Mid City DC Magazine – September 2023

Photo: David Venni

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

IN Series: Alceste, a play by Euripides, music by GF Handel

Written at the dawn of theater itself, Euripides’ tragicomedy masterpiece Alceste blends the funny and the sad with the surprising and transcendent. Presented for the rst time with a stunningly beautiful score by G.F. Handel, written to accompany a now lost 18th century translation of Euripides’ play, as well as music from Handel’s opera “Admeto” (an early take on the same myth). Real life husband and wife KenYatta and Michelle Rogers take the title couple role, joined by Maribeth DIggle (Desdemona) as the irreverent hero Hercules. Euripides’ Greek chorus becomes an ensemble of some of the best Baroque voices in the area, all accompanied by the acclaimed INnovatio Baroque Orchestra. Famed poet Ted Hughes’ free and imaginative translation is the heart of this production, with new texts by DC playwright Sybil Roberts. Alceste is at the Dupont Underground on Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. and Sept. 24, 2:30 p.m. and GALA Hispanic Theatre on Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 8, 2:30 p.m. inseries.org.

Mount Vernon Fall Wine Festival and Sunset

On Friday to Sunday, Oct. 6 to 8, 6 to 9 p.m., nightly, taste unlimited samples from Virginia wineries after hours at George Washington’s estate. You can also bring a blanket and relax on the East Lawn overlooking the Potomac River; meet George Washington; visit the Shops at Mount Vernon; visit the rst and second oors of the Mansion; purchase concessions from the Mount Vernon Inn. Admission is $59 on Friday, $63 on Saturday and $53 on Sunday. mountvernon.org.

H Street Festival (ALWAYS A BLAST!)

The H Street Festival on Saturday, Sept. 16, noon to 7 p.m., is held along H Street NE, between Third and Fifteenth. It has 14 staging areas featuring music of different genres, dance, youth-based performances, interactive children’s program, fashion, heritage arts, poetry and many more. The festival started as a 500-participant bloc party more than 12 years ago. It has now grown into a 150,000-participant event. hstreetfestival.org.

WHAT’S ON WASHINGTON

America’s Voices Against Apartheid at the KC

This fall, from Sept. 14 to Nov. 5, the Kennedy Center’s Department of International Programming and the Howard University Republic of South Africa Project/ Sister States of Maryland, Inc. presents the groundbreaking exhibition, America’s Voices Against Apartheid, in the Hall of Nations. This US opening of the exhibition marks the beginning of an American tour, following its successful opening in May 2023 at the Apartheid Museum in Johannesburg, South Africa. America’s Voices Against Apartheid is an exploration of the remarkable contributions made by US citizens to the international movement that dismantled the apartheid system in South Africa, which persisted from 1948 to the early 1990s. kennedy-center.org.

African Modernism in America, 1947 to 1967

African Modernism in America, 1947-67 is the rst major exhibition to examine the complex connections between modern African artists and American patrons, artists, and cultural organizations in the postwar period. Featuring the work of 50 African and African American artists— including David Driskell, Ibrahim El-Salahi, Ben Enwonwu, Jacob Lawrence, Demas Nwoko, and Uche Okeke—the exhibition reveals a transcontinental network of artists, curators, and scholars that challenged assumptions about African art in the United States, and thereby encouraged American engagement with African artists as contemporaries. Additionally, the exhibition includes a newly commissioned work by Ndidi Dike, The Politics of Selection (2022), which investigates the presence

Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. at Hillwood

Transparent or opaque, fragile yet impervious, glass has inspired artists and designers, stimulated scientists and engineers, and captivated collectors with its beauty and practicality. Hillwood founder Marjorie Merriweather Post was no exception, and she amassed over 1,600 pieces of glass, created in the 17th-20th centuries in China, Western Europe, Russia, and the United States. This special exhibition, through Jan. 14, 2024, highlights this lesserknown aspect of Hillwood’s collection, featuring a range of styles and techniques, while placing the historic creations in dialogue with astounding contemporary artworks. Adult admission is $18; seniors, $15; college students, $10; six to eighteen, $5; and under six, free. Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, 4155 Linnean Ave. NW is open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. hillwoodmuseum.org.

Art All Night: Eight Wards, 100+ Artists, Two Nights

and absence of women in the story of African modernity. African Modernism in America, 1947-67 is at The Phillips Collection, 1600 21st St. NW, from Oct. 7 to Jan. 7. phillipscollection.org.

DC Art All Night happens from 7 p.m. to 3 a.m. the following morning on two nights--September 29 and 30. The festival takes place in all 8 wards with different things-going-on each night, bringing visual and performing arts, including painting, photography, sculpture, crafts, fashion, music, literary arts, dance, theater, lm, and poetry, to indoor and outdoor public and private spaces, including local businesses and restaurants. First presented as Art All Night: Nuit Blanche DC in 2011 by Shaw Main Streets, Art All Night drew crowds of 30,000 plus to celebrate the art and local culture. Over the last ten years, the event has grown to feature nineteen participating neighborhoods in 2021, with over 120,000 attendees from across the DMV coming to DC to celebrate the arts. dcartallnight.org.

Photo: Courtesy of the Kennedy Center

Detail photograph of Glass: Art. Beauty. Design. featuring glassware from Harrach Glassworks with hunting scenes. Photo: Courtesy of Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens.

Peter Clarke (South African, 1929-2014), That Evening Sun Goes Down, 1960, Gouache on paper, 21 1/2 x 17 in., Fisk University Galleries, Nashville, Gift of the Harmon Foundation, 1991.313 © 2022 Peter Edward Clarke / DALRO, Johannesburg / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York. Courtesy American Federation of Arts.

National Gallery Nights Return

National Gallery Nights, the popular after-hours program, returns to the East Building from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays, Sept. 14, Oct. 12, and Nov. 9. This season, visitors will find their favorite National Gallery Nights activities—music, live performances, artmaking, and pop-up talks—centering the themes of a block party, Halloween, and the exhibition “The Land Carries our Ancestors: Contemporary Art by Native Americans.” Light fare; gelato; and beverages such as beer, wine, and specialty cocktails will be available for purchase throughout the East Building, in the Terrace Café and Espresso & Gelato Bar, and on the Fourth Street Plaza. A lottery to attend the indoor activities takes place the week before each event from Monday through Thursday at noon. No registration required for Fourth Street activities. nga.gov.

Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts

Quilts, like maps, trace the personal stories and experiences of makers and their communities, often illuminating larger historical events and cultural trends. Handstitched Worlds draws from the collection of the American Folk Art Museum, with examples ranging from traditional early-American quilts to contemporary sculptural assemblages. Visitors are invited to contribute to the Museum’s community quilt. Stitch a place in the cartography of Washington, DC, that holds special significance for you. Handstitched Worlds is at the George Washington University Museum and Textile Museum, 701 21st St. NW, from September 9 to Dec. 23. Hours of operation are Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Free admission but a suggested $8 donation is appreciated. museum.gwu.edu.

Judy Collins & Madeleine Peyroux at the KC

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, 8 p.m., two folk and jazz icons share the Concert Hall stage for an unforgettable double bill of songs and stories. Join Grammy Award winner Judy Collins as she performs her legendary 1967 album Wildflowers in its entirety. Collins is joined by Madeleine Peyroux, who has become one of today’s most acclaimed jazz singers since she began her illustrious career busking on the busy streets of Paris. Tickets are $29 to $89. kennedy-center. org.

The Price is Right Live at National Harbor

The Price Is Right Live, at MGM National Harbor on Friday, Sept. 29, 8 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 30, 6 p.m., is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car. Playing to near sold-out audiences for more than 14 years, The Price Is Right Live has entertained millions of guests and given away more than 12 million dollars in cash and prizes. If you’re a fan of The Price Is Right on TV, you’ll love this exciting, live (non-televised), on-stage version of the show. $35 to $225. MGM National Harbor is at 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill, MD. mgmnationalharbor.mgmresorts.com.

Artist unknown (Va.), Map Quilt, 1886. Image courtesy of the American Folk Art Museum. Gift of Dr. and Mrs. C. David McLaughlin. Photo: Schecter Lee

Maryland Renaissance Festival

Unique among most festivals, including renaissance festivals, the Maryland Renaissance Festival utilizes a story line and progresses each year forward in the timeline of Henry VIII, through all his reign and all six of his wives. This season the year is 1537, and as ever, the King’s love life is the source of gossip. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, a tradition for the entire family, Labor Day weekend and Saturdays and Sundays Aug. 26 to Oct. 22 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., runs for weekends of thrills, feasting, handmade crafts, entertainment and merriment in Crownsville, near Annapolis. The 27-acre Village of Revel Grove comes to life each autumn with more than 200 professional performers on ten stages, a 3,000-seat arena with armored jousting and streets filled with village characters. Admission is $30 for adults; $15 for ages seven to fifteen; under seven, free. Tickets sold online only. rennfest.com.

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf

Oktoberfest Weekend at the Wharf is on Friday to Sunday, Sept. 15 to 17. On Friday night, 7 to 9 p.m. Oktoberfest kicks-off with a traditional polka dance session. Come to Transit Pier to learn the moves. On Saturday, 2 to 5 p.m., Cheer on the dogs competing in the 11th Annual Wiener 500 Dachshund Dash to benefit Rural Dog Rescue. Or, sign up your Dachshund to participate in the races (free entry). On Sunday, 2 to 5 p.m., try your hand in The Wharf-wide stein hoisting contest taking place in restaurants throughout The Wharf. Throughout the weekend, enjoy German fare, Bavarian decor and costumes, and Sam Adam Octoberfest beer. wharfdc.com.

Patti Smith and Her Band at the Anthem

Patti Smith is an American singer, songwriter, poet, painter, and author who became an influential component of the New York City punk rock movement with her 1975 debut album Horses.]Called the "punk poet laureate", Smith fuses rock and poetry in her work. Her most widely known song, "Because the Night", co-written with Bruce Springsteen, reached number 13 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1978 and number five on the UK Singles Chart. In 2007, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Patti Smith and Her Band are at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, on Saturday, Sept. 16, 8 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.). $55 to $75. theanthemdc.com.

James McMurty at The Birchmere

James McMurtry is an American rock and folk rock/americana singer, songwriter, guitarist, bandleader, and occasional actor. He performs with veteran bandmates Daren Hess, Cornbread and Tim Holt. His father, novelist Larry McMurtry, gave him his first guitar at age seven. His mother, an English professor, taught him how to play it: “My mother taught me three chords and the rest I just stole as I went along. I learned everything by ear or by watching people.” His latest album is The Horses and the Hounds, released in 2021. James McMurty with BettySoo is at The Birchmere, 3701 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, on Thursday, Sept. 14, 7:30 p.m. $39.50. birchmere.com.

Sunrise Hikes at Great Falls, Virginia

Located just 15 miles outside Washington, the Great Falls of the Potomac is the most magnificent natural landmark in the metropolitan area. On Saturday, Sept. 23; Sunday, Sept. 24; and/ or Friday, Sept; 29, 6:30 to 9:30 a.m., rise early on an early-fall morning, avoid the crowds, and enjoy a small-group experience in the great outdoors with naturalist Keith Tomlinson. The excursions at Great Falls National Park include a hike past Great Falls and into Mather Gorge, two of the area’s most remarkable geologic features. Explore the natural history of the area’s forest, observe a variety of birds, and learn about the effect of local land-use patterns on conservation efforts along the Potomac. The hike covers about three miles of hilly and rocky trails. $75. smithsonianassociates.org.

The National Gallery of Art Celebrates the Art of Poetry

On Saturday, Sept. 23, the National Gallery of Art’s 2023 John Wilmerding Symposium on American Art and Community Celebration, “Poetry is a Country,” brings celebrated poets from across the nation together to premiere original poetry inspired by works in their collection. Participating poets— Jason Reynolds, Naomi Shihab Nye, Ilya Kaminsky, Jorie Graham, Heid E. Erdrich, Teri Ellen Cross Davis, Victoria Chang, and Hanif Abdurraqib—will perform their new works both in East Building galleries by the works of art that inspired them and in the East Building Auditorium. Readings will occur between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. Only those in the East Building Auditorium require registration, and all works discussed there are also on view in the galleries. A parallel series of interactive, drop-in activities will be offered in the East Building galleries, open to all ages and interests throughout the day. Programs will include 20-minute poetry-writing workshops and poetry-inspired artmaking led by local artists and educators; haiku customized by typewriter poets drawing upon visitor discoveries and observations; and a poetry exhibition in their library. nga.gov.

National Dance Day at the REACH

On Saturday, Sept. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., the Kennedy Center presents a full day of in-person activities for National Dance Day. A dance party that kicks off the KC’s celebration of Hip-Hop’s 50th Anniversary. This annual event invites people of all ages and abilities, from the youngest dancers to professionals, to participate in a free celebration of the joy of dance and movement. Participants will have an opportunity to learn the official National Dance Day routine at 2 p.m. with movement artist Poppin John. The routine brings together dancers and dance enthusiasts from around the globe to celebrate National Dance Day as a form of exercise and of artistic expression. Everything’s free. A full and detailed National Dance Day schedule is at kennedy-center.org/whats-on/explore-bygenre/dance/2023-2024/national-dance-day.

(The Resistance of One Octogenarian.)

Sasha’s 82-year-old mother, Olga, is on the frontlines of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, having lived in Kyiv her whole life. Olga is thrust into increasingly fantastical situations: she strategizes with President Zelenskyy, strikes Russian drones with jars of pickles, and even debates with God. Inspired by online chats with her mother, playwright Sasha Denisova brings us this new play about a family’s connection and legacy amidst the present-day war and global crisis. The world premiere, My Mama and the Full-Scale Invasion, is at Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, 641 D St. NW, from Sept. 11 to Oct. 8. woollymammoth.net.

Jason Reynolds. Photo: James J. Reddington

“Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard” at Ford’s

In Something Moving: A Meditation on Maynard, playwright Pearl Cleage explores the election of Maynard Jackson, Atlanta’s first Black mayor. Cleage sets the play in present-day Atlanta, but soon the story travels back 50 years as citizens of the city recollect and reflect upon the significance of the once-in-a-lifetime election that turned Atlanta into a progressive example of the New South. Cleage’s unique theatrical voice turns Atlanta into a full-blooded character while allowing her audience to feel what it was like to be part of a true historic moment in the Southern capital city. As we mark the 50th anniversary of Jackson’s election of a lifetime, explore Cleage’s evocative depiction of this monumental moment. $26 to $53. Ford’s Theatre, 511 10th St. NW, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 15. fords.org.

Chiarina Chamber Players Concerts on Capitol Hill

Chiarina brings distinctive chamber music performances and innovative programming to an intimate neighborhood setting on Capitol Hill. With a roster of world-class artists, their mission is to create an engaging, inclusive listening experience that connects audience members, performers, and music by a wide spectrum of composers from the eighteenth through the twenty-first centuries. They strive to build bridges with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. 2023-2024 concerts are on Sundays, 7:30 p.m., Sept. 17, Oct. 22, Nov. 19, March 17, April 14, and May 19, at St. Mark’s, 301 A St. SE. Tickets are $30; 18 and under, free. chiarina.org.

Opera in the Outfield: La Boheme

Oh, to be young and in love in Paris! Sure, there are bills to be paid—but there’s also art, moonlight, and poetry. When a group of young bohemian artists gets tangled up in love’s highs and lows, growing up is its own bittersweet heartbreak. On Saturday, Sept. 30, 7 p.m. (gates at 5 p.m.), WNO continues its partnership with the Washington Nationals with an Opera in the Outfield presentation of Puccini’s beloved La Bohème at Nationals Park. Free seating will be available on the outfield grass (weather permitting) and in the stands. Arrive early for live entertainment, photo opportunities, prizes and other activities. Free entrance. kennedy-center.org/wno/ home/education/opera-in-the-outfield/.

Turnpike Troubadours at The Anthem

Turnpike Troubadours is an American country music band from Tahlequah, Oklahoma founded in 2005. They started their own imprint, Bossier City Records, in 2007 and have released five studio albums. Their self-titled 2015 album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200. After an indefinite hiatus in 2019, the band recently announced its reunion and has returned to touring. They are at the Anthem, 901 Wharf St. SW, along with Lucero and Reckless Kelly, on Saturday, Sept. 23, 7:30 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.). $65 to $99.50. theanthemdc.com.

Photo: Bud Smith

Soprano Jacqueline Echols (center, right) plays Musetta: bass Peter Rose (center, left) plays Alcindoro. Photo: Scott Suchman

What took us so long? Compass Rose

Kitchen & Bar, 1346 T St. NW, has been around for almost a decade, but Peter and I had not dined there until now. This place is a jewel, a marvelous culinary journey around the globe.

Ensconced in an old townhouse, Compass Rose takes up two floors reached by rather steep steps. The interior is festooned with exotic artifacts from many nations. The moniker—Compass Rose—refers to the travels of proprietor Rose Previte, who was named Restaurateur of the Year at the 2023 RAMMY Awards. She has visited numerous nations represented in what comes out of chef Shelby McCrone’s amazing kitchen. (A graduate of L’Academy de Cuisine, McCrone previously wielded her whisk at upscale restaurants, including Sababa and Marcel’s, both in Northwest.)

We were seated in the “streatery,” the outdoor extension leftover from Covid shutdown days. Large fans

Insatiable

by Celeste McCall

cooled the space, which resembled a train car. Our helpful servers explained the menu: berbere spiced yams (Ethiopia), steak kebabs (Lebanon), sabich (Middle Easternstyle fried eggplant), poutine (gravy-topped fries representing Canada), Spice Bag (fried chicken thighs from Ireland), pupusas (El Salvador) and much more.

Peter chose chicken kebabs (Tunisia). The moist breast meat was nestled on a bed of slightly sweet couscous and accompanied by peach-flavored dip. I went for khachapuri, the traditional Georgian cheese-filled bread. With a flourish, server Clio presented the molten cheese tableside before stirring it. The cheese was a mixture of mozzarella, ricotta and feta. She also suggested that we allow the cheese to cool slightly before cutting or tearing the oval-shaped bread to dip into the cheese. It was like eating fondue.

Compass Rose’s wine list is also international, showcasing vintages from Georgia (reportedly the world’s oldest wine producing region), Cyprus, Lebanon, Spain, Canary Islands and elsewhere. What a gustatory experience! Our luncheon tab for two—cleverly tucked inside “Fodor’s Guide to London”--came to $83 including tax and a 20 per cent service charge. A lot cheaper than airfare to Europe.

For hours and more information, visit www.compassrosedc.com.

Busboys Revisited

We also decided to look in on an old favorite—Busboys and Poets—450 K St. NW (Mount Vernon Triangle). Owned by Iraq-born Andy Shallal, the progressive café/bookstore operates several sister restaurants.

We were tempted to sit inside amid the books, artwork and convivial bar, but opted instead to enjoy late summer sunshine on the spacious front patio. Sipping our excellent $6 Bloody Mary and mimosa (specially priced for brunch), we scanned the lengthy menu: vegetarian and vegan dishes abound, including roasted veggies, tempeh (fermented soybeans), avocado pesto with vegan cheese, black bean burgers, hummus, falafels. Other options include firecracker shrimp, nachos, wings, paninis and myriad salads.

Peter went for the falafel sandwich, the fried chickpea patty tucked into a large pita pocket along with hummus, pickled radishes, onions, and tahini sauce. Delicious but messy. For a side dish, Peter chose fresh fruit, an ideal dessert.

I chose the Mediterranean lamb burger, also nestled in a pita pocket with yogurt sauce and other goodies. My side Caesar salad was deli-

Chef Shelby McCrone helms the amazing international kitchen at Compass Rose.

A server at Compass Rose prepares khachapuri, the delicious Georgian cheese-filled bread.

cious. (Other side options are the house salad and regular or sweet potato fries.) While the ground lamb was slightly overcooked for my taste, it was nicely seasoned.

Lunch for two with a drink apiece came to $56.76, including tax and tip. Service, provided by Corin, was excellent. Busboys & Poets is open daily. For exact hours and more information, visit www.busboysandpoets.com.

Hot on H

Things are heating up on H as Dumpling Hot

Pot

Beyond arrived July 4 at 1216 H St. NE. The zesty newcomer focuses on Shanghai and Szechuan cooking, including homemade noodles, pork wontons, beef dumplings. dan dan noodles, garlic-vinegar rice noodles. There’s also dim sum. But the star of the kitchen is the bubbling hotpot, presented in a handsome blue vessel. Dumpling Hot Pot’s bright, airy décor is simple, yet eye-catching. Management is working on an alcohol license, and plans are afoot for a sake bar upstairs. For updates and more information, visit www.dumplinghotpotbeyond.com.

Boardwalk Fun

Nearby, Sticky Fingers Diner, the vegan retro chic bakery and bar, at 406 H St. NE, is extending summer with a “seaside” pop-up. The plant-based boardwalk-themed menu offers homemade soft pretzels, popcorn balls, faux

“beef” brisket made with seitan (a protein made by rinsing the starch from wheat dough), “ice cream” sandwiches, cotton candy. To drink: wine cooler slushies, boozy floats and strawberry lemonade.

The funky Jersey Shore décor follows the playful theme with blow-up beachballs, pink flamingos and “pesky” seagulls. For hours and more information, visit www.stickyfingersdiner.com.

More Tacos

In Shaw, Los Cinco Tacos has arrived at 711 Florida Ave. NW. It’s an offshoot of Capo Italian Deli, located right next door. The creator is Jose Candelero, Capo’s longtime director of kitchen operations, who grew up in Veracruz, Mexico. Tapping recipes passed down from his grandmother, Los Cinco Tacos will highlight steak, chicken, adobo pork (marinated in red chili sauce) and grilled cactus tacos, quesadillas, and more. Sassy cocktails include Capo’s “Fauci Pouchy” (vodka, eider flower, grapefruit), espresso martinis, passionfruit margaritas. For hours and more information, visit www.loscincotacos.com.

In Mount Vernon Triangle, Busboys and Poets sports a convivial ambience and a bookstore.

On H Street NE, Asian newcomer Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond sports an attractive, airy décor.

Jazzy Logan Lowdown

Near Logan Circle, a snazzy supper club, After8 DC, has hatched inside Butter Me Up at 1409 T St. NW. ere, chef Raymond Melendez draws in uences from his culinary travels throughout the Mediterranean and southern France. At After8 DC, expect caviar and oysters, lavish surf-and-turf, lobster paella, pork belly croquettes, Moorishstyle chicken, Basque cheesecake. Diners may splurge on the chef’s table, unlimited tapas or desserts. e stylish bar pours spicy macha Margaritas, sage Old Fashioneds and plenty of bubblies. For hours and membership information, visit www.after8dc.com.

Gone and Going

Kitchen Cray, 1301 H St. NE, closed at the end of August. Shaw’s La Jambe, at 1550 7th St. NW, is closing this month. ◆

Dumpling Hot Pot Beyond showcases traditional hot pot in handsome blue vessels.

In September, we celebrate Labor Day and the contributions that workers across the country make to building our nation. This month’s Fourth Wall column looks at theater that examines the concept of labor; whether it’s one man’s mission to transform print media, the mental work involved in a daughter’s perpetual fictional narrative about her mother, or an Italian war bride’s labor of sacrifice in the face of overpowering passion.

Aug

New to the Stage Ink, Round House Theatre

30 – Sept. 24, roundhousetheatre.org

What do Johannes Gutenberg, Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch have in common? They all understood the immense power of the printed word to transform society. While social media, AI and ChatGPT have forever changed the way we produce and consume the news, there was once a time when newspapers called the tune of the day. Ink tells the remarkable story of Australian-born Rupert Murdoch and his insatiable drive to “give the people what they want,” says Jason Loewith, Director of this Round House Theatre and Olney Theatre Centre of a show that first debuted to critical acclaim on the stages of Broadway and the West End in 2017.

The play, written by James Graham, follows Murdoch’s rise to power in the UK media landscape of the late 1960s as he and journalist Larry Lamb transform a small tabloid called The Sun into a template for the media empire that Murdoch will eventually dominate. “This show really resonates today. As one of the characters says to Larry Lamb, ‘Once you create the appetite, you’ll never be able to stop feeding it,’” Loewith explains. “I find the play

The Fourth Wall

A Curated Selection of Theater in the DMV

by Matthew McClure

is very much about the state of the media industry right now. That’s what’s great about James Graham. He manages to find these small moments in recent history and explode them so that you’re able to see all the minute ethical decisions that people make along the way that lead to where we are today.”

Andrew Rhine plays Murdoch, and manages to bring nuance and depth to this popularly maligned capitalist icon. Through Rhine’s performance, we can perhaps more truly appreciate the grudge that Murdoch nurtured against the establishment of the day and against which he directed his arsenal of paper bullets. “The trick of the play is that you root really hard in the course of the first act for the team that Larry Lamb is building to execute Murdoch’s vision,” Loewith says. “It’s only in the second act that you get to see what happens to that populism.”

Scene Stealer

See this play for the scene at the end, where Lamb and Murdoch finally comprehend the monster they’ve created. “There is no ‘why’. You’ve killed ‘why’, Larry, just as you hoped to,” Murdoch exclaims. “’Why’ was how they controlled things, wasn’t it? Churches, schools, trade unions, newspapers, convincing everyone there’s an overarching idea! Well, ‘why’ is gone now. We’re free to ask ‘Who do you want to screw’, ‘What do you want to buy’, ‘Where do you wanna go’, ‘When do you wanna go there’. People love it.”

On Right Now

My Mama and the Full Scale Invasion

Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company

Showing Sept. 11 – Oct. 8 woollymammoth.net

Ukrainian playwright Sasha Denisova’s 82-year-old mother Olga has two lives: One involves quietly cooking away in the kitchen of her apartment in Kiev, refusing to leave as an act of passive resistance to Vladimir Putin’s violent occupation of her homeland. The other takes place entirely in the mind of her daughter and sees her launching jars of pickles at Shahed drones and calling meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

“I’ve been writing stories about my mother for many years,” Denisova explains, speaking about her new play being directed by Yury Urnov and co-produced by the Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company and The Wilma Theater. “Ukrainian women have an incredible strength of character and sense of humor. It’s a combination of resilience in the face of adversity, a certain phlegmatic approach to major disasters and attention to life’s details, like recipes for cottage cheese pie for Easter.” For 10 years, Denisova produced award-winning stage productions in Moscow, which was then a cultural hub for Ukrainian intellectuals. All that, of course, came to a grinding halt on February 9 last year when she made the difficult decision to flee the city just as Russian authorities shuttered all her productions permanently. From Poland, Denisova would reach out to Olga, desperate to

Jason Loewith, Director of Ink at the Round House Theatre.

Holly Twyford as Mother in My Mama and the Full Scale Invasion at Wooley Mammoth.

Photo: Teresa Castracane

join her mother or whisk her away to safety. Olga, she says, wouldn’t budge. “When Mom refused to leave Ukraine and made the decision to ght back against Putin in her kitchen, she took on the character of a symbol. Mom, like all Ukrainians, like the rest of the country, did not give up. I decided to write a play from our correspondence and our relationship in general. is is a story of mother and daughter, understandable to everyone. But the war makes it tragic.”

So is Denisova’s play a form of therapeutic release? “A play can’t be therapy; you’re not cured as soon as you write it. Maybe you even get sicker.” she says. “When American actors play my mom and me, I get tears in my eyes. I’m sitting here in Washington DC, and there’s my mom, under the bombs. I write to her: ‘Mom, I’ll be there.’ She says ‘No way, it’s dangerous, your nervous system can’t take it!’ But she’ll withstand it. At 82 years old! Mom tells me to enjoy life, that she’ll wait for victory with optimism. ‘I survived two wars, I will survive Putin.’”

Scene Stealer

Watch this play to see President Joe Biden being served borscht and Ukrainian cutlets by Olga in her kitchen, while she strategizes with him on the best way to end the war.

Catch before Closing

e Bridges of Madison County

Signature eatre, Aug. 8 – Sept. 17

sigtheatre.org

It’s 1960s rural Iowa. Robert Kincaid, a photographer for National Geographic, shows up on the doorstep of Francesca Johnson, an Italian war bride who left Napoli at the end of WW2 with Bud, an American GI. Kincaid, played with convincingly good old fashioned Southern boy charm by Mark Evans, changes the course of Francesca’s life when he asks for directions to a local bridge, and this musical theater production directed by Ethan Heard with a score by Jason Robert Brown tells their ensuing tale.

Based on the best-selling book by Robert James Waller, the show originally opened to critical acclaim on Broadway in 2013. Brown and Marsha Norman’s lyrical interpretation does a stellar job of conveying the breathlessness of Kincaid and Johnson’s emotional rollercoaster. Erin Davie’s Francesca is a triumph, capturing the hopefulness, isolation and resolve that many women eeing Europe with American soldiers at the end of the war must have experienced on US soil.

It’s through Kincaid that Johnson rst becomes aware of the vast atness of her life, symbolized by the featureless Iowan horizon that stretches in every direction. It’s not that she’s unhappy with Bud, but Kincaid’s unique perspective on the world— represented by his camera lens— opens her eyes to new possibilities: A life of vivid color and texture that she had silenced forever when she left the shores of home. A special mention must be made of the ingenious mobile set design by Lee Savage, which really does convey the fastidiousness of Johnson’s home, while also doubling as one of Madison County’s famous covered bridges.

Scene Stealer

Evans and Davie’s duet in Act 1, Wondering, really shows o the vocal prowess of these two actors. Soaring voices accompanied by the delight of a live band heightens the emotional experience. ◆

Mark Evans (Robert Kincaid) and Erin Davie (Francesca Johnson) in The Bridges of Madison at Signature Theatre. Photo:Daniel Rader

Business Briefs

by Sarah Payne

Foundry: An Artists’ Gallery

Apair of open garage doors on Eighth St. NW reveal unique, colorful, artistic creations at Shaw’s Foundry Gallery (2118 Eighth St. NW). Not only a place to view and purchase art, the gallery has provided a home to up-and-coming artists hailing from across the region since its founding in Georgetown in 1971.

Unlike other galleries, Foundry is an artist-run cooperative, which gives members a great deal of control over the display and sale of their work. New exhibitions, unveiled monthly, feature a variety of styles, media and price points.

The gallery is also an educational space and resource for members. “We want to take what our artists have to offer and we want to help them,” says Director Erik Holden.

“We help them learn how to write, respond to calls, how to work with clients and how to set up contracts. We don’t want them to just be good so we can sell their work,” says Holden.

The gallery’s educational programming is expansive. It offers lectures, demonstrations, performances and workshops to the general public.

The current gallery location opened in 2015, after a number of years in Dupont Circle. Foundry was a runner-up in the Best New Shaw Business of 2015 competition conducted by Shaw Main Streets.

Foundry Gallery is open to the public Fridays through Sundays from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. Visit foundrygallery.org to preview current installations, view membership information and learn more about their educational offerings.

Japanese Fusion at Haikan

Travel to Sapporo, Japan without ever leaving Shaw at Haikan (805 V St. NW). Traditional ramen dishes and unique Japanese flavors await.

Following his graduation from the University of Maryland, chef and co-owner Katsuya Fukushima spent years developing his skills at world renowned restaurants, including El Bulli in Spain. He returned to the District at the invitation of his mentor, renowned Chef José Andrés, to helm Cafe Atlantico. The two later opened Minibar, where Fukushima served as the chef-de-cuisine. Along the way, he successfully

Erik Holden is the director of the Foundry Gallery in Shaw. Photo courtesy Foundry Gallery

competed on TV’s “Iron Chef” several times.

In 2013, Fukushima, along with two other business partners, Yama Jewayni and Daisuki Utuagawa, opened Daikaya (706 Sixth St. NW). is establishment is known for its authentic Japanese dishes in both e Ramen Shop on the rst oor and Izakaya upstairs.

Haikan, the group’s second venture, means “pipe works” in Japanese. e odd name is a tribute to the historic Atlantic Plumbing Building in which the restaurant is located.

Haikan has both indoor and patio seating. It features Sapporo-style ramen with specialty noodles imported from Japan.

“We’re a neighborhood spot. Once you eat our ramen, you’re gonna be hooked,” Fukushima says.

Beyond the traditional ramen and Japanese-inspired small plates, Hai-

kan throws a few culinary curve balls. Currently, its serves Mexican-inspired dishes with a Japanese twist, including ceviche, tacos, seafood and more. e restaurant also has an extensive drink program that features Japanese sake, draft beer and a variety of unique, seasonal cocktails.

Like the food, Haikan’s décor is also a blend of cultures, combining design trends from the 1950s to 1970s in both DC and Japan.

Haikan is open Mondays through Wednesdays, 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., ursdays, 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays through Saturdays, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays 12 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Visit haikandc.com to learn more about their menu and to place an order for takeout or delivery.

Sarah Payne is a reporter for Capital Community News. She can be reached at sarahp@hillrag.com.

Katsuya Fukushima is the chef and co-owner of Haikan in Shaw.

Photo by Alexander M. Padro, Courtesy Shaw Main Streets

Shaw Streets

by Pleasant Mann

Shaw Art All Night Coming

September

30

Art All Night, the annual overnight celebration of neighborhood arts and culture, returns to Shaw the evening of Saturday, September 30. This year, Mayor Bowser has attempted to have every area of the District participate in the festival. The 12th Shaw Art All Night welcome center, artists’ market and main stage will be on the west plaza at Banneker Academic High School, which will include visual artists showing and selling their work, video projections, and live entertainment, including fire dancers. Headliners include R&B recording artist Afi Soul. The Watha T. Daniel Library will offer do-it-yourself art programs and entertainment for children, teens and adults. The Shaw Skate Park will host skateboarding demonstrations and live painting.

There will be 15 other art and performance venues in Shaw during the festival, including outdoor locations and a parade led by drummers. Events DC will activate the entire lawn of the Carnegie Library with art-related programs. Roadside Development’s new Intersect at O building will host a photographic exhibit by Jeffrey Morris, along with dancers and performance art. A block party featuring the Black Beer Garden, hosted by Right Proper Brewing Company, will return to the 600 block of T Street, NW, along with visual artists and musical performances. Team Rayceen’s LGBTQIA+ artist showcase including a mini-ball returns to the DC Housing Finance Agency auditorium. The Embassy of Spain and District Coalition will present internationally acclaimed DJ Pau Roca, hailing from Barcelona’s bustling music scene, blending house,

disco, boogie, and electronic beats for dancing outdoors at Electric Cool-Aid. All Art All Night in Shaw events are free and open to the public, and no tickets or reservations are required. For more information, visit www.artallnightdcshaw.com.

New Jersey Avenue and O Street Park Meeting

The Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) held a community meeting July 19 on the status of the renovation of the New Jersey Avenue and O Street Park. The meeting was at Dunbar High School, although people could join virtually.

Peter Nohrden, a landscape architect who is the DPR manager for the project, noted that the required archaeological survey for the park started two years ago, and that they are just getting all the permits needed for the renovation work. Approximately $1.3 million dollars will be devoted to the project.

The project will go beyond just repairing the fixtures of the 40-year-old park. Entry into the

park will become more inviting. The new design will encourage community gatherings, possibly including concerts and summer cinema viewing. There will be new and more direct lighting. Plans include a specific area for a children’s playground. Drainage will be improved by replacing concrete with permeable surfaces, installing bioretention areas for stormwater and adding new plantings. Plans also call for commemorative and climbable sculpture pieces in the park.

Questions came up about the hours that the park would be open. DPR said that it recognized that the community did not want the park to be open all night. They said that given park ranger schedules, the park would have the same hours as the New York Avenue Park, which are 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. A contractor has been hired for the park renovation. Work on the project will start in the early fall of 2023, with completion expected in the spring of 2024.

Hearing on Shaw Alcohol Moratorium Set

The Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Board will hold a hearing at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 14, 2023, to receive public comment concerning a petition to establish a new moratorium zone in the 1900 block of Ninth Street NW. The moratorium petition, submitted by the Westminster Neighborhood Association and tentatively called the North Shaw & Ninth Street Neighborhood Moratorium Zone, seeks to impose a new moratorium on all license classes and types in the 1900 block of Ninth Street NW.

The Westminster Neighborhood Association

The Black Beer Garden, shown at Shaw Art All Night 2023, will return this year.

Photo by Alexander Padro. Courtesy of Shaw Main Street

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is a community group along a oneblock street comprising approximately 170 rowhouses. eir petition argues that the overconcentration of liquor establishments in the area has led to high rates of crime, noise problems and disorderly conduct in their neighborhood. ey propose a moratorium on new liquor establishments on the 1900 block of Ninth Street. If enacted, the proposed moratorium would prohibit the issuance of new liquor licenses in the moratorium zone, prohibit the transfer of existing licenses to the block or allow existing licenses to make substantial changes in their operation. Hotels and new restaurants would be exempt from the moratorium.

e Board’s public hearing will be conducted virtually via video conferencing through the Cisco Webex meetings platform. Internet access is required for participation. e public hearing will also be streamed on the ABCA YouTube page.

Individuals and representatives of organizations who want to testify at

the hearing should contact Alcoholic Beverage and Cannabis Administration (ABCA) General Counsel Martha Jenkins via email at Martha.Jenkins@dc.gov by no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 8, 2023. Please include your full name, title, organization and your phone number. Once you have submitted your contact information to ABCA, you will be provided information regarding how the Board intends to conduct the hearing, and what your participation in the hearing requires.

Members of the public who are unable to testify or who do not desire to testify in person may provide written comments, which will be included as part of the Board’s o cial record. Copies of written statements should be submitted to ABCA Legal at ABCA.legal@dc.gov no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, September 29, 2023. e Westminster Neighborhood Association petition is available at abca.dc.gov. ◆

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Plan for renovated park at New Jersey Avenue and O Street. Graphic courtesy of DC Department of Parks and Recreation

How Can You Prepare for A Flood? DC Has High Risk Due to Climate Change, Flood Plain

by Elizabeth O’Gorek

On Friday, September 1, Mayor Bowser declared September as “DC Preparedness Month.” Nationwide in September, governments launch e orts to remind residents and businesses to be prepared for disasters or emergencies because in an emergency, every second counts.

DC is at particular risk of ooding because so much of its land is at a low elevation. It is also bounded by two rivers, the Potomac and the Anacostia, which ow to the Chesapeake and make DC subject to riverine, coastal and interior ooding.

More Flooding in DC’s Future

Flooding is the most common natural disaster and incidents are only expected to increase in the District. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the District experienced three ooding days in 2020, more than doubling to seven in 2022. For 2023, NOAA forecasts a total of between 10 and 15 ood days.

e District’s Department of Energy and the Environment (DOEE)says that climate change modeling suggests that by 2050, DC tidal waterways will rise at least one foot and maybe more than three feet. In 80 years, they could exceed nine feet. According to the District’s plan to adapt to climate change, Climate Ready DC, storm intensity is also likely to increase, potentially causing interior ooding with greater frequency. at means ooding events are more likely to happen–and they could be more devastating when they do.

“ e potential for future severe weather events in the District requires all of us to be more climate resilient and take action to save lives, prevent damage to property, preserve assets and protect us from harm,” wrote DOEE in 2020.

What actions can you take to protect your community and your property against ooding?

Understand the Risk

Find out if your property is on a ood plain. You can use the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Map Service Center (https://msc. fema.gov/portal/home) or the DOEE Flood Risk Map Tool (http://dc oodrisk.org/) to identify potential ood impacts, past events and future predictions. Tools include FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs), projections for storm surge and sea level rise. ey also automatically identify the FEMA ood zone based on the latest FEMA mapping.

Prepare Your Property

Electricity and water don’t mix, so District of Columbia Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA) recommends you make sure machinery and electrical equipment like water heaters, furnaces and electrical panels are located above the ood line of your home. A professional can raise these to locations less likely to be ooded.

Do pools or minor oods appear in your yard? DOEE suggests you consider re-grading so water ows away from buildings. Remove damaged trees and limbs, secure and reinforce the roof, and remove debris from drains and gutters to prevent water damage. Consider installing a backwater valve, which prevents sewage over ow from lling your home.

Permeable surfaces around buildings, such as grass rather than concrete, can help absorb or treat stormwater runo . Qualifying properties could be eligible for a rebate for modi cations through the DOEE Permeable Surface Rebate Program (https:// doee.dc.gov/service/permeablesurfacerebate).

Get Insured

Floods are the most common and expensive natural disaster. Statistics o ered by FEMA show that one inch of water inside a structure can cause $25,000 in damage.

But homeowners and rental insurance don’t

usually cover ood damage, so you might want to purchase ood insurance. e cost will vary depending on whether you live in a high-risk or lowrisk area, the value of your home, and the amount of your deductible, among other factors. Most ood policies have a 30-day waiting period before coverage starts so don’t wait for an approaching storm before deciding to buy coverage.

Federal law requires property owners in highrisk ood zones to purchase ood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP, https://www.fema.gov/ ood-insurance) as a condition of federally insured nancing. It can be purchased through an insurance agent or by contacting www. oodsmart.gov.

e District’s Department of Insurance, Securities and Banking (DISB) cautions that standard policies and water backup or sump pump over ow coverage don’t protect against ood loss. When it rains a lot, sewers and drains can over ow into buildings or cause back up in basement areas. is is not a ood and so is not covered by ood insurance. Additional coverage is required.

You should also collect and secure personalnancial, insurance, and other records. Photograph valuable property. If an item cannot be replaced, ensure that it is kept at a level well above the ood line or in a secondary location.

Prepare Yourself

Get in the know before a disaster. Sign up for alerts from AlertDC (alertdc.dc.gov). Find other ways to stay informed by visiting https://hsema. dc.gov/page/stay-informed.

Make a family communication plan – if members are scattered at work and school, they should have a plan for getting back together. You could select an out-of-state resident who can serve as a family contact. Family members should memorize that person’s phone, email and home address. Know local evacuation routes; a map is available at hsema.dc.gov.

Create a storm “go-bag” lled with essential disaster supplies, such as medication, key documents, ashlight, candles, food and pet supplies. You can also have emergency supplies in your car or at work. Keep your car’s gas tank full, if possible; gas stations require electric power.

In the case of a ood, you should stay informed through local radio, television or DC HSEMA on social media. Place sandbags in front of exterior doors to prevent water from entering your home. Store drinking water in containers in case water service is interrupted.

During a Flood

You should avoid all ood waters. Never walk, drive or bike through the water. Even just six inches can knock you down or cause your car to oat away. If water rises around your car, get out right away. Don’t touch any item powered by electricity and report downed wires to Pepco at 1-877-737-2662. Stay away from standing water since it may be electrically charged. Wait until ofcials indicate it is safe to return home or to ooded locations.

Take Part in Prevention and Protection Programs

DOEE has established several programs to help prevent ooding. The FloodSmart Homes Program (https:// doee.dc.gov/service/ oodsmart-homes) funds upgrades to individual buildings to reduce the risk of ood damage and increase resident safety. The RiverSmart program (https://doee.dc.gov/service/get-riversmart) funds projects that reduce stormwater runoff on properties. DC Silver Jackets Team (http://silverjackets.nfrmp.us/State-Teams/Washington-DC) is an interagency group with members from District, regional and federal agencies that identi es solutions to ood risk in the area.

For more information, visit ready. dc.gov and dc oodrisk.org. Learn more about DC HSEMA and programs by visiting hsema.dc.gov. ◆

BULLETIN BOARD

lery Talk with Sarah Newman; 3:30 p.m., Conservation Gallery Talk featuring Lunder Conservation Center Conservators; and 4:30 p.m., Musical inking Gallery Talk with Saisha Grayson. Free but registration is encouraged. Smithsonian American Art Museum. Eighth and G Streets, NW. americanart.si.edu.

Keegan Announces 2023-2024 Season

e Keegan eatre, 1742 Church St. NW, has announced its 27th season, which features ve mainstage productions in its beautiful, intimate theater in Dupont Circle. e season includes a Sondheim musical, two comedies receiving their DC premieres, and two audience favorites. Here’s the lineup:

“The New Republic” presents DC Political Trivia

On ursday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m., test your useless knowledge about politics over adult beverages with a roomful of like-minded people at Black nn DC, 1620 I St. NW. Participants can win drinks, food and cash prizes. e winning team receives $50 o their tab, second place $25 o their tab, with additional prizes. Bring your own campaign team or y solo or in pairs (they’ll match you up). Other upcoming dates are Oct. 26, Nov. 30 and Dec. 21—same venue. e game is free but reservations are required at capitalcityshowcase.com.

SAAM Modern and Contemporary Art Open House

On Friday. Sept. 22, 12:30 to 5:15 p.m., join SAAM’s curatorial and conservation sta for a series of gallery talks exploring the newly reimagined and reinstalled modern and contemporary art galleries, as well as a look at their special exhibitions, Many Wests: Artists Shape an American Idea and Mu-

sical inking: New Video Art and Sonic Strategies. ese projects highlight many voices—including artists who identify as Asian American, Black, Indigenous, Latinx, and LGBTQ+—presenting a multifaceted view of art in the United States. Here’s the schedule: 12:30 p.m., Many Wests Gallery Talk with Anne Hyland; 1:30 p.m.; Modern Art Gallery Talk with Melissa Ho; 2:30 p.m., Contemporary Art Gal-

The Phillips Collection Announces the 2023-2024 Concert Season

e Phillips Collection marks its 83rd season of celebrated concerts with a line-up of critically acclaimed artists as well as partnerships with the Queen Elisabeth Music Chapel, Howard University, and the USC ornton School of Music. A pillar of the museum’s cultural o erings, Phillips Music continues to connect audiences with artists celebrated worldwide, presenting a diverse range of styles, world premieres, and new collaborations. e upcoming season will be presented in-person and livestreamed in high-de nition video with pristine sound and begins on Oct. 15 with a solo recital by British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. $45, in person; $15, virtual. 1600 21st St. NW. phillipscollection.org.

The upcoming season will be presented in-person and livestreamed in highde nition video with pristine sound and begins on Oct. 15 with a solo recital by British pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason. Photo: David Venni

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DCHFA, Your Homeownership Resource in the District.

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust

homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership int city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership inthe city. is programo ers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on rst trust homebuyer or a D C. resident , be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC Open Doors is your key to homeownership in the city. This program offers competitive interest rates and lower mortgage insurance costs on first trust mortgages.You are not required to be a first-time homebuyer or a D.C. resident to qualify for DCOD. You must, however, be purchasing a home in the District of Columbia.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

HPAP provides interest free deferred loans for down serves as a co-administrator of this DC Department of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) rst-time home buyer program.

DC4ME

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

years or older who have fallen behind on insurance and tax payments as a result of their reverse mortgage. Quali ed District homeowners can receive up to

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

COVID-19

DC4ME is offered to current fulltime District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower’s employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC4ME provides mortgage assistance with optional down payment assistance to D.C. government employees. DC4ME is o ered to current full-time District government employees, including employees of District government-based instrumentalities, independent agencies, D.C. Public Charter Schools, and organizations, provided the applicant/borrower's employer falls under the oversight of the Council of the District of Columbia.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

COVID-19

COVID-19

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

DC MAP COVID-19 provides nancial assistance to those a ected by the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quali ed borrowers can receive a loan of up to $5,000 per month to put toward their mortgage for up to six months.

An Irish Carol, Dec. 2 to 31; Merrily We Roll Along, Feb. 3 to March 3; Webster’s Bitch, April 6 to May 5; e Elephant in the Room, June 1 to 23; Noises O , July 27 to Sept. 1. Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased online or through the Box O ce. Patrons can save 25% by purchasing tickets to four or more productions at the same time, and young patrons can take advantage of a new Young Professionals Package which includes tickets to all ve of the Happy Hour performances throughout the season for $200. keegantheatre.com.

DC Clay Festival — 25 Ceramic Artists

ousands of DMV residents will enjoy the creative talents of more than 25 DMV potters and ceramic artists at the fourth annual DC Clay Festival on Sunday, Sept. 17, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 716 Monroe St. NE. e featured artists will show a variety of one-of-a-kind wheelthrown and hand built functional and decorative pieces. e event will have music and performances by Jim Groves & Bill Jenkins band, Camilo Montoya, and DJ Brody.

National Cathedral’s Now and Forever Windows Dedication

On Saturday, Sept. 23, 11 a.m., public dedication and 12:30 to 5 p.m., open house celebration, join the National Cathedral as they unveil the Now and Forever Windows. e day begins with a public dedication featuring remarks from world-renowned visual artist Kerry James Marshall and a special reading of “American Song” by acclaimed poet Elizabeth Alexander. During the dedication, the Cathedral aims to tell an expanded story about who and what we value through brilliant stained-glass windows and elegant stone-chiseled verse. e service will unveil and dedicate the Now and Forever Windows and the accompanying

poem “American Song,” and will include remarks from Marshall and a special reading by Alexander. Following the dedication, join them for an open house celebration with live music, DC food truck favorites and other festivities, including a screening of the Now and Forever Windows documentary, a special tour of African American highlights at the Cathedral, and family activities. Everything is free and open to the public: no tickets required. Read more at cathedral. org/discover/programs/racial-social-justice/windows.

WABA: The 50 States Joy Ride

The 50 States Ride is an annual recreational social ride that invites over 700 riders to join WABA on one of their three routes: the breezy, 10-mile Joy Ride; the 25-30 mile Low Stress Network Ride, emphasizing some of DC’s newest bike infrastructure, and the headline 62 mile 50 States Ride—a challenging route that takes riders on every state-named avenue in the District. The 2023 ride takes place on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 a.m. This ride is a fundraiser. Registration fees support WABA’s work in the DC region and their mission of empowering people to ride bikes, build connections and transform places. waba.org/blog/2019/06/the-50states-ride-2.

Drop-In Tech Help at Shaw Library

On Thursdays, 5 to 6 p.m., come to Shaw Library (room 2 on 2nd floor), 1630 Seventh St. NW, to get help with all portable technology---cell phones, Chromebooks, laptops and tablets. Even if you don’t have these devices, you can still come in with your tech questions. Call 202-7271288 for appointments with a Digital Navigator for any tech help questions at other times. dclibrary.org.

The Chameleon at Theater J

Nothing says Jewish Christmas more than Chinese takeout. The food tastes even better this year for actor Riz Golden-Kruger and her family—Riz finally got her big break, the starring role in a new superhero franchise, The Chameleon. But when news leaks that could threaten to ruin Riz’s career, she must decide to hide or fight for what’s right. Ignited by the fast-paced frenzy of social media, the play rampages through questions of identity, representation, and the complications of assimilation. The Chameleon is an outrageous, laughout-loud intergenerational world premiere. Theater J, 1529 16th St. NW, from Oct. 11 to Nov. 5. Tickets are $48.99 to $89.99. theaterj.org.

Writing Workshop Inspired by Hispanic Heritage Month

On Wednesday, Sept. 20, 5 to 7 p.m., in this creative writing workshop, participants will gain inspiration from portraits of Cecilia Vicuñya and other contemporary Hispanic artists and activists in the National Portrait Gallery’s collection. Themes of culture, identity and social justice will be explored through guided writing prompts and discussion. Open to writers of all levels and genres, ages 18 and up. Free, but registration required. National Portrait Gallery, Eighth and G Streets NW. npg.si.edu.

“Outside Forces” at Art Enables

Art Enables’ annual exhibition of self-taught artists’ work, “Outside Forces,” runs through Oct. 21. This exhibition began in 2006 as a way for DC-area groups working with self-taught artists to exhibit together. Over the last 16 years, the exhibition’s success has seen it grow and feature artists from across the nation alongside their resident artists. The show continues to be an excellent introduction for a community

National Public Lands Day Volunteer Event

On Saturday, Sept. 23, 9 a.m. to noon, join Friends of Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens for their annual National Public Lands Day cleanup of the park. Work alongside Park Rangers as you help complete projects to beautify this natural oasis. Registration is required at kenaqgardens.org/event/sepember-23-npld-volunteer-event.

looking to start their own collection with a selection of affordable work in a wide array of styles. While an exact definition of outsider art can be difficult to pin down, one often feels they know it when they see it: inventive work of extreme individuality motivated by the artist’s own personal concepts and desires. Art Enables is at 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE. art-enables.org.

“iDe ultima hora!: Latinas Report Breaking News

“¡De última hora! Latinas Report Breaking News” is a bilingual exhibition at the American History Museum showcasing the work of Latina broadcast journalists and how they wrote the first draft of history for major US events for the Spanish-language communities they report on and for. Working in the fast-paced, ever-changing environment of broadcast news, these jour-

nalists became powerful advocates for Spanish-speaking communities.

“¡De última hora!” uses the collective experience of Ilia Calderón, Dunia Elvir, Marilys Llanos, Gilda Mirós, Lori Montenegro, María Elena Salinas and Blanca Rosa Vílchez, to illustrate how Latina journalists have navigated their field and shaped the narrative for major historical events.

A glimpse of the behind-the-scenes work of broadcast journalism can be seen through personal and press photos and through a multi-media presentation of the women on air. American History Museum from Sept. 15. To March 2024. Americanhistory.si.edu.

LTA Call for Plays

The Little Theatre of Alexandria is accepting play submissions for their annual One Act Playwriting Competition. Plays must be original, new, and never produced for a paying audience. Time permitting, LTA intends

to produce the winner(s) in the summer of 2024 in conjunction with The Arlington Players (TAP). More info on how to submit, including guidelines, submission fees, and prizes are at thelittletheatre.com/opportunities/#oneact. Submission deadline is Sept. 16, 2023.

Art Enables’ Holiday Market Call for Art

Art Enables, 2204 Rhode Island Ave. NE, is hosting their second annual inclusive holiday market on Dec. 9. Their festival will feature an ornament-making workshop led by their resident artists, festive treats, face painting, and Santa himself. Space is limited, so if you’re interested, call 202-554-9455 for details.

Car Free Day in DC

Car Free Day is a free event celebrated internationally every Sept. 22, in which commuters are encouraged to

get around without driving alone in cars, and instead, carpool, vanpool, use public transit, telework, bicycle, walk, or scooter. Car Free Day is open to all residents in the Washington, DC metropolitan region. To participate in this fun and environmentally friendly event, fill out the free pledge form below and go car free or car-lite (carpool, vanpool) on Friday, Sept. 22. Take the pledge, even if you’re already car free. Those who take the free pledge will receive special promotions and be entered into a free raffle for a chance to win great prizes. carfreemetrodc.org.

Foreclosure Presentation Webinars

The non-profit Housing Counseling Services is conducting free Foreclosure Prevention webinars on Wednesdays, Sept. 13, 20 and 27 at noon. They will provide valuable information about available options for people who are

NPS Theodore Roosevelt Island Tours

Every Saturday through October at 10:30 a.m., join a ranger or National Park Service volunteer for a 75-minute walk on Theodore Roosevelt Island. You will learn about the conservation legacy of our 26th president, Theodore Roosevelt. You will also learn of the 1st United States Colored Troops who trained on the island during the Civil War and the Mason family who owned the island for more than one hundred years. Theodore Roosevelt Island features areas of marsh and swamp that can be seen from a boardwalk. It also features an upland forest and views of the Lincoln Memorial and Kennedy Center. This free tour meets at the parkway side of the footbridge. No registration required. nps.gov.

The White House Historical Association’s Presidential Sites Summit

The White House Historical Association will host the Presidential Sites Summit at the Mayflower Hotel, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW, from Sept. 25 to 28. The Summit, this year themed “Change and Continuity,” will draw leaders from presidential libraries, historic homes, and museums across the country to discuss changes in historic interpretation, educating the public, civic engagement, and technology. For the schedule of activities, visit whitehousehistory.org/presidential-sitessummit/2023-presidential-sites-summit-schedule. The Presidential Sites Summit is open to the public, but registration is required at whitehousehistory.org/events/2023-presidential-sites-summit.

having difficulty paying their mortgage, condo fees or property taxes.

You may participate in the webinars by internet or telephone. Register at housingetc.org/webinar-registration.

You may also call the Foreclosure Prevention hotline at 202-265-2255.

Foley Foundation 5k Freedom Run/Walk

The James W. Foley Legacy Foundation has announced that its annual Foley 5K DC Freedom Run/Walk will be held Oct. 15 at Anacostia Park with an 8 a.m. onsite registration time and a 9 a.m. race time. The race is a companion to the popular Freedom Run hosted annually in New Hampshire where conflict journalist Jim Foley was raised. Participants are also able to run/walk and raise funds wherever they live around the world as part of a virtual run. James Foley was brutally murdered by ISIS on Aug. 19, 2014, after 21 months in captivity. He had been covering the Syrian civil war for Global Post and Agence France Presse at the time of his capture. The Foley Foundation was created to advocate for the safe return of all Americans held hostage or wrong-

fully detained abroad. The goal is to raise $150,000 from this year’s races to support the Foundation’s critical work. To learn about the foundation, contact Patricia Eisner at patricia. eisner@jamesfoleyfoundation.org.

DC’s Strong Visitation Numbers

Against the backdrop of a fresh advertising campaign, Destination DC (DDC), the official destination marketing organization for Washington, DC, announced visitation is trending towards a return to pre-pandemic levels. In 2022, the city welcomed 21.9 million visitors, including 1.2 million international visitors. That means domestic visitation has rebounded to 91 percent of pre-pandemic figures, while international visitation has rebounded to 60 percent. International visitors typically comprise seven percent of total visitation but account for 27 percent of spending. The 1.2 million international visitors represent a 279 percent year-to-year increase. DDC also announced plans to sustain the positive momentum by previewing a new advertising campaign: “There’s Only One DC.” DC matches other world-class cities in

DC’s Largest Tree

Casey Tree’s search for DC’s largest tree is ofcially over. After collecting submissions from citizen scientists all across the city, they have veri ed the largest tree in DC is a chestnut oak that lives in Battery Kimble Park near Georgetown. e national registry listed the circumference as 276” in 2012. Measuring the tree again in 2023 shows that it now has a circumference of 290” making it not only the largest chestnut oak in the country but also the largest tree in DC. e multi-stem monster of a tree is located right o the road, with branches so tall they tower over utility lines. Read more at caseytrees. org/2023/08/and-the-largest-tree-is/.

All Hands On Deck Climate Action & Disaster Preparedness Community Engagement Fair

PLEASE JOIN US FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND DISASTER PREPAREDNESS PRESENTATIONS AND WORKSHOPS

30+ DC FOCUSED EXHIBITORS

Sponsored by:

SW STRONG!

DC VOAD

WARD 7 RESILIENCE

HUB COMMUNITY COALITION

HEALTHBEST INC.

WE THE PEOPLE COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS CORPS

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 23RD 9:00AM – 1:00PM

AT THE SW FARMERS MARKET

For more information: Ben Curran benimon@hotmail.com (202) 294-7043

“All Hands On Deck” Climate Action & Disaster Preparedness Fair

On Saturday, Sept. 23 at 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., alongside the SW Farmers Market, at Fourth and M streets, SW, there will be a mix of up to 30 DC-focused environmental groups and disaster preparedness groups, including a few DC government agencies DOEE, HSEMA, FEMS, DPR. For more information, contact Ben Curran at benimon@hotmail.com or 202-294-7043.

dining, nightlife, arts, culture, sports, theater, outdoor activities and green spaces. But no other destination in the country can compete with DC’s monuments, museums, memorials and free things to do. e campaign will o cially launch Nov. 1. washington.org. ◆

Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park Seawalls Repair

e Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund is providing $112.76 million to the National Park Service for a contract to rehabilitate the failing seawalls around a portion of the Tidal Basin and along the Potomac River through West Potomac Park. e contract was awarded to Cianbro Construction of Pitts eld, Maine on Aug. 29. e project will rehabilitate approximately 6,800 linear feet of seawall and extend its life expectancy by approximately 100 years. Construction on the project is expected to begin in mid-2024. Repair of the Tidal Basin and West Potomac Park seawalls are part of nearly $500 million in planned infrastructure improvements on the National Mall prior to the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. nps.gov

CHANGING HANDS

Changing Hands is a list of most residential sales in the Midcity DC area from the previous month. A feature of every issue, this list, based on the MRIS, is provided courtesy of Don Denton, manager of the Coldwell Banker office on Capitol Hill. The list includes address, sales price and number of bedrooms.

Kids & Family

Visit the Kids’ Farm at the Zoo

At Kids’ Farm, visitors can see cows, alpacas, donkeys, goats, chickens and fish. One of the many ways keepers care for animals is by providing them with enrichment training sessions, objects, toys, sounds and smells that encourage the animals to use their natural behaviors in new and exciting ways. The Kids’ Farm is open 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in summer and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in winter. Free entry passes still required at the zoo; parking is $30. nationalzoo.si.edu.

“Picasso” at Galita

From the lush stroke of his paintbrush to the beat of his heart, the artful canvas of Picasso’s life unfolds through memories of cherished family and friends, his passion for bullfights, the circus and the stage. Immerse yourself in the imagination of this creative genius. Bilingual performances are from Oct. 14 to 22 on Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and Sundays at 3 p.m. $14 for adults; $12 for ages two to twelve (including fees). galatheatre.org.

Hill Center Family Day

On Sunday, Oct. 1, 2 to 6 p.m., come to Hill Center, 921 Pennsylvania Ave. SE, and enjoy a free day of crafts, shows, and carriage rides. Here’s the schedule: 2 p.m., Turley the Magician; 2 to 5 p.m., carriage rides, face painting and balloon animals; 2 to 6 p.m., craft table and DC artist and Hill Center studio arts instructor, Christine Vineyard, will be chatting with families about her hilarious book, Good Jokes Bad Drawings, and offering a craft for kids; 4 to 6 p.m., King Bullfrog hits the stage with high-energy original, folk and blues songs carefully tailored to get children dancing and delight grownups. Beer, wine, and other concessions for purchase. hillcenterdc.org.

“The Big Build” at the National Building Museum

On Saturday, Oct. 14, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., all ages are invited to National Building Museum’s “The Big Build”, a free hands-on festival exploring a wide variety of unique, interactive activities with roofers, plumbers, home remodelers, construction workers, carpenters, designers, and artisans. The Big Build celebrates the world we design and build and fills the Museum’s Great Hall with interactive booths including a nail driving contest and a structural engineering station with an earthquake simulation to discover how buildings can be built to be more stable. Everyone will be using real tools and you can even climb inside construction equipment in the outdoor Petting Zoo. The Tech Room will have augmented reality demonstrations, VR experiences, and other immersive digital activities to engage older children and teens. The National Building Museum is at 401 F St. NW. nbm.org.

Photo: Stan Weinstein

Photo: Chloe Parsons/Hill Center at the Old Naval Hospital

Learning to use a hammer at Miller & Long’s nail-driving contest, a classic Big Build activity station. Photo: National Building Museum/Kevin Allen Photography

National Children’s Museum

Takes Engineering to New Heights

e National Children’s Museum, 1300 Pennsylvania Ave. NW, a learnthrough-play institution, has opened a new exhibit experience, Flight Zone, that invites young aeronautical engineers to design, build and test paper airplanes. Developed and fabricated by National Children’s Museum, e Boeing Company’s Flight Zone is a comprehensive paper airplane test station that embodies the steps of the engineering design process. A table, where children can create their paper airplanes, opens up to an encaged runway where they’ll test their models from a launcher. As they iterate on their design to improve their prototypes, young learners will be introduced to the principles of ight. nationalchildrensmuseum.org.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show

Using more than 70 beautiful, larger-than-life puppets and original music, this special event follows all your favorite characters from “Brown Bear, Brown Bear,” “The Very Busy Spider,” “10 Little Rubber Ducks,” and, of course, “The Very Hungry Caterpillar.” The Very Hungry Caterpillar Show is at Imagination Stage, 4908 Auburn Ave., Bethesda, MD, from Sept. 22 to Oct. 22. Best for ages three to eight. $12, up. Spanish language shows are on Saturdays, Sept. 30, Oct. 7, 14 and 22, at 10 a.m. imaginationstage.org.

Books from Birth (delivered to your door)

The Books from Birth program is open to all children under the age of ve who live in Washington, DC. All enrolled children receive a free book in the mail each month from birth until they turn ve. All books will be delivered to the address you provided at registration by the US Postal Service. Read more and register your under- ve kid at dclibrary.org/usingthe-library/books-birth.

TIME for Kids (authentic journalism for kids)

TIME for Kids engages students with authentic journalism, inspires them to join the national discourse on current topics, and provides teachers with valuable resources for the classroom. TFK was founded in 1995 and has been a trusted source of news ever since. Currently, the magazine reaches more than two million students in elementary school classrooms across the United States. ey o er four grade-speci c editions. e magazines build informationalreading skills, helping students to better understand our complex world and become informed and active citizens. TIME for Kids is available in bulk subscription only – perfect for schools and libraries. timeforkids.com.

“Dead Man’s Run” Kids’ Run

is year, the Dead Man’s Run 5k at Congressional Cemetery is on Saturday, Oct. 14, 5:30 p.m. As the funeral bell tolls, runners bound around the cemetery and continue out onto the Anacostia Trail for a ghostly evening run full of spooky music and fun. Costumes are encouraged, with prizes for best individual and teams. Dogs and strollers are allowed in the race, however, for safety reasons, they are required to start at the back of the group. Registration is $35. ere is also a kids’ race prior to the start of the 5k. Participation is free for any child who comes with a registered runner. Children may still participate, if no runners are registered, for a $5 fee. Registration for the children’s race is in the chapel the day of the race. A parent or guardian must sign a waiver. All proceeds support the cemetery’s non-pro t 501(c)(3) organization and fund the preservation of this National Historic Landmark. congressionalcemetery.org.

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Saturday, September 30, 2023 I 7 PM-3 AM I FREE

Shaw is where Art All Night DC began in 2011, and 2023 continues the tradition of presenting performances and installations outdoors and indoors, in public and private buildings and businesses. Live music, DJs,an outdoor art market, painting and photography exhibitions, skateboarding demonstrations, video projections, film screenings, a parade, dance performances, do-it-yourself acrylic and watercolor painting, face painting, fire dance performances, dance parties, performance art, live painting by noted DC artists, wrestling matches, and much more will fill the festival’s eight hours.

Shaw Main Streets is a designated DC Main Streets program and is funded in part by the Department of Small and Local Business Development, Muriel E. Bowser, Mayor.