EVENT CATEGORIES

ART

Oct. 1 to 31
European Architectural Photography Prize 2013 “Focus of Attention” (Im Brennpunkt)
“Im Brennpunkt | Focus of Attention” was this year’s theme of the European Architectural Photography Prize, which sought works focusing on subjects that generate public attention and controversy based on political, cultural or historical reasons, particularly in the realms of urban development and social justice.
Goethe-Institut

Oct. 1 to Jan. 12
Pakistani Voices: A Conversation with The Migration Series
In April 2013, the Phillips partnered with the State Department to conduct a series of workshops in Pakistan focusing on art and social change. This exhibition features 29 works by emerging Pakistani artists and 20 works by students and orphans who worked together to create visual narratives about identity, personal struggle and Pakistani history.
The Phillips Collection

Oct. 4 to Jan. 5
Wanderer: Travel Prints by Ellen Day Hale
A selection of prints, drawings and original printing plates demonstrates Ellen Day Hale ‘s passion for travel and her mastery of printmaking.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through Oct. 6
NOW at the Corcoran – Ellen Harvey: The Alien’s Guide to the Ruins of Washington, D.C.
Ellen Harvey’s new project is a glimpse into the world of the distant future. Human civilization having long since come to an end, the earth is populated now only by ruins, ripe for archeological interpretation by visitors from another planet. Attempting to make sense of what they find, Harvey’s aliens immediately mine the potential of one of the greatest neo-classical cities — Washington, D.C. — as a tourist destination.
Corcoran Gallery of Art

Through Oct. 6
Peter Coffin: Here & There
Nature, science, pseudoscience, psychological displacement, urban happenstance and what-if brainstorms are among the myriad departure points for the works of New York-based artist Peter Coffin.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Oct. 6 to March 2
Heaven and Earth: Art of Byzantium from Greek Collections
In the first exhibition devoted to Byzantine art at the National Gallery, some 170 rare and important works, drawn exclusively from Greek collections, offer a fascinating glimpse of the soul and splendor of the mysterious Byzantine Empire.
National Gallery of Art

Oct. 12 to Jan. 26
Van Gogh Repetitions
In the first Vincent van Gogh (1853-90) exhibition in D.C. in 15 years, the Phillips Collection takes a fresh look at the van Gogh’s artistic process, venturing beneath the surface of some of his best-known paintings to examine how and why he repeated certain compositions during his 10-year career.
The Phillips Collection

Through Oct. 13
Out of Southeast Asia: Art that Sustains
The last exhibition presented in the Textile Museum’s historic location before the museum’s 2014 reopening promises to be a beautiful pairing of tradition and innovation, demonstrating how four artists are reinventing traditional Southeast Asian textile techniques, designs and ideology in new and meaningful ways.
The Textile Museum

Through Oct. 15:
Guerrero: 7 Regions of Art and Tradition
The southwest Mexican state of Guerrero is a richly diverse blend of geography and ethnicity that’s home to four major ethnic groups and seven regions, each with their own distinctive artistic culture. These regions celebrate material and immaterial heritage at once both communal and unique, inherent in their archeological sites, churches, parks and plazas. From these shared spaces come the crafts, clothing and artwork that help to underwrite Guerrero’s larger identity.
Mexican Cultural Institute

Through Oct. 18
Brazil, My Brazil: Contrasts of Modernity
Brazilian artist Marília Bulhões offers a contemporary view of her country’s people, natural beauty, modernity and troubles through the prism of both progress, such as aerospace technology and the futuristic architecture of Niemeyer, and ongoing challenges such as slums and deforestation.
Art Museum of the Americas F Street Gallery

Through Oct. 19
Comparisons in Jugendstil and Spanish Mission Private Residences
This exhibit compares two influential residences that share a common artistic impact on their respective cities: the Jugendstil house in Riga, a former artistic residence that is now home to the Riga Art Nouveau Museum, and the historic Alice Pike Barney Studio House, the current home of the Embassy of Latvia in D.C. built by Barney, a patron of the Washington arts scene in the early 20th century.
Latvian Embassy Art Space

Oct. 19 to Jan. 26
Yoga: The Art of Transformation
Through masterpieces of Indian sculpture and painting, “Yoga” — the first exhibit to present this leitmotif of Indian visual culture — explores yoga’s goals; its Hindu as well as Buddhist, Jain and Sufi manifestations; its means of transforming body and consciousness; and its profound philosophical foundations.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Through Oct. 22
Leonardo da Vinci’s Codex on the Flight of Birds
One of Italy’s greatest treasures, Leonardo da Vinci’s “Codex on the Flight of Birds,” created circa 1505, shows da Vinci’s interest in human flight by exploring bird flight and behavior. It includes sketches and descriptions of devices and aerodynamic principles related to mechanical flight that predate the invention of the airplane by 400 years.
National Air and Space Museum

Oct. 24 to May 26
Damage Control: Art and Destruction Since 1950
The first in-depth exploration of the theme of destruction in international contemporary visual culture, this ground-breaking exhibition includes works by a diverse range of international artists working in painting, sculpture, photography, film, installation and performance.
Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden

Through Oct. 25
Las Calles Hablan (Mapping Barcelona Public Art)
For thousands of years, public art, an age-old form of human expression, has existed on the streets, created by anonymous artists with loud voices, layers of imagination and opinions. This exhibit shows the evolution of street art in Barcelona.
Embassy of Spain

Oct. 25 to March 2
Our America: The Latino Presence in American Art
Nearly 100 works in all media by 72 leading modern and contemporary artists present the rich and varied contributions of Latino artists in the United States since the mid-20th century, when the concept of a collective Latino identity began to emerge.
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Through Oct. 31
The Ayahuasca Visions of Pablo Amaringo
Artist Pablo Amaringo (1938-2009) was introduced to the world outside of Peru with the 1991 publication of his book “Ayahuasca Visions: The Religious Iconography of a Peruvian Shaman.” Recognized as one of the world’s great visionary artists, Amaringo was renowned for his intricate, colorful paintings inspired by his shamanic visions.
Embassy of Peru
Fernando de Szyszlo Gallery

Through Nov. 8
Jorge Caligiuri: The Other Lands
Inspired by interior design and decorative objects, Argentine-born Jorge Caligiuri’s latest body of work is a series of frescos where the primary intention is to create a simple visual experience working with ordinary elements: dots, squares, strips, texture and light playing off elements of repetition, geometry and color.
Embassy of Argentina

Through Nov. 10
American People, Black Light: Faith Ringgold’s Paintings of the 1960s
Faith Ringgold is well known for originating the African American story quilt revival in the late 1970s. In the previous decade, she created bold, provocative paintings in direct response to the civil rights and feminist movements. Ringgold’s unprecedented exploration of race and gender in America is examined in this comprehensive survey of 49 rarely exhibited paintings.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through Nov. 10
Awake in a Dream World: The Art of Audrey Niffenegger
The first major museum exhibition of visual artist and author of “The Time Traveler’s Wife” reveals a mysterious, strange and whimsical world, both real and imagined, through 239 paintings, drawings, prints and book art.
National Museum of Women in the Arts

Through Dec. 31
S.O.S. Spanish Office Showroom
As part of the SPAIN arts & culture program (www.spainculture.us), “S.O.S. Spanish Office Showroom” presents the most avant-garde pieces of Spanish design conceived for modern working environments, highlighting how the creativity of contemporary Spanish designers adapts to any office space and how Spanish design companies are successfully competing in international markets, such as the United States.
Former Spanish Residence

Through Jan. 5
Charles Marville: Photographer of Paris
The first retrospective exhibition in the United States, and the only scholarly catalogue on the renowned 19th-century French photographer Charles Marville (1813-79), presents recent groundbreaking discoveries informing his art and biography, including the versatility of his photographic talents and his true identity, background and family life.
National Gallery of Art

Through Jan. 5
A Democracy of Images: Photographs from the Smithsonian American Art Museum
More than 100 photographs selected from the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s permanent collection celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of the museum’s photography collection, examine photography’s evolution in the United States from a documentary medium to a full-fledged artistic genre, and showcase the numerous ways in which it has captured the American experience.
American Art Museum

Through Jan. 5
Earth Matters: Land as Material and Metaphor in the Arts of Africa
Some 100 exceptional works of art from the late 18th to 21st centuries come together for the first major exhibition and scholarly endeavor to comprehensively examine the rich relationship between African artists and the land upon which they live, work and frame their days.
National Museum of African Art

Through Jan. 5
Northern Mannerist Prints from the Kainen Collection
Some 50 works embody the sophisticated imagery, extraordinary stylization and virtuoso technique of the printmaking industry that flourished in the northern Netherlands and at the imperial court of Prague in the late 16th century.
National Gallery of Art

Through Jan. 5
Yes, No, Maybe: Artists Working at Crown Point Press
Featuring 125 working proofs and edition prints produced between 1972 and 2010 at Crown Point Press in San Francisco, one of the most influential printmaking studios of the last half century, “Yes, No, Maybe” goes beyond celebrating the flash of inspiration to examine the artistic process as a sequence of decisions.
National Gallery of Art

Through Jan. 12
Living Artfully: At Home with Marjorie Merriweather Post
From the glamour of Palm Beach, to the rustic whimsy of the Adirondacks, to the distinguished social scene of Washington, D.C., heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post brought to her multiple residences a flawless style of living and entertaining that was made possible only through the gracious management of loyal staff.
Hillwood Estate, Museum and Gardens

Through Jan. 25
A Night at the Opera
The grandeur of opera — its unforgettable music, stellar performers, and lavish scenery and costumes — has transfixed audiences for more than 400 years. This 50-item display will feature manuscripts, printed scores, librettos, photographs, correspondence and set designs dating from the late 18th century through the beginning of the 20th century.
Library of Congress
James Madison Building

Through Feb. 9
Lines, Marks, and Drawings: Through the Lens of Roger Ballen
This exhibit considers the 40-year-plus career of Roger Ballen, one of the more recognized photographic artists working today, through a new approach: an examination of line and drawing in his photographs.
National Museum of African Art

Through June 8, 2014
Perspectives: Rina Banerjee
Born in India and based in New York City, artist Rina Banerjee draws on her background as a scientist and her experience as an immigrant in her richly textured works that complicate the role of objects as representations of cultures and invite viewers to share her fascination in materials.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

DANCE

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m.
Tango Fire – Flames of Desire
Choreographed by critically acclaimed Argentine choreographer and dancer German Cornejo, the sensational Tango Fire Company of Buenos Aires presents their new show, featuring 10 torrid dancers, one of Argentina’s finest young singers and a quartet of brilliant musicians. Tickets are $30 to $45.
GW Lisner Auditorium

Oct. 30 to Nov. 3
Giselle
Love, betrayal and forgiveness reign as the Washington Ballet takes on one of the world’s most beautiful and technically difficult ballets. Tickets are $25 to $125.
Kennedy Center Eisenhower Theatre

DISCUSSIONS

Thu., Oct. 3, 6:45 p.m.
Siberia’s Trans-Baikal: An Architectural Journey
William Brumfield, architectural historian and photographer, takes a journey deep in the eastern Siberian taiga, or boreal forest, home to some of Russia’s most fascinating regions and territories known as the Trans-Baikal. Tickets are $42. For information, visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
S. Dillon Ripley Center

Sat., Oct. 5, 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Art and Architecture of Russia’s Far North
Perched in northernmost Russia, the Arkhangelsk territory — between the Northern Dvina and Onega Rivers — is known for its stunning forests and towns that reflect a remarkably rich artistic heritage. Tickets are $130. For information, visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
S. Dillon Ripley Center

Mon., Oct. 7, 6:45 p.m.
Mexican Home Cooking with Pati Jinich With Tasting
A self-described “overloaded soccer mom with three kids and a powerful blender,” Pati Jinich, who was born and raised in Mexico City, is on a mission to show Americans that true Mexican home cooking isn’t what they’ve come to expect. Tickets are $42. For information, visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
S. Dillon Ripley Center

Wed., Oct. 9, 6:45 p.m.
Mingle at the Museum: Underwater Adventures Featuring Photographer Brian Skerry
Immerse yourself in the Natural History Museum after hours to explore the wonders that lie below the waves as you meet photojournalist, explorer and conservation advocate Brian Skerry, whose exhibition, “Portraits of Planet Ocean,” reflects the amazing beauty, vitality and diversity of our resilient, though imperiled, ocean. Tickets are $50.
Natural History Museum

Wed., Oct. 23, 12 p.m.
All Nations under God: Sacred Spires, Stars, and Domes in Old German Washington
While floods of European immigrants lent 19th-century D.C.’s urban heart a strong German flair, new waves later turned it strongly Chinese, but vestiges of our cultural melting pot survive in the area’s varied houses of worship. Led by guide Elizabeth Sherman, this tour hosted by the Goethe-Institut will illustrate how Washingtonians have honored God — from the airy spire of the German-American Calvary Baptist Church, to the rough-hewn Washington Hebrew Synagogue/New Hope Baptist Church, to the modest Cum Yum Buddhist Temple and grand domed Sixth & I Historic Synagogue.
National Portrait Gallery

Thu., Oct. 24, 6:45 p.m.
40 Chances: Howard G. Buffett on Finding Hope in a Hungry World
In 2006, philanthropist and farmer Howard G. Buffett set out to help the most vulnerable population on earth — nearly a billion people who lack basic food security — and gave himself 40 years to invest more than $3 billion in solutions to meet this challenge. Buffett discusses his efforts and new book “40 Chances: Finding Hope in a Hungry World.” Tickets are $42. For information, visit www.smithsonianassociates.org.
Location TBA

Thu., Oct. 24, 6:30 p.m.
Pati’s Mexican Table: Mex-Americana – The Evolution of Mexican Food in the U.S.
On the heels of Pati’s sold-out first installment of “Mexican Table,” she’s back with the second demo dinner of the year, this time showcasing the rich, delicious history of Mexican food in the United States. Tickets are $70.
Mexican Cultural Institute

FESTIVALS

Oct. 10 to 12
VelocityDC Dance Festival
The annual event, showcasing the scope and talent of the Washington dance community, returns for its fifth year with more than 20 ensembles and individuals. Tickets are $18.
Sidney Harman Hall

Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.,
Oct. 13, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Russian Fall Bazaar
This annual fall bazaar held at St. Nicholas Cathedral on Massachusetts Avenue features an array of Russian, Ukrainian, Georgian and Central Asian cuisine, music and culture. Among the offerings are live music presented by different bands, a wide assortment of unique handicrafts, free tours in the cathedral, activities for children and more. Princess Putyatina (a branch of Romanov dynasty) and Countess Tolstoy (grandchild of famous Russian writer Leo Tolstoy) will also be present.
St. Nicholas Cathedral

Oct. 16 to Nov. 13
Kids Euro Festival 2013
The largest children’s performing arts festival in the United States returns to the Washington area for its sixth edition, with more 200 free, family-friendly, European-themed events including performances, concerts, workshops, movies, storytelling, puppetry, dance, magic and cinema — all brought to you by the 28 European Union member states. For information, visit kidseurofestival.org.
Various locations

Oct. 19 to 20
Bethesda Row Arts Festival
The Bethesda Row Arts Festival features almost 190 of the nation’s best artists and crafters and covers the four blocks of Bethesda Row with the finest in ceramics, drawings, fabrics, glass, graphics, jewelry, metalwork, paintings, pastels, photography, printmaking, sculpture, wood and mixed media.
Bethesda Row, Md.

Through Oct. 31
Mutual Inspirations Festival 2013-Václav Havel
The Czech Embassy celebrates the life and legacy of dissident, playwright and former Czech President Václav Havel with more than 30 events throughout Washington as part of its Mutual Inspirations Festival, an annual initiative focusing on the mutual inspirations between Czech and American cultures and featuring an extraordinary Czech personality who has greatly inspired others. With more than 20,000 visitors in the last two years, the festival incorporates theatrical performances, film screenings, concerts, lectures and exhibitions — reflecting the many hats Havel wore throughout his life as president, political leader, visionary, spiritual seeker, human rights activist, citizen, dissident, prisoner, playwright, writer and poet. For more information, visit www.mutualinspirations.org.
Various locations

GALAS

Sun., Oct. 6, 6 p.m.
Harman Center for the Arts Annual Gala
One of Washington’s top 20 benefits and galas, the Harman Center for the Arts Gala provides indispensable funds for the Shakespeare Theatre’s education and community engagement programs including the annual “Free For All.” This year’s gala presents the William Shakespeare Award for Classical Theatre to actress Elizabeth McGovern of “Downtown Abbey.” Tickets are $750 to $1,000. For information, visit www.shakespearetheatre.org/info/support/special-events/harman-center-gala#.
Sidney Harman Hall

Thu., Oct. 17
Some Enlightened Evening
Diplomats, philanthropists, artists, yogis, and celebrities come together to celebrate the unveiling of “Yoga: The Art of Transformation,” the world’s first exhibition on the art of yoga. This sumptuous affair of exceptional art is complemented by cuisine created by Floyd Cardoz, winner of “Top Chef Masters” season three; a performance by Grammy-nominated vocalist Chandrika Tandon; and memorable mingling with yoga luminaries, including Hilaria and Alec Baldwin — under the patronage of Indian Ambassador Nirupama Rao and His Highness Gaj Singh II, the maharaja of Jodhpur-Marwar. Tickets are $1,000 or $2,500. For information, visit www.asia.si.edu/events/galas/some-enlightened-evening/.
Arthur M. Sackler Gallery

Fri., Oct. 18
Meridian Ball and Global Leadership Summit
Now in its 45th year, the Meridian Ball brings together public and private sector leaders to celebrate Meridian’s efforts to nurture global leadership with ambassador-hosted dinners followed by desserts and dancing at the Meridian House. Earlier in the day, top international and domestic policymakers, corporate and diplomatic leaders, academics and media will convene at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for Meridian’s Global Leadership Summit to explore ways to address global challenges through collaboration and cooperation. Tickets are $450 to $650. For information, visit www.meridian.org/ball.
Meridian International Center

Wed., Oct. 23, 6:30 p.m.
Freedom House Annual Awards Dinner
At its annual awards dinner, Freedom House will present the Freedom Award to human rights activist Chen Guangcheng in recognition of his work on behalf of women and the rural poor in his native China. Also being honored at the event are Sens. Ben Cardin and John McCain and Reps. Jim McGovern and Ileana Ros-Lehtinen for their leadership in the passage of the Sergei Magnitsky Act, which denies visas and freezes the assets of Russian officials involved in human rights abuses. Tickets are $1,250. For information, visit www.freedomhouse.org/annual-dinner-2013.
Newseum

MUSIC

Sat., Oct. 5, 3 p.m.
Prem Raja Mahat
Prem Raja Mahat, who grew up listening to and singing the “rural Nepalese blues” as a young boy in the hills of west central Nepal, has contributed to the revival and tremendous appeal of folk music in Nepal. Tickets are $100 and include a Nepalese buffet. For information, visit www.embassyseries.org.
Nepal Ambassador’s Residence

Tue., Oct. 8, 8 p.m.
Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club
When the 13-member Orquesta Buena Vista Social Club, a little known collective of veteran musicians from Cuba, recorded a self-titled album of lively folksongs, Latin jazz and passionate ballads in 1997, they immediately took the world by storm. For the first time in 15 years, original members Guajiro Mirabal, Aguaje Ramos, Barbarito Torres and Omara Portuondo embark on a U.S. tour with a stop in our nation’s capital. Tickets are $35 to $75.
GW Lisner Auditorium

Fri., Oct. 11, 7:30 p.m.
Andrei Licaret, Piano
Bucharest-born pianist Andrei Licaret made his orchestral debut at the age of 11 and has since given concerts throughout Europe and the United States, winning prizes in several competitions. Tickets are $100 and include a buffet reception. For information, visit www.embassyseries.org.
Romanian Ambassador’s Residence

Mon., Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m.
Washington Performing Arts Society: Mariinsky Orchestra, Valery Gergiev
One of Russia’s oldest and most distinguished musical institutions, the Mariinsky Orchestra (formerly the Kirov Orchestra) and music director Valery Gergiev return to Washington with an all-Stravinsky program celebrating the 100th anniversary of the premiere of “The Rite of Spring.” Tickets are $40 to $120.
Kennedy Center Concert Hall

Thu., Oct. 24, 7:30 p.m.
Gerdan – Kaleidoscope of World Music
Back by popular demand, the Gerdan ensemble specializes in the contrasting musical traditions of Ukraine, blending their authentic folk music roots with multicultural melodies. Tickets are $90 and include Ukrainian buffet. For information, visit www.embassyseries.org.
Embassy of Ukraine

Thu., Oct. 24, 8 p.m.
Kronos Quartet
To pay tribute to the Kronos Quartet’s 40th anniversary, the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center has co-commissioned legendary American composer Philip Glass to write a new work, “String Quartet no. 6,” that will be the centerpiece of this performance in its East Coast premiere. Tickets are $50.
Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Sat., Oct. 26, 8 p.m.
Lise Au Piano
The Alliance Française de Washington and Georgetown’s Malmaison bring French pianist Lise Chemla to D.C., as she embarks on her first U.S. tour with a mix of English and French songs, as well as her covers of artists from an eclectic mix of genres, including rapper 50 Cent and rock band Noir Désir. Tickets are $15. For information, visit www.francedc.org.
Malmaison

THEATER

Through Oct. 6
Cabaret Barroco: Interludes of Spain’s Golden Age
Embracing a carnavalesque topsy-turvy view of the world, the interlude questions and subverts the norms of society. This bawdy and playful cabaret will have you in stitches as characters riff on themes of love, jealousy, deception and entanglements. Tickets are $38 or $42.
GALA Hispanic Theatre

Through Oct. 6
Detroit
Lisa D’Amour’s award-winning comedy “Detroit” is an incendiary take on suburbs, neighbors and the rapidly crumbling economic ladder that inaugurates Woolly’s 34th season, “America’s Tell-Tale Heart,” which exposes the complex soul inside America’s sunny exterior. Tickets start at $35.
Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Oct. 9 to Nov. 3
This
Jane is a poet-without-a-muse, a single mother trying to reignite her life after she suddenly loses her husband. Her supportive friends try to help but only make things more complicated while a sexy, French Doctor-Without-Borders incites temptation — and perspective. Tickets are $10 to $45.
Round House Theatre

Through Oct. 11
The Marriage of Maria Braun
Scena Theater presents the passionate World War II drama made famous in the 1979 cult film by renowned German film director Rainer Werner Fassbinder, an important figure in the New German Cinema. Tickets are $20 to $40.
Atlas Performing Arts Center

Oct. 11 to Nov. 17
Love in Afghanistan
An emerging hip-hop artist and a high-level Afghan interpreter both fight to navigate the pitfalls of romance, religious differences and political unrest in war-torn Afghanistan. Tickets are $40 to $90.
Arena Stage

Oct. 12 to 26
The Force of Destiny
The Washington National Opera honors the 200th birthday of Giuseppe Verdi with the composer’s epic romantic and political drama, which hasn’t been seen in Washington in nearly 25 years. A displaced marquis, desperate to hold on to his family’s wealth and power, tries to prevent the union of his daughter with a foreigner, but when the marquis accidentally ties, the last ties binding the family are shredded. Tickets start at $25.
Kennedy Center Opera House

Oct. 15 to Dec. 8
Pride in the Falls of Autrey Mill
The Falls of Autrey Mill is the most desired zipcode in town. From the outside, the flawless neighborhood glitters with elegant roman column porches and exquisitely manicured lawns. However, demons lurk behind the designer window treatments when one seemingly perfect family disintegrates from the inside out. Please call for ticket information.
Signature Theatre

Oct. 15 to Dec. 1
Romeo and Juliet
Shakespeare’s timeless story of young, passionate love set against a sea of hate is retold by three-time Helen Hayes Award-winning director Aaron Posner. Tickets are $40 to $72.
Folger Shakespeare Library

Oct. 16 to Nov. 24
16th International Festival of Hispanic Theater
Teatro de la Luna presents the 16th International Festival of Hispanic Theater with troupes from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Puerto Rica, Uruguay and the United States — including an opening-night reception at the Embassy of Ecuador on Oct. 16. Tickets are $35. For information, visit www.teatrodelaluna.org.
Gunston Arts Center

Through Oct. 20
Saint Joan and Hamlet
Bedlam Theatre takes on two literary greats in rotating repertory: Shakespeare’s penultimate tragedy about revenge and madness, as well as George Bernard Shaw’s portrayal of Joan of Arc not as a saint, a witch or a madwoman, but as a French farm girl who is anything but simple. Tickets are $32.50 to $65.
Olney Theatre Center

Through Oct. 27
Goodnight Moon
In this Adventure Theatre season-opener, a Little Old Lady whispers “hush” — in vain — as the humorous antics of a very nocturnal bunny, his magical room, dancing bears, and a red balloon bring to life the most iconic children’s books of all time. Tickets are $19.
Adventure Theatre in Glen Echo Park

The Laramie Project
“The Laramie Project” presents a deeply complex portrait of a community’s response to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a young gay man living in Laramie, Wyoming. In a series of poignant reflections, the residents react to the hate crime and surrounding media storm with anger, bewilderment and sorrow. Tickets start at $18.
Ford’s Theatre

Through Oct. 27
Measure for Measure
Director Jonathan Munby places Shakespeare’s “Measure for Measure” in a fascist, late-1930s Europe steeped in cabaret culture, reflecting on the dual nature of humanity as both tragic and comic through the story of a novice nun who must decide whether to sacrifice her virginity to save her brother’s life. Tickets are $40 to $100.
Shakespeare Theatre Company
Lansburgh Theatre

Oct. 29 to Nov. 10
Sister Act
In this crowd-pleasing musical based on the hit film, a wannabe diva witnesses a crime and hides out in a convent, where, under Mother Superior’s watchful eye, she helps her fellow sisters find their voices, not to mention her own. Tickets are $39 to $120.
Kennedy Center Opera House

Through Nov. 3
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Synetic Theater reinvents Oscar Wilde’s “The Picture of Dorian Gray” in a unique fusion of visual and verbal poetry that explores Wilde’s only novel, which many consider his most personal work — a timelessly supernatural story of man’s endless conflict with the nature of mortality. Tickets start at $35.
Synetic Theater