WAM Theatre’s Elder Ensemble presents ‘Center of the Universe,’ an original performance
Lenox— On Tuesday, October 22nd at 3:30 p.m., WAM Theatre’s Elder Ensemble presents “Center of the Universe,” an original performance.
Directed by Michael Kennedy and KD McTeigue, “Center of the Universe” takes inspiration from the performers’ own lives, Greek mythology, and “Galileo’s Daughter” by Jessica Dickey, WAM’s fall mainstage production.
WAM’s Elder Ensemble is a multi-week creative workshop for Berkshire women over age 65. The seven performers generated material through writing exercises, improvisation activities, and shared storytelling. The result is a lyrical original performance that explores the paradoxical nature of our mundane, extraordinary human lives from the perspective of local elder artists. “Women elders are often made invisible in our culture,” director KD McTeigue reflects. “As we collaborate on the creation of this piece, I’m continuously moved by the wealth of joy, creativity, and presence the ensemble members bring to each rehearsal.”
Ensemble member Lisa Avery describes the Elder Ensemble in three words: “Trust, affection, collaboration.” Avery is joined by Barbara Cortez-Greig, CD Nelsen, Lee McClelland, Maggie Barkin, Nancy Tunnicliffe, and Elliot Hunnewell.
WAM’s fall mainstage, Galileo’s Daughter, a co-production with Boston’s Central Square Theatre, inspired the title of the Elder Ensemble’s play and loosely influenced its themes. “These are two very different theatrical experiences that are very much in conversation with each other,” said Maizy Broderick Scarpa, WAM’s Director of Community Engagement. “The fact that Center of the Universe will be performed on the set of Galileo’s Daughter amplifies the intersections. In her play, Jessica Dickey paints an image of women reaching back and forth through time to offer support and inspiration to each other, ” Scarpa says. “That feels particularly relevant at WAM this season.”
The free performance is on Tuesday, October 22nd at 3:30 p.m. at the Elayne Bernstein Theatre at Shakespeare & Company at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox. A brief reception will follow. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents Ailey II, ‘The Next Generation of Dance’
Great Barrington— On Friday, October 25th at 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 26th at 3 p.m., the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center presents Ailey II.
Ailey II is universally renowned for merging the spirit and energy of the country’s best early-career dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding and emerging choreographers. This year marks the company’s 50th anniversary.
The performances are on Friday, October 25th at 8 p.m. and Saturday, October 26th at 3 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center at 14 Castle Street in Great Barrington. There will be a post-show Q&A with the dancers moderated by Williams College Director of Dance and Senior Lecturer in Dance Sandra L. Burton. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Tanglewood Learning Institute presents chamber concerts
Lenox— From October through April, Boston Symphony Orchestra musicians will present five Tanglewood Learning Institute Chamber Concerts, which will highlight local service organizations and help raise awareness about the needs of the community.
On Sunday, October 20th at 3 p.m., the series begins with Schubert’s spirited “Octet in F,” featuring Christopher Elchico, clarinet; Suzanne Nelsen, bassoon; Jason Snider, horn; Sophie Wang and Takumi Taguchi, violins; Steven Laraia, viola; Christine Lee, cello; and Carl Anderson, double bass.
The concert is on Sunday, October 20th at 3 p.m. in Studio E, Linde Center for Music and Learning at 3 West Hawthorne Road in Lenox. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents ‘Birds & Bats,’ four exceptional artists sharing words of inspiration and angst
West Stockbridge— On Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents “Birds & Bats,” four exceptional artists sharing words of inspiration and angst.
Jane Ormerod is an artist, poet, and founding editor of the small press great weather for MEDIA. She is the recipient of a NYC Acker Award.
Matthew Hupert is a writer and multi-media artist from New York City. He is a founder of the the NeuroNautic Institute and NeuroNautic Press. He has two full length collections and is the author of several chapbooks. His writing has appeared in numerous journals and anthologies. He hosts several poetry reading series, including the annual showcase for New York voices, “Night in the Naked City,” and he is a recipient of the 2020 New York Acker Award for Show Organizer and Host.
Slink G Moss began recording spooky rockabilly as Slink Moss Explosion in 2004. Those recordings were later released by HiStyle Records as “Floating Ghost Hotel.” Moss has compiled several booklets of poems and currently exhibits drawings with Lightforms and Circle 46 Gallery in Hudson and plays music in several groups such as Weeeds and Unfinish’d Bizness. Moss also writes children’s songs as Slinky Armadillo.
Molly Murphy was raised in the Berkshires. From her sixth floor walk up in New York City, she writes humorous and heartbreaking songs about her failed lesbian love life, following her dreams, and the simple joy of a developed frontal lobe.
The readings are on Thursday, October 24th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Flying Cloud Institute returns to Hancock Shaker Village
Pittsfield— On Tuesday, October 22nd from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., in the culmination of their 40th Anniversary events, Flying Cloud Institute (FCI) will lead a free, hands-on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) community event for students in grades K-8 and their families at Hancock Shaker Village.
Students and their families will spend the evening problem-solving together in ways that involve exploring, tinkering, and creating. In addition to creative science and art projects with Flying Cloud educators, several local experts and organizations will participate. Staff members from Berkshire Museum will explore how a physics zipline works and Mt. Everett teachers will lead a Robotics challenge. BeatNest School will demonstrate electro music stations and Berkshire Design will host a design challenge. Participants will learn about the sonification of plants from professors at Berkshire Community College and explore 3-D scanning and printing with Berkshire Innovation Center representatives. Bottomless Bricks will help students design and build derby cars using LEGO elements, and Mass Audubon will lead a printing activity. Staff from Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Greenagers, and Hancock Shaker Village will also be leading kid-centered challenge activities.
The free event is on Tuesday, October 22nd from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Hancock Shaker Village at 1843 West Housatonic Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute presents ‘Meet Me at the Clark,’ a gallery talk for people with dementia and their care partners
Williamstown— On Monday, October 21st at 1 p.m., the Clark Art Institute presents “Meet Me at the Clark,” a free gallery talk designed specifically for people living with dementia and their care partners.
When the museum is closed to the general public, specially trained educators guide open-ended conversations about art and how it celebrates our shared humanity.
The free talk is on Monday, October 21st at 1 p.m. at the Clark Art Institute on South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online.
