How does art survive in a time of oppression? During the Soviet rule artists who stay true to their vision are executed, sent to mental hospitals or Gulags.Their plight inspires young Igor Savitsky. He pretends to buy state-approved art but instead daringly rescues 40,000 forbidden fellow artist's works and creates a museum in the desert of Uzbekistan, far from the watchful eyes of the KGB. Though a penniless artist himself, he cajoles the cash to pay for the art from the same authorities who…See More

Experience the jumpin’ sounds of the Gene Krupa Tribute Band as they perform the most popular swing hits of the big band era including Krupa’s signature song Sign, Sing Sing. The show also stars vocal groups String of Pearls, DeMarche Sisters, and the Lawrence Welk Show’s Mary Lou Metzger!

Hailed as the founding father of alternative rock music—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Velvet Underground legend Lou Reed is revered by fans worldwide for reshaping underground music with his own style while pushing boundaries as an opera composer, playwright, poet and photographer. Reed sits down with Bob Ezrin—the noted music producer who has helped refine the sound of artists from Alice Cooper to KISS to Pink Floyd. Join us for a rare moment in music history as these two legends share a…See More

Hailed as the founding father of alternative rock music—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Velvet Underground legend Lou Reed is revered by fans worldwide for reshaping underground music with his own style while pushing boundaries as an opera composer, playwright, poet and photographer. Reed sits down with Bob Ezrin—the noted music producer who has helped refine the sound of artists from Alice Cooper to KISS to Pink Floyd. Join us for a rare moment in music history as these two legends share a…See More

Hailed as the founding father of alternative rock music—Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and Velvet Underground legend Lou Reed is revered by fans worldwide for reshaping underground music with his own style while pushing boundaries as an opera composer, playwright, poet and photographer. Reed sits down with Bob Ezrin—the noted music producer who has helped refine the sound of artists from Alice Cooper to KISS to Pink Floyd. Join us for a rare moment in music history as these two legends share a…See More

Experience the jumpin’ sounds of the Gene Krupa Tribute Band as they perform the most popular swing hits of the big band era including Krupa’s signature song Sign, Sing Sing. The show also stars vocal groups String of Pearls, DeMarche Sisters, and the Lawrence Welk Show’s Mary Lou Metzger!

Make 2012 an election year worth laughing about, with DC’s funniest political satirists! For thirty years, the Capitol Steps have put the mock in democracy, skewering both sides of the aisle with fresh, up-to-the-minute musical parodies that leave everyone laughing. The troupe returns to Carpenter Center for a third time armed with new material to bring down the house…and Senate!

Dr. Kuiyi Shen will speak about recent cases of censorship in the arts in China, and reflect on intended and unintended consequences, and discuss the ways in which censorship there is challenged.See More

The Zoppé Family Circus returns to welcome your family into the intimate 500-seat tent for a one-ring circus that honors the best history of the Old-World Italian tradition. The adventure begins as Nino the Clown leads you on a journey that features acrobatic feats, equestrian showmanship, canine capers, clowning and plenty of audience participation! Surprise location to be announced!

Screening of High Noon, starring Gary Cooper and Grace Kelly, written by Carl Foreman, who refused to give names before the House Un-American Activities Committee, and became part of the Hollywood Ten.***Censoring the Cinema: The Blacklisted Actors, Writers and Directors This film series will examine the historical context for the infamous blacklisting of many Hollywood artists resulting from the anti-communist fervor of the 1940s and 50s. During the semester five films involving prominent…See More

Experience this electrifying collaboration that crosses all boundaries of age, race and culture—as one of India’s foremost Kathak masters, Pandit Chitresh Das, teams up with one of the world’s fastest tap dancers, Emmy Award winner Jason Samuels Smith. Together they create a dynamic conversation that uses rhythm and improvisation, resulting in a high entertainment blast of incredible speed and power, grace and beauty, epic storytelling and the pure joy of dance!