**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 Through May 1 Rembrandtís Late Religious Portraits This is a unique opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating aspects of Rembrandt van Rijnís artistic careeróhis brooding and pensive religious portraits painted in the late 1650s and early 1660s. National Gallery of Art Through May 5 Check Slovakia! The Slovak Embassy showcases contemporary art to highlight the strong cultural and political ties between Slovakia and the United States. Slovak Embassy Through May 5 Jewish Costumes in the Ottoman Empire This exhibition of Jewish costumes from the Ottoman Empire is accompanied by a panel discussion on April 28 at 7 p.m. titled ìTurkish Womenís Rights, Equality and Tolerance: A Unique Case in the Muslim World.î DCJCC Ann Loeb Bronfman Gallery Through May 8 Berthe Morisot: An Impressionist and Her Circle At the heart of impressionism was an enigmatic, powerful, talented and often overlooked woman: Berthe Morisot, an integral member of the artistic movement who defied traditional expectations of women. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through May 8 Isamu Noguchi: Master Sculptor Some 60 sculptures and 20 works on paper reveal Isamu Noguchiís skill for drawing on numerous cultural sources to create works characterized by poetic metaphor and technical mastery. Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden Through May 8 Pop Fantasies: Furniture Design by Eero Aarnio Continuing the hit series of Finnish design exhibitions, nearly 40 years of Finnish cultural history are encapsulated in Eero Aarnioís furniture designs, quintessentially in his famous Ball chair. Embassy of Finland Through May 15 AndrÈ KertÈsz In a 70-year career that spanned much of the 20th century, Hungarian-born AndrÈ KertÈsz produced some of the most deceptively simple yet compelling and poetic photographs ever created. National Gallery of Art Through May 15 Asian Games: The Art of Contest Paraphernalia of games as well as paintings, prints and decorative arts explore the role of games as social and cultural activities in the diverse societies of pre-modern Asia. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery May 18 to Dec. 31 The Initiated Eye: Secrets, Symbols, Freemasonry and the Architecture of Washington, D.C. Discover the little-known contribution of Freemasonry to American culture and history, and specifically the design of the nationís capital. The Octagon Museum Through May 20 Nature Morph: Recent Work by Don Reichert Winnipeg-based artist Don Reichert artistically illustrates his quiet obsession with nature and the changes it undergoes in the normal course of a year in paintings and photographic explorations. Embassy of Canada Through May 23 Figuratively Speaking: The Human Form in American Art, 1770-1950 This display examines the stylistic diversity of American artistsí interpretations of the human form through the lens of the Corcoranís permanent collection. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through May 29 Modigliani: Beyond the Myth The most comprehensive U.S. exhibition of Amedeo Modiglianiís work in more than 50 years reveals how the cultural heritage of the Italian-Jewish painter and sculptor influenced his work. The Phillips Collection Through May 30 Fauve Painting in the Permanent Collection The National Gallery brings together its collection of fauve paintings to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the naming of this movement in French art. National Gallery of Art Through May 30 Six Centuries of Prints and Drawings: Recent Acquisitions One hundred of the finest works of art on paper acquired by the National Gallery of Art over the past five years are on display, including the earliest German drawing on paper to come to America. National Gallery of Art Through May 31 Creating St. Peterís: Architectural Treasures of the Vatican This exhibit, which features Michelangeloís original model for the dome of St. Peterís Basilica in Rome, traces the life of the basilica from the fifth to the seventh centuries, illustrating Romeís history as the heart of Christianity. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through June 5 Beyond the Bag: Textiles as Containers In addition to performing the practical functions of holding, carrying and protecting everyday items, learn how textile containers can be objects of artistic beauty that provide insights into different cultures. The Textile Museum Through June 5 The Children Left Behind Sponsored by Catholic Relief Services, this exhibit examines the lives of children orphaned due to HIV/Aids in Guatemala, Uganda, India, South Africa and the United States. Visitors can also write letters to the children. Pope John Paul II Cultural Center Through June 10 Erich Lessing: From Liberation to Liberty Viennese-born Erich Lessing, who worked as a photographer for the Associated Press news agency, captured post-war Austria, from the signing of the Austrian State Treaty to the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. Embassy of Austria Through June 12 Toulouse-Lautrec and Montmarte Artistsí fascination with the decadent spirit and glamour of bohemian life in the Parisian district of Montmartre at the turn of the 20th century is the focus of this major display of more than 250 works primarily by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. National Gallery of Art Through June 26 Luxury and Luminosity: Visual Culture and the Ming Court Imperially commissioned Ming Dynasty porcelains are placed in the broader context of other major court arts of the period, including lacquers, gold vessels and silk tapestries. Freer Gallery of Art Through June 27 The 48th Corcoran Biennial: Closer to Home The theme for this yearís Biennial exhibition is contemporary artists taking advantage of traditional arts methods, favoring earnest individual expression and historically resonant aesthetic dialogue over high-tech media. Corcoran Gallery of art Through June 30 An Asian Odyssey: China, Hong Kong, Tibet and Japan This retrospective photographic exhibition celebrates Edmund L. ìSkipî Millardís 30-plus years of extensive travels in the Far East and Southeast Asia. Charles Sumner School Museum and Archives Through July 4 Dutch Royal Silver: Celebrating the Silver Jubilee of Her Majestic Queen Beatrix Rarely seen decorative works from the private collection of the Royal House of Orange-Nassau are on view to commemorate the Dutch queenís silver jubilee. Corcoran Gallery of Art Through July 9 A Heavenly Craft: The Woodcut in Early Printed Books This special display of 84 rare books is illustrated with woodcuts from the late medieval and early Renaissance periods. Library of Congress Thomas Jefferson Building Through July 10 High Fiber Quilts, baskets and other objects illustrate the many important milestones of the American fiber art movement and the diversity of contemporary craft created from the mid-20th century to the present. American Art Museum Renwick Gallery Through July 15 Absorption + Transmission: Work by Mike and Doug Starn On display are large-scale prints by identical twins Mike and Doug Starn from two of their most recent bodies of work, ìStructure of Thoughtî and ìBlack Pulse.î National Academy of Sciences Through July 29 Heather Allen: Architectural Textiles The mysteries of partially opened doors, hallways and spiraling staircases leading to the unknown are common themes in the striking textiles of North Carolina-based artist Heather Allen. The Octagon Museum Through July 31 On Music: Tim Rollins + K.O.S. This exhibition focuses on the musically themed works of Tim Rollins, who since 1982, has headed the art collective Tim Rollins + K.O.S. (Kids of Survival), which works with students who have been labeled learning disabled, at-risk or unreachable by their schools. The Kreeger Museum Through Aug. 7 In the Realm of Princes: The Arts of the Book in 15th-Century Iran and Central Asia More than 30 of the finest 15th-century paintings, manuscripts and portable luxury objects from Iran and present-day Afghanistan highlight the remarkable artistic achievements of Timurid princes and their Turkoman rivals. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Aug. 14 Boating on a River Inspired by the 600-year anniversary of Zheng Heís construction of the massive Chinese ìtreasure fleet,î this display surveys the role of boats in later Chinese painting history. Freer Gallery of Art Through Aug. 14 Jan de Bray and the Classical Tradition T his focus exhibition spotlights works by one of the most important Dutch portrait painters in the later half of the 17th century, Jan de Bray, whose career overlapped that of Frans Hals. National Gallery of Art Through Aug. 15 Treasures The centerpiece of the 25th anniversary of the National Museum of African Art, ìTreasuresî features masterpieces from the museum and various private collectionsómany never publicly exhibited before in this countryóon display in the newly renovated gallery. National Museum of African Art Through Aug. 28 David Garrick: A Theatrical Life Texts, manuscripts and other objects reveal the life of David Garrick, an actor, writer and international celebrity who revolutionized acting and the English stage in the 18th century. Folger Shakespeare Library Through Sept. 4 TEXTures Six large-scale installations by contemporary African artists explores the multiple means through which contemporary African artists invent, rewrite and play with fragments of text and graphic symbols within their art. National Museum of African Art Through Sept. 18 Rusticity Refined: Kyoto Ceramics by Ninsei This small display invites visitors to identify the source and to measure the distance between Japanese potter Nonomura Ninseiís refined Kyoto works and the rural prototypes that were his source of inspiration. Freer Gallery of Art Through Sept. 18 Textiles for This World and Beyond: Treasures From Insular Southeast Asia Long before Islam and Christianity were established in the islands of Southeast Asia, the inhabitants had developed a philosophy for existence in a highly unpredictable world, of which textiles played a major role. The Textile Museum Through Sept. 25 Chinese Mountains of Immortality: A Focused Look This three-object installation examines Chinese mountain imagery by placing an ancient incense burner next to two later mountain paintings. Arthur M. Sackler Gallery Through Nov. 6 M.L. Van Nice: The Library at Wadi ben Dagh M.L. Van Niceís whimsical installationócomprising altered books and handmade artistís booksóinvites the viewer to explore the richness of literature. National Museum of Women in the Arts Through Dec. 4 Eva Zeisel: The Playful Search for Beauty This first survey of Eva Zeiselís work in 20 years examines the eminent designers work while paying special attention to lesser-known periods of her career, including her years in the Soviet Union. Hillwood Museum and Gardens DISCUSSIONS Mon., May 2, 8 p.m. Insights on the Evolving World in Which We Live Join CNN Chief International Correspondent Christiane Amanpour and NBC Senior Vice President and Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert as they offer their insights on mounting global challenges. Tickets are $60 to $95. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Tue., May 4, 7 p.m. The Royal Household Cavalry: Pomp and Pageantry Award-winning photographer Henry Dallal presents a portrait of a world he terms ìboth a symbol and an embodiment of British excellence.î Tickets are $15 or $12 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Wed., May 11, 6:30 p.m. Luoyang: The Heart of Buddhist China Renowned scholar Nancy Steinhardt explores Luoyang as a major center of Buddhist art, while emphasizing the cityís many other cultural treasures. Tickets are $40 or $30 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Thu., May 12, 6:30 p.m. Byzantine Icons: Windows to Heaven Explore a rich variety of masterworks ranging from the early fourth century to 11th-century mosaics. On May 14, enjoy a private tour of St. Sophia Cathedral and its luminous icons. Tickets are $45 or $30 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. S. Dillon Ripley Center Sat., May 14, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Vivaldi and Venice Musicologist Daniel E. Freeman explores the masterpieces Vivaldi created for the magical city of Venice. Tickets are $131 or $85 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Sat., May 14, 9:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Great Commanders of Ancient Greece and Rome Barry Strauss, internationally recognized authority on ancient warfare, examines the lives and careers of military geniuses Odysseus, Alexander, Hannibal and Caesar. Tickets are $125 or $80 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Wed., May 18, 7 p.m. Francine du Plessix Gray Book Signing Francine du Plessix presents an honest and forgiving portrait of her famous parents: two talented Russian ÈmigrÈs who fled wartime Paris to become one of New Yorkís most famous couples. Tickets are $20 or $15 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Wed., May 18, 6:30 p.m. Toulouse-Lautrec and Other Artists of Montmartre In a lavishly illustrated lecture coinciding with the National Gallery of Art exhibition ìToulouse-Lautrec and Montmartre,î Kimberly Jones examines the rich artistic tapestry of the district at the fin de siecle. Tickets are $15 or $12 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Thu., May 19, 6:30 p.m. The Terrorist Next Door: The Militia Movement in America Author Daniel Levitas discusses the deadly threat posed by anti-U.S. extremists operating as law-abiding citizens among us. Tickets are $20 or $16 for members of the Spy Ring; advance registration is required. International Spy Museum Fri., May 20, 6:30 p.m. Preserving Life: Mummification and Medicine in Ancient Egypt Journey back in time as Bob Brier traces the story of ancient Egyptian medicine from the Ebers papyrus descriptions of disease and treatment to the process of mummification. Tickets are $23 or $18 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Mon., May 23, 6:30 p.m. Inside Britainís Secret WWII World Uncover the brutally honest and scandal-inviting entries in the diary of Guy Liddell, MI5ís World War I counterespionage chief. Tickets are $20 or $16 for members of the Spy Ring; advance registration is required. International Spy Museum Tue., May 24, 6:30 p.m. Gilgamesh In a fascinating lecture about this oldest-known poetic tale, follow the journey of Gilgamesh, a historically documented king who lived around 2750 B.C. in what is now known as Iraq. Tickets are $15 or $12 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Tue., May 24, 7 p.m. Washington: Paris of the Imagination Explore the links between Paris and Washington and the myths shared by the two cities. Tickets are $16 or $12 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., May 26, 630 p.m. The Art and Style of Entertaining Bon AppÈtit magazine lifestyle editor Mara Papatheodorou shares the latest entertaining trends from menu and venue selection to table settings and dÈcor. Tickets are $35 or $25 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Thu., May 26, 6:30 p.m. Elizabethan Stages: Early English Drama This illustrated seminar introduces the plays, performers, venues and dramatic conventions that shaped the work of Shakespeare and his contemporaries. Tickets are $30 or $25 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA GALAS Sat., May 7 Washington Performing Arts Society Gala and Auction This yearís Washington Performing Arts Society (WPAS) galaówhich features members of Congress, the diplomatic community, and international, national and local businessesócelebrates the 30th anniversary of WPASís Embassy Adoption Program, an award-winning multicultural enrichment program for students in D.C. public schools. Tickets start at $500 and reserved tables for $5,000. For more information, call (202) 293-9325. Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner Tue., May 10, 6:30 p.m. Concert and Reception at the Swedish Ambassadorís Residence Swedish Ambassador Jan Eliasson invites participants to his charming residence for this special Swedish buffet reception and concert by one of todayís most exciting young Swedish pianists, Per Tengstrand. Tickets are $90 or $80 for Corcoran members and can be purchased by calling (202) 639-1770. Swedish Ambassadorís Residence MUSIC Wed., May 4, 8 p.m. Songs of Sufi Brotherhood Three musical offerings from Pakistan, Morocco and Egypt draw on romantic imagery, traditional trance music and indigenous sounds in this celebration of Sufism. Tickets are $25 to $45. Music Center at Strathmore Thu., May 5, 8 p.m. Ukrainian Traditional Music This evening of spirited traditional music from Ukraine takes place in one of Washingtonís oldest buildings, with buffet reception to follow. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased by calling the Embassy Series at (202) 625-2361. Embassy of Ukraine Fri., May 6, 8 p.m. Julie and David Coucheron Norwegian violin prodigy David Coucheron joins his sister, award-winning pianist Julie Coucheron, as the unique duo perform a program of Paganini, Grieg, Bull and Chopin, with buffet reception to follow. Tickets are $100 and can be purchased by calling the Embassy Series at (202) 625-2361. Norwegian Ambassadorís Residence Sat., May 7, 8 p.m. Yacub Addyís Odadaa! The irrepressible Yacub Addy, a hip elder and pioneer of African drumming and dance, along with 11 other artists speak to the struggle for independence in ìpost-independentî Ghana. Tickets are $30. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Fri., May 13, 7:30 p.m. Nishat Khan: Master of the Sitar Heir to the 400-year-old musical tradition of Indiaís celebrated Khan family, Nishat Khan is considered todayís foremost sitar virtuoso. Tickets are $24 or $19 for Smithsonian members. For more information, call (202) 357-3030 or visit www.residentassociates.org. Location TBA Fri., May 13, 8 p.m. Peabody Trio/Reception The acclaimed Peabody Trio dazzles with this repertoire of immortal Beethoven piano trios. Tickets are $60 or $50 for Corcoran members. Corcoran Gallery of Art Fri. and Sat., May 13 and 14, 8 p.m. Kevin Kenner, Piano Pianist Kevin Kenner, a top-prize winner in the Chopin International Piano competition, returns to Washington for a spectacular all-Chopin concert, with buffet reception to follow. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased by calling the Embassy Series at (202) 625-2361. Embassy of Poland Sat., May 14, 8 p.m. Oedipe a Colone The Opera Lafayette presents the first modern revival of Sacchiniís final opera, based on the last play of the Oedipus trilogy. Tickets are $25 to $45. Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center Sun., May 15, 3 p.m. In the Shadow of the Holocaust: Songs From the Camps The Master Chorale of Washington presents the world premiere of Donald McCulloughís orchestrated version of this deeply affecting work, which has immortalized tunes written by prisoners in the Nazi concentration camps. Tickets are $19 to $53. Kennedy Center Concert Hall Sun., May 15, 4 p.m. Beethovenís ëMissa Solemnisí Music Director J. Reilly Lewish conducts the Cathedral Choral Societyís season finale, a concert of Beethovenís ìMissa Solemnisî with various guest soloists. Please call (202) 537-5527 or visit www.cathedralchoralsociety.org for ticket information. Washington National Cathedral Thu., May 19, 7:30 p.m. Post-Classical Ensemble The beguiling Post-Classical Ensemble performs ìMexican Revolutionaries,î a program of works by Silvestre Revueltas and Carlos Chavez presented in conjunction with the Mexican Embassy. Tickets are $26. Strathmore Mansion Thu., May 19, 8 p.m., Fri., May 20, 8 p.m., Sat., May 21, 8 p.m. Operetta Evenings The Embassy Seriesí annual operetta evenings feature excellent singers from Vienna and Budapest with the added attraction of string accompaniment. Tickets are $35 to $45 per performance and can be purchased by calling the Embassy Series at (202) 625-2361. Embassy of Hungary (May 19) Embassy of Austria (May 20, 21) Sat., May 21, 7 p.m. Voices of the Andes Acclaimed Ecuadorian quintet Andes Manta perform on more than 35 traditional instruments, including six-foot panpipes, along with traditional Bolivian dancers illustrating the influence of Native American cultures from Venezuela to Tierra del Fuego. Tickets at the door are $18. National City Christian Church On 5 Thomas Circle, NW Fri., May 27, 7:30 p.m. 10th Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart Emerging Singers Concert Six young singers from the United States perform an all-Wagner program under the honorary patronage of German Ambassador Wolfgang Ischinger. Tickets are $35 or $25 for Wagner Society members and can be purchased by calling (301) 907-2600. Embassy of Germany THEATER May 4 to 22 Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants Ricky Jay transfixes audiences with his jaw-dropping illusions and amazing physical dexterity. Tickets are $71 to $75. The Studio Theatre May 5 to 29 Real Women Have Curves Five full-figured women made the raucous best of a day at a Los Angeles sweatshop as they race to meet an impossible deadline. Please call (202) 234-7174 for ticket information. Gala Hispanic Theatre at Tivoli May 5 to June 26 Jason and the Argonauts When challenged by a weak ruler to find the legendary Golden Fleece, Jason gathers the heroes of Greece and casts off into the most daring quest of the ancient world. Please call (703) 824.8060 for ticket and location information. Synetic Theatre May 6 to 31 Tosca As Napoleonís armies advance on Rome, a jealous woman plays into the hands of a ruthless police chief with deadly consequences in Pucciniís classic opera. Tickets are $45 to $290. Kennedy Center Opera House May 6 to June 19 Anna Christie Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Eugene OíNeill paints a poignant portrait of a Swedish barge captain desperate to shield his daughter from the seaís treachery. Tickets are $40 to $59. Arena Stage Through May 8 Omnium Gatherum A peculiar group of Manhattanites respond to 9/11, using satire to ask what one would do at the end of the world? Tickets are $29 to $39. Olney Theatre Center May 11 to June 5 Lend Me a Tenor Set in 1934, the Cleveland Grand Opera Co. canít afford to let anything get in the way of their successónot even the demise of its leading man. Tickets are $29 to $39. Olney Theatre Center Fri. and Sat., May 13 and 14, 7:30 p.m. Alladeen Theater companies the Builders Association and Motiroti take you from the call centers of Bangalore to London to New York in a multimedia performance examining blurred cultures and reinterpreted lifestyles, using a modern-day version of Aladdin as its guide. Tickets are $25. Kennedy Center Terrace Theater May 14 to June 4 Samson et Dalila The Washington Opera brings the worldís most seductive operaóand the seasonóto an awe-inspiring finale with this revival of Saint-SaÎns epic masterpiece. Tickets are $45 to $290. Kennedy Center Opera House Through May 15 The Piano Lesson An argument over selling a cherished piano unearths the haunting melodies of a familyís life in the darkest times of American history. Tickets are $40 to $59. Arena Stage May 18 to June 26 Take Me Out Richard Greenbergís Tony Award-winning play throws a curve ball at Americaís favorite pastime, when an iconic baseball star makes a shocking admission to the media. Tickets are $25 to $48. The Studio Theatre May 20 to June 18 Virile Continent Teatro de la Luna presents the U.S. premiere of Argentine playwright Alejandro Acobinoís biting attack on societyís love of order and mankindís current war against nature. Please call (202) 882-6227 for ticket information. Gunston Arts Center May 21 to June 12 Hecuba Legendary actress Vanessa Redgrave makes her eagerly anticipated Washington debut in a new Royal Shakespeare Company production of ìHecuba,î Euripidesís gripping tragedy about the captive queen of Troy. Tickets are $25 to $78. Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theater Through May 22 The Tempest Often seen as the playwrightís farewell to the theater world, Shakespeareís ìThe Tempestî reveals a world of illusions and magicówhere an angry sorcerer manipulates spirits and humans alike in his search for revenge. Tickets are $12.75 to $68. The Shakespeare Theatre Through June 4 Deaf Westís Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Deaf Westís rendition of Mark Twainís Huck Finn tales incorporates spoken English, American Sign Language, gestures, dance and song for a groundbreaking theatrical experience. Tickets are $25 to $48. Fordís Theatre