The wonder of Monsieur Lazhar and a free Monday reception

I had the privilege of seeing Monsieur Lazhar yesterday. I think it resonates on many levels, primarily the idea that we all need or seek an outlet for emotions, our longings, our conversation. After a tragedy at the school, he is able to provide that outlet for the students, and, of course, suffers for it from parents and administrators. I was with a new friend the other night and the conversation was nice but it was on the perimeter of everything important.  I guess it takes time to develop but still I'm sure we all have good friends that we still don't delve into important matters with.  Communication. We need it and yet can hardly do it. The film is done with such a light and beautiful touch. It's ironic that I skipped the National Geographic's 5 Oscar-nominated foreign films this year - after last year's subpar group - and the 3 that I have now seen (A Separation, Footnote and Monsieur Lazhar) are all wonderful. The other two - Bullhead and In Darkness - I have heard great things about but are much rougher around the edges. Please try to get to see Lazhar.

This Monday, April 30, there will be a nice opening reception at the Inter American Development Bank, 1300 New York Ave., NW. It's for an Argentinian artist named Beatriz Luna and begins at 6 pm.

Today is the last day to see the Raoul Wallenberg exhibit at the House of Sweden on the Georgetown Waterfront. It's an excellent chance to be at this beautiful place on a nice afternoon - it's open til 5.

A Chance to Dream of (and Toast) a Farmhouse in Italy

The Embassy of Italy is a beautiful place just off Massachusetts Ave. near where it hits Rock Creek Parkway. (The address is 3000 Whitehaven St., NW.) I just saw a new event posted for there.  Rizzoli New York and the Embassy of Italy cordially invite people to a cocktail reception to celebrate the publication of MASSERIA: THE ITALIAN FARMHOUSES OF PUGLIA by Mark Roskams, text by Diane Lewis. Project director, Cristina Rizzo. Tuesday, May 8th, 6:00-8:00pm.  You MUST RSVP by Friday, May 4th to rizzocri@aol.com.  Books will be available for purchase at the event - cash only. The event is free.

A Deal at Shakespeare Theatre and Latin New York in DC

The Shakespeare Theatre has an interesting deal going on this week.  For their 25th Anniversary and Shakespeare’s birthday week, they are giving everyone $25 off of a ticket! Though Sunday, April 29, current patrons that have an existing account as well as any new patrons that create an account will get a $25 credit to use toward any ticket purchase for a production this season or next. They have a bunch of good events to choose from - I've heard Strange Interlude is very good (and yes very long), and The Merry Wives of Windsor should be lots of fun in the summer.  Check it out here.

On Saturday, the Art Museum of the Americas will show the Latin Video Art Festival of New York. This is an under-visited gallery on 201 18th St., just off Constitution Ave.  It's free. I'll let you know when they schedule an art opening reception - those are a blast. They have a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

Touchstone free Closing Reception This Thursday

On Thursday, April 26, Touchstone Gallery will have a free Closing Reception for its all-member show with Music by Vladimir Garmanik (electric violin) and Art by Bill Mould and Elena Tchernomazova. They are located at 901 New York Ave., NW, just across from the Convention Center. Touchstone has been one of my favorite galleries for a long time. We don't get over there as much now because it's not really part of any art walk, though they did try something last year with Longview, Civilian Arts Project and a couple others - and they probably should again. Touchstone's current space is beautiful, so if you can make it for a glass of wine after work, head on over.  Oh, they asked for you to RSVP at rsvp@toucshtonegallery.com.

Great actor at Arena Stage for just $10

There is a nice opportunity next weekend to see one of Washington's outstanding actors - Rick Foucheux - at the glittering still fairly new Arena Stage for a reasonable cost. Begotten: O’Neill and the Harbor of Masks will be performed Thursday to Sunday, April 26-29 in the Arlene and Robert Kogod Cradle at the Mead Center at Arena Stage. Tickets are just $10 and can be ordered here.  It's written by Georgetown University professor Derek Goldman to correspond with the Eugene O'Neill Festival now taking place.  Not sure what to expect, but Foucheux is the kind of guy who can read a phone book and be interesting. His performance in Dead Man's Cellphone at Woolly a few years ago still stays with me. He was also just wonderful in Arena's Ah WIlderness.

Norwegian Film, French arts, Latin videos and a Japanese evening

Chris has sent us an invitation for a free film tomorrow night at E Street called Headhunters. It is a Norwegian thriller - here is the link.  So I don't know how many "reservations" remain and even if you have reservation, you are not guaranteed a seat.  They overbook the same way a Meetup does - because people don't show. The film has received good reviews.

Our favorite First Friday gallery - Hillyer - will be having a Closing Night Party on Friday April 27 from 6-9 for their American Landscapes exhibit. This is a very good exhibit and anything they do gets a nice crowd.

There is a Latin Video Art Festival of New York Thursday through Saturday at the utterly wonderful but mostly unknown Art Museum of the Americas at 201 18th Street, NW in Washington. There are 3 90-minute looped sessions; the museum is open from 10am to 5pm.

On Tuesday the French Embassy starts a new French Women in the Arts series with the famous film, Lola Montes.  You need a reservation (click here), the cost of the film is $8 and there is a deal of 5 events for $20.

On Thursday, there is a Bento Box Office at The Textile Museum, sponsored by Pink Line Project - and I also saw that John Hanshaw's Washington Film Institute will have a group as well.  I think there is a picnic and then an outdoor film with a Japanese theme all around. Tickets are $15 with a drink included. Should be a nice crowd - though I am headed to the AMAZING Nellie McKay at the Birchmere.