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Bits & Bytes: ‘PASSAGE’’ in Pittsfield; British aristocracy talk; HVA paddle trip; artist talk and wine dinner; ‘Georgia, Justice and Jews’

'PASSAGE' incorporates such elements as sea otters on Razor scooters, a TED talk given by an ill-fated naval commander, several appearances by a prestigious self-help guru, and lots of trudging.

Kickwheel Ensemble Theater to present ‘PASSAGE’

Pittsfield — Kickwheel Ensemble Theater will present the premier of “PASSAGE,” a physical theater comedy that explores the catastrophic history and politics of the melting Northwest Passage, at Shire City Sanctuary Wednesday, July 27 – Sunday, July 31.

“PASSAGE” is a satirical climate change romance that links past, present, and future. Ultimately about human connections and finding what is lost, the play explores parallel story lines of Sir John Franklin’s failed 19th century expedition and a modern-day couple on luxury cruise through the now-melting arctic by incorporating such elements as sea otters on Razor scooters, a TED talk given by an ill-fated naval commander, several appearances by a prestigious self-help guru, and lots of trudging.

Tickets are $20. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or call (413) 418-4113.

–E.E.

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Gary Darden to speak on British aristocracy

Gary Darden.
Gary Darden.

Lenox — Gary Darden, associate professor of history at Fairleigh Dickinson University, will give an illustrated talk entitled “The British Aristocracy from Victorian Decline to the Great War” at Ventfort Hall Mansion and Gilded Age Museum on Tuesday, July 26, at 4 p.m. followed by a Victorian tea. In his talk, Darden will analyze the steady decline of the once-dominant class during the halcyon decades of the Age of Victoria that finally lead to the Age of Total War.

Darden also chairs the department of social sciences and history at Fairleigh Dickinson’s Becton College of Arts and Sciences. His scholarly work includes articles for journals and encyclopedias and the historic text for the book “The American Soldier: From the Civil War to the War in Iraq, A Photographic Tribute.” Darden was also a moderator with documentary filmmaker Ken Burns and was this year nameded Teacher of the Year at Becton College.

Tickets for the tea and talk are $24 in advance and for members and $29 on the day of the event. Reservations are recommended as seating is limited. For information or reservations, contact Ventfort Hall at (413) 637-3206 or info@gildedage.org.

–E.E.

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HVA to offer beginners’ paddle trip

South Lee — On Wednesday, July 27, the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) will offer a free introduction to canoeing on a flatwater stretch of the Housatonic River from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Participants will enjoy a short paddle upstream to enjoy beautiful views of Beartown State Forest while learning about how to safely enter and exit a canoe, basic strokes, appropriate attire, and pre-trip preparation. Canoes and equipment will be provided. Families with children over age 6 are welcome. Pre-registration required. For more information or to register, contact HVA at (413) 394-9796 or adixon@hvatoday.org.

–E.E.

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Infinity Hall to host artist talk and wine dinner

"The North Pond Flow" by Jody Potter.
“The North Pond Flow” by Jody Potter.

Norfolk, Connecticut – On Sunday, July 24, at 5:30 p.m., Infinity Music Hall and Bistro will host a wine dinner accompanied by a talk by Ashley Falls, Mass.-based landscape painter Jody Potter, who draws inspiration from the Berkshires and the Adirondacks and whose work is currently on display in the Infinity Gallery. Infinity Hall Chef de Cuisine Lisa Richards will prepare a three-course prix fixe dinner to reflect Potter’s artistic style. Wine expert Peter Turner will discuss wines paired with each course. During dessert, Potter will explain the process and philosophy involved in the creation of her paintings.

The cost of the dinner and talk is $49. Reservations are required. For more information or to make reservations, call (860) 542-5531.

–E.E.

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Temple Anshe Amunim to present ‘Georgia, Justice, and Jews’

Pittsfield – On Wednesday, July 27, at 11:30 a.m., Temple Anshe Amunim will host the program “Georgia, Justice and Jews: The Leo Frank Case,” a two-hour dramatic presentation by playwright/attorney Jesse Waldinger.

The Leo Frank case inspired the Anti-Defamation League, helped rejuvenate the Ku Klux Klan, and continues to incite violent disagreement to this very day. The account will be illustrated by photographs, diagrams, and readings from Waldinger’s play “The Knights of Mary Phagan.” Jesse Waldinger is a prize-winning playwright whose work has been seen locally at Stageworks/Hudson, Made in the Berkshires, and the Hudson Opera House. He lives in Canaan, New York, with his wife, director/teacher Barbara Waldinger.

Guests are invited to bring their own lunch to the program. Beverages and dessert will be provided. Admission is $10. For more information, contact the Temple Anshe Amunim office at (413) 442-5910 or templeoffice@ansheamunim.org.

–E.E.

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