The Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble presents a program of Russian musical traditions spanning millennia and countless ethnic regions. Dancing in colorful costumes and playing ancient instruments, this fascinating ensemble draws from agricultural, spiritual and social roots, playing such folk music as exuberant wedding tunes, doleful funeral tributes and buoyant planting songs. A window into the soul of Russian music, the Dmitri Pokrovsky Ensemble will be in residence at the College from April 18-21. (Wed., 8 p.m., Buckley Recital Hall. No admission charge.)

Humanity in Action, the College Dems, and the Office of the President introduce Mohamed Yahya, a refugee from Darfur and chairman of the Damanga Coalition for Freedom and Democracy. He will give a talk titled "Death and Indifference in Darfur: A Survivor Speaks." Born in Darfur, Yahya's village was destroyed, and its inhabitants-including many of his relatives-were killed, raped or burned alive in their huts. He decided to found the coalition to save the African Sudanese from annihilation. The organization eventually became the first group to reach out to the international community about the genocide in Darfur. (Thurs., 4:30 p.m., Cole Assembly Room. No admission charge.)

Come hear the uncommon and interesting military perspective of Colonel Ann Wright at the College event, "An Ex-insider Looks at Iraq and U.S. Foreign Policy." Wright is the recipient of the State Department Award for Heroism for her actions during the evacuation of 2,500 people from the civil war in Sierra Leone. After helping to lead the re-opening of the U.S. Embassy in Kabul following the defeat of the Taliban, she resigned in 2003 in protest of U.S. policies regarding Iraq, the Middle East and North Korea. (Fri., 7 p.m., Stirn Auditorium. No admission charge.)

The Emily Dickinson Homestead and The Evergreens sponsor the second annual "A Little Madness in the Spring" event in honor of National Poetry Month. In addition to an extended tour schedule, the Museum will offer lectures, a concert, a café and a hike on the newly named Emily Dickinson trail at Amherst's Groff Park. Participatory dramatic readings, prepared by Professor Karen Sanchez-Eppler's English seminar, are among the many highlights of the two days. (Fri. and Sat., various locations. For more information visit www.emilydickinsonmuseum.org/events.html)

Editors' DVD Pick of the Week

Ten years on, "Hotel Rwanda" provides a timely reminder of the horrors of genocide. Don Cheadle gives an outstanding portrayal in this tribute to victims of Rwandan tragedy. "Hotel Rwanda" is the reaffirming story of a hotel manager's self-realization and commitment to truths greater than the darkness that threatens to engulf all he holds dear. Highlighting a conflict shamefully ignored by most of the international community, this film speaks volumes of the present lukewarm reaction to similar atrocity in Darfur.