Our Picks

[Movies]

Films open Friday and are in general release unless otherwise noted. Opening dates subject to change. Checkhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/moviesor Friday's Weekend section for details and complete movie listings.

THE RUNNER-- Saturday at 2 p.m. Hamid Dabashi, a professor of Iranian studies and comparative literature at Columbia University, presents Amir Naderi's 1985 film about a young boy who struggles to get his life together after becoming homeless. In Persian with English subtitles. A signing of Dabashi's book "Masters & Masterpieces of Iranian Cinema" follows. Freer Gallery of Art, Meyer Auditorium, Jefferson Drive and 12th Street SW. Free. 202-633-4880.

SIR LAURENCE OLIVIER CENTENNIAL: HAMLET-- Saturday at 4:30 p.m. May 20 at 1 p.m. May 22 at 7 p.m. In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Olivier's birth, his Oscar-winning performance in the 1948 film is screened. Part of the Shakespeare Cinema series. AFI Silver Theatre, 8633 Colesville Rd., Silver Spring. $9.25, seniors and students $7.50. 301-495-6720.

FAY GRIM-- See Can't Miss.

PROVOKED: A TRUE STORY-- Former Miss World Aishwarya Rai, who was buzzed about last month for marrying fellow Bollywood superstar Abhishek Bachchan, stars as a Punjabi woman who is abused by her husband (Naveen Andrews) and sent to prison after setting him on fire.

SHREK THE THIRD-- The latest installment in the popular animated film series finds the ogre facing the prospect of becoming the next king after his father-in-law dies. Featuring the voices of Mike Myers, Eddie Murphy, Cameron Diaz and Justin Timberlake.

[On Stage]

DAVID E. TALBERT PRESENTS 'LOVE IN THE NICK OF TYME'-- Opens today. Through May 20. Morris Chestnut ("The Best Man," "Two Can Play That Game") makes his stage acting and producing debut in this love story that also stars R&B singer Avant and actress Ellia English. Warner Theatre, 13th and E streets NW. $38.50-$69.50. 202-783-4000 or 202-397-7328.

YOUTH POETRY SLAM CHAMPIONSHIP-- Monday at 6 p.m. In the 10th annual competition held by the DC WritersCorps, alumni of the event go up against members of the corps, which seeks to get youths involved in reading and writing literature. Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

JANE FRANKLIN DANCE-- Wednesday at 6 p.m. The Arlington-based troupe performs two new works: "Temporal Interference," which includes interactive video and music, and "In Hiding," featuring work by artist Becky Heavner. Kennedy Center, Millennium Stage, 2700 F St. NW. Free. 202-467-4600.

MIKE BIRBIGLIA'S SECRET PUBLIC JOURNAL LIVE-- Friday-Saturday at 8 and 10:30 p.m. The comedian performs stand-up while taping for an upcoming CD-DVD release. DC Improv, 1140 Connecticut Ave. NW. $20. 202-296-7008.

KEN VEGAS, GPAC AND WFF PRESENT THE GREAT BIG INTERNATIONAL DRAG KING SHOW 007-- Saturday, doors at 8 p.m. The grand stage show features gay, lesbian and transgender performers who parody characters from movies. (Past targets have included "The Matrix," "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory" and "Kill Bill.") 9:30 club, 815 V St. NW. $25. 202-265-0930.

[Sports]

NATIONALS-- Today at 1:35 p.m. against the Florida Marlins. Monday-Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. and Thursday at 1:05 p.m. against the Atlanta Braves. Friday and Saturday at 7:05 p.m. and May 20 at 1:35 p.m. against the Baltimore Orioles (see Can't Miss). RFK Stadium, 2400 East Capitol St. $5-$140. 202-397-7328.

[Volunteering]

GREENBRIER LEARNING CENTER-- Weekdays through June 1, 4-5:30 p.m. High school students and older. Tutor and help third- through fifth-graders with reading and homework during the last month of school. Greenbrier Learning Center, 5401 Seventh Rd. S., Arlington. 703-379-6488.

Child's Play events

are listed on Page 8