Museum Through Aug. 1 Drawings of Jim Dine Consummate draftsman Jim Dine perfected his images of tools, large-scale nudes, self-portraits and nature studies to create some of the most accomplished and beautiful drawings of our time. National Gallery of Art Through Aug. 1 Timeless Connections: Exploring Tapestry Weave Objects drawn for the Textile Museum collection demonstrate the broad geographic dispersion and historical continuity of one of the worldís oldest and most versatile textile techniques. The Textile Museum Through Aug. 8 Return of the Buddha: The Qingzhou Discoveries This exclusive North American presentation offers viewers a rare glimpse of 35 extraordinary Chinese Buddhist statues from the sixth century that were accidentally unearthed by workers in 1996. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Aug. 15 Whistler in Paris: Lithographs From the Belle Epoque, 1891-1896 Many of Whistlerís most subtle and beautiful prints are his lithographs, which challenged contemporary notions of form and finish. Freer Gallery of Art Through Sept. 12 Nordic Cool: Hot Women Designers From celebrated furniture and loom-woven fabrics to the latest in digital shorts and Web designs, the more than 200 objects in this exhibit are among the most beautiful and functional examples of Nordic design. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Sept. 26 Perspectives: Do-Ho Suh Korean-born Do-Ho Suhís ìclothings for spaceî installations feature diaphanous silk and nylon fabrics and are based on full-scale models of his homes in Korea and the United States. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Nov. 28 Insights Forty pieces of artófrom paintings to sculpture to lithographsóby nine contemporary African artists offer a thoughtful look inside the artistic process. National Museum of African Art Through Dec. 5 Aerospace Design: The Art of Engineering From NASAís Aeronautical Research ìAerospace Designî examines the history of aeronautically engineered forms and their relationship to architecture and design. The Octagon Museum Through Dec. 12 Playful Performers This groundbreaking exhibit is the first to look at the immense creativity of African children as they explore the world of masquerade performance. National Museum of African Art DANCE Fri., May 7, 8 p.m. Dance Brazil Take a spiritual journey into the mystical world of capoeira with this exciting fusion of traditional Afro-Brazilian and modern dance. Tickets are $25 to $45. Lisner Auditorium Through May 16 7 x 7 Seven different choreographers each create a world premiere ballet centered around the theme of love in this innovative undertaking by the Washington Ballet. Tickets are $29. The Washington Ballet Studios DISCUSSIONS Wed., May 5, 6 p.m. Gaudi in Barcelona The Spanish architect Gaudi reshaped Barcelonaís skyline with some of the most extraordinary architecture. Architectural historian Karin Alexis explores how Gaudiís unique vision of Art Nouveau defined an innovative style. Tickets are $40 or $30 for Smithsonian members. Please call Resident Associates at (202) 357-3030 for more information. Location TBA May 7, 14 and 21 Campania Through the Lens Georgetown University professor Laura Benedetti explores Naples and the Italian region of Campania, moving beyond the stereotypes to probe the areaís struggles, contradictions and enduring vitality. Tickets are $30 or $18 for Smithsonian members. Please call Resident Associates at (202) 357-3030 for more information. Location TBA Fri., May 7, 10 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. Mexico in the Wake of the Spanish/Aztec Encounter This illustrated seminar explores the cultural riches of Mexico, where the legacy of the Spanish and the Nahua people is evident in the nationís art, architecture, literature and folk traditions. Tickets are $120 or $75 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Fri., May 7, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Rise and Fall of Napoleon Donald Howard, a scholar of Napoleonic history, describes how the forces Napoleon set in motion have transformed the political and social structure of Europe for two centuries. Tickets are $120 or $75 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sat., May 8, 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Central Message and Meaning of Christianity This seminar examines the interrelated ideas that make up one basic message of Christianity. Tickets are $123 or $78 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Mon., May 10, 7 p.m. Cuban Elegance / Book Signing At this time when Cuba is a sought-after destination of many American travelers, author Michael Connors offers a completely different view of the island than one seen by foreign visitors. Tickets are $18 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., May 13, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Muslim, Christian and Jewish Relations This all-day academic symposium addresses Muslim, Christian and Jewish relations during the Al-Andalus period and what we can learn from the accomplishments of that time. Georgetown University Center for Muslim-Christian Understanding May 14 to 16 Summer, A.D. 79 This three-day seminar recreates a view of that lost world through presentations by six eminent scholars, with a reception and tour of the exhibit ìIn Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite.î Tickets are $170 or $125 for Smithsonian members. National Museum of Natural History Sun., May 16, 3 p.m. Kunqu Theater: Drama in the Temple Transport yourself to the Buddhist temples of ancient China through scenes from classic Chinese Kunqu theater performed by award-winning Shanghai Kunqu Troupe. Tickets are $21 or $17 for Smithsonian members. Freer Gallery of Art Mon., May 17, 7 p.m. The Wines of Bordeaux Learnóand tasteówhy the legendary classification of 1855 was created and how it became the Bible of Bordeaux and other fascinating details about Bordeaux wines Tickets are $56 or $45 for Smithsonian members. Womenís National Democratic Club Tue., May 18, 7 p.m. The Art of Leonardo: The Da Vinci Code Deciphered Jeannine OíGrody, curator of European art at the Birmingham Museum of Art, relates the ìreal storyî behind Dan Brownís best -selling novel ìThe Da Vinci Code.î Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Wed., May 19, 6 p.m. Naples and Its Kingdom In a slide-illustrated lecture followed by a reception, historian Tommaso Astarita traces the varied history of Naples and the Italian South, including the regionís extraordinary contributions to European culture. Tickets are $55 or $40 for Smithsonian members. S. Dillon Ripley Center Fri., May 21, 6:30 p.m., Sat., May 22, 10 a.m. Bali: Indonesiaís Hindu Realm This seminar explores Baliís enduring appeal through examples of Balinese art, along with illustrated presentations. Tickets are $115 or $70 for Smithsonian members. Fridayís seminar features a reception hosted by the Indonesian ambassador. Embassy of Indonesia (May 21) S. Dillon Ripley Center (May 22) Sun., May 23, 2 p.m. Head Wraps: A Global Journey Author and New York Times Art Director Georgia Scott discusses head wraps, a clothing item with cultural, social and religious significance around the world. Candidaís World of Books MUSIC Sat., May 1, 8 p.m. Ying and St. Lawrence Concert Hear two of the nationís leading string quarters as they combine their skills for this musical tour-de-force. Tickets are $35 or $30 for Kreeger members. The Kreeger Museum Through May 2 Folger Consort: A Musical Banquet ìEat, drink and be merryî is the theme of this convivial concert dedicated to the age-old culinary tastes of musicians and composers from Europe. Tickets are $27. Folger Shakespeare Library Fri., May 7, 8 p.m. Sibylle Johner, Cello Swiss cellist Sibylle Johner, who has performed throughout North America and Europe, enchants audiences with her distinctive sounds in this Embassy Series performance. Tickets are $35. Embassy of Switzerland Tue., May 11, 7:30 p.m. An Evening of Music From Holocaust Survivors James Conlon conducts this program of works by Zemlinsky, Ullmann and Schulhoff. Tickets are $35. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Fri., May 14, 6 and 8:30 p.m. Music From Quebec Experience the infectiously danceable music of Quebec with Le Vent du Nord, an exciting new QuÈbÈcois band. Tickets are $26 or $21 for National Geographic members. Gilbert Grosvenor Auditorium Sat., May 15, 7 p.m. Voices of Spring The Opera Camerata of Washington, D.C., and the Opera of Institute of California present this lovely evening of Viennese operetta rarities. Admission is free but reservations are required and can be made by calling (202) 722-5335. Embassy of Austria Fri., May 21, 7:30 p.m. Eighth Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart Emerging Singings Concert Local and other up-and-coming singers perform a Wagner program of well-known orchestral pieces, vocal solos and scenes from four of the best-loved Wagner musical dramas. Tickets are $35 or $25 for Wagner Society members. For more information, please call (301) 907-2600 or visit www.wagner-dc.org. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center Northern Virginia Community College Fri. and Sat., May 21 and 22, 8 p.m. Annual Opera/Operetta Evening Join soprano Alexandra Rieger, baritone Ferdinand von Bothmer and pianist George Peachey for this spectacular Embassy Series concert tradition. Tickets are $35. Embassy of Austria Sat., May 22, 2 p.m. Boris Berezovsky, Piano Born and trained in Moscow, pianist Boris Berezovsky has grown to become an international sensation with a range of classical recordings from Rachmaninoff to Schumann. Tickets are $[HOW MUCH?] Kennedy Center Terrace Theater Sat., May 22, 1:30 p.m. Janice Weber, Piano An award-winning novelist and professor at the Boston Conservatory of Music, pianist Janice Weber enchants audiences with works by Czerny, Beethoven, Liszt and FaurÈ. Anderson House Fri., May 28, 8 p.m. Zarzuelas and Opera Three young artists from Spain perform the magnificent Spanish Zarzuelas and operatic arias and duets at the beautiful residence of the Spanish ambassador, followed by a reception. Tickets are $40. Spanish Ambassadorís Residence RECEPTIONS Tue., May 4, 7 p.m. Violinist Mihai Craioveanu / Reception Violinist Mihai Craioveanu performs beautiful sonatas by Leclair and Greig, Bizetís ìCarmenî and other selections, followed by a reception courtesy of the Embassy of Romania. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Sat., May 8, 7 p.m. PEN/Faulkner Award Ceremony This joyful celebration of the Folger literary season features dinner and dancing, as well as readings by the PEN/Faulkner competition. Tickets are $100. Folger Shakespeare Library Tue., May 11, 6:30 p.m. A Banquet in Andalusia The Mosaic Foundationís seventh annual dinner gala to benefit the Academy for Educational Development transports guests to medieval Spain, with its Al-Andalus theme. Tickets are $500 and $1,000 and can be purchased by calling (703) 288-4500. National Building Museum THEATER May 1 to 9 Tales of Hoffmann (Les Contes díHoffmann) Offenbachís magnificent tale follows a poetís rhapsodic ruminations about the three great romances of his life (performed in French with English surtitles). Tickets are $20 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Through May 2 Fences This powerful drama follows an aging Pittsburgh garbage collector struggling for fairness in a society that offers none. Tickets are $29 to $39. Round House Theatre May 4 to 16 Henry IV, Parts 1 and 2 Shakespeare explores the concepts of honor, duty and the struggle between the public and private man as the mantle of kingship is passed from father to son. Tickets are $16 to $66. The Shakespeare Theatre May 6 to June 13 The Shoemakerís Remarkable Wife The comic invention of ìThe Shoemakerís Remarkable Wifeî established Spanish dramatist Federico GarcÌa Lorca in the public eye but also gave him the reputation of a writer interested in socialism, which contributed to his death. Please call for ticket information. Stanislavsky Theater Studio Through May 8 Clara The University of Marylandís Opera Studio presents the story of Clara Wieck Schumann, who a gifted 19th-century pianist whose rise to fame was compromised by conflicts th at threatened to consume her. Tickets are $20 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center May 8 to June 1 La Traviata The Washington National Opera celebrates the 150th anniversary of Giuseppe Verdiís tragic and passionate love story ìLa Traviata,î set in the decadent world of 19th-century Paris. Tickets are $42 to $285. Kennedy Center Opera House May 8 to June 2 A Streetcar Named Desire Tennessee Williamsís Pulitzer Prize-winning drama set against the steamy backdrop of New Orleans gets a fresh treatment by the Washington National Opera. Tickets are $25 to $70. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through May 9 Far Away This powerful play by contemporary playwright Caryl Churchill portrays a world at war, where violence brews in every corner of life. Tickets are $25 to $45. The Studio Theatre May 14 to June 12 Venecia (Venice) Teatro de la Luna presents this delightful comedy about an elderly ìlady of the nightî whose greatest desire is to visit Venice and as for forgiveness of her one-time lover. Tickets are $18 to $35. Gunston Arts Center May 14 to June 20 Master and Margarita Synetic Theateróin co-production with Classika Theatreóadopts Russian novelist Mikhail Bulgakovís tale about the juxtaposition of good and evil, loveís sacrifice and artistic struggles in a repressive society. Tickets are $25 to $32. Rosslyn Spectrum Through May 15 Belgrade Trilogy In the aftermath of the NATO air war, young Serbian ÈmigrÈs are forced to seek out a new life in the capitalist West in this Scena Theatre production. Tickets are $25. Warehouse Theatre Through May 16 Oh, Coward! This breezy musical revue salutes British knight and prolific composer Noel Coward, one of the theaterís greatest bon vivants. Tickets are $26 to $36. Olney Theatre Center Sun., May 16, 7:30 p.m. The World of the Moon (Il Mondo Della Luna) Opera Lafayette returns for its third season to tell the story of Buonafede, the gullible and overprotective father who falls prey to a scheming astrologer. Tickets are $20 to $45 or $5 for University of Maryland students. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center May 19 to June 27 The Cripple of Inishmaan From Ireland comes a sometimes wistful, sometimes brutal and always loopy play by Martin McDonagh, one of the worldís most celebrated young playwrights. Tickets are $25 to $45. The Studio Theatre Through May 23 The Comedy of Errors The mistaken identities of two sets of identical twins separated at birth create a circus of confusion in one of Shakespeareís most farcical comedies. Tickets are$25 to $33. Folger Shakespeare Library Through May 23 SeÒor Discretion Himself In a sleepy Mexican hamlet, life is listless and routine, but when a colorful stranger arrives, things take a miraculous and delightful turn. Tickets are $42 to $60. Arena Stage May 26 to June 27 Necessary Targets Eve Enslerís play bristles with the rage and fury of war seen through the eyes of an unlikely gathering of women brought to Bosnia to help piece together shattered lives. Tickets are $26 to $36. Olney Theatre Center Through May 30 Jesus Hopped the ëAí Train Stephen Adly Guirgisís award-winning prison drama tackles heavy-hitting issues from religion and free will to justice and moral responsibility. Tickets are $29 to $39. Round House Theatre Through June 6 Children of Eden Soaring melodies and witty banter punctuate this spectacular musical based on the Book of Genesis, which deals with second chances and universal truths. Tickets are $29 to $45. Fordís Theatre TOURS Sat., May 1, 2 p.m. Georgetown: Then and Now Discover how a colonial tobacco port evolved into one of Washingtonís most elite communities. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling (301) 588-8999. Tour DC Sun., May 2, 16 and 30, 11 a.m. Anecdotal History Walk on the Lincoln Assassination Join award-winning author Anthony S. Pitch for this two-hour look into the assassination of President Lincoln. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (301) 294-9514 or visit www.dcsightseeing.com. Lafayette Square Sun., May 9 and 23, 11 a.m. Anecdotal History Walk on Georgetown Homes Join award-winning author Anthony S. Pitch for this two-hour look at the homes of Georgetownís famous and infamous residents. Tickets are $15. For more information, call (301) 294-9514 or visit www.dcsightseeing.com. Lafayette Square Tue., May 18, 5:30 p.m. German-American Heritage Walking Tour This walking tour, given in collaboration with the National Archives, will provide information found in the Archives about several German immigrants who lived in or whose work can be seen in Washington, D.C. Goethe-Institut Sat., and Sun., May 29 and 30, 4 p.m. Embassy Row and Dupont Circle During WWII This informative tour reveals how embassies up and down Embassy Row struggled to hold onto their buildings as the Nazis overran Europe, while many old private mansions were turned over for the war effort. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling (301) 588-8999. Tour DC