Shakespeare & Company stages An Iliad
LENOX – Shakespeare & Company will stage An Iliad by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare five days a week through July 3 at the Tina Packer Playhouse. An Iliad is directed by Jeffrey Mousseau and features MaConnia Chesser as The Poet.
Adapted from an acclaimed translation by Robert Fagles, An Iliad refreshes Homer’s world classic and transforms the epic poem into a riveting account of the Trojan War, told in present-time with nods to modern-day events.
Chesser and Mousseau first collaborated on An Iliad in 2021, staging the one-person play at Ancram Opera House, an intimate venue in Columbia County, N.Y., which is co-owned by Mousseau and Paul Ricciardi.
The play reflects modern struggles from war to plague, and the script includes guidelines for updating language for the times as they change. Chesser noted a line from An Iliad both she and Mousseau have taken to heart as they reimagine the show.
“Early on, The Poet says ‘every time I sing this song, I hope it’s the last time,’” she said. “This play is an examination of war, and humans at war – but it’s also an examination of how theater can respond to war.”
Performances of An Iliad include both evening and matinee shows. Tickets range in price from $22 to $77. Masks are required at all shows of An Iliad. For more information, call the Box Office at 413.637.3353, or visit shakespeare.org.
— A.J.
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The Mahaiwe presents An Evening with Josh Ritter
GREAT BARRINGTON — Josh Ritter will perform on Friday, June 17 at 8:00 p.m. at The Mahaiwe. Ritter is a singer, songwriter, musician, and author from Moscow, Idaho. He was named one of the 100 greatest living songwriters by Paste Magazine, alongside Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Neil Young. Joan Baez and Bob Weir have covered his songs. He regularly sells out legendary venues such as the Fillmore, the Beacon Theater, and London’s Shepherd’s Bush Empire. Tickets are $29 to $49 with discounts for Mahaiwe Members and youth.
— A.J.
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Seed & Spoon to host dinner with Chef Paul Pearson
NORFOLK, Conn.— Seed & Spoon, the culinary school and farm stay portion of Husky Meadow Farms, will host a dinner with Chef Paul Pearson on Saturday, June 18, from 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Chef Paul Pearson is one of the chefs of the award-winning The White Hart Inn in Salisbury, Conn. He will demonstrate his egg and ricotta raviolo recipe for the evening’s pasta course followed by a multi-course dinner featuring ingredients from Husky Meadow Farms.
Chef Paul Pearson started his career working under renowned chefs in England but has since worked in upscale restaurants in the Scottish Highlands, Puerto Rico, and the United States. His skills landed him at The White Hart Inn, known as one of the best restaurants in Connecticut as well as a pillar in the community.
Guests can purchase a ticket for the special Saturday evening event for $195 which includes signature cocktails and paired wines. To purchase tickets or more information on weekend reservations please visit seedandspoon.com or contact tracy@huskymeadowsfarm.com.
— A.J.
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Southern Berkshire Regional School District holding a “visioning” event for Early College program
SHEFFIELD — On Thursday, June 16, from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m., Southern Berkshire Regional School District (SBRSD) will be holding a “visioning” event for the entire community to participate in shaping what the Early College student experience and student outcomes will be for Mt. Everett students. The district is looking to hear from a wide variety of community members: business owners and managers; parents; teachers; and professionals – from carpenters, electricians, and plumbers to doctors, nurses, and lawyers.
According to the school district, this session is critical to ensuring that the Early College program is aligned to the region’s needs. The Early College program is designed to better prepare SBRSD graduates for college and 21st century jobs, and is founded on a partnership with Bard College at Simon’s Rock.. The session, which will be held at Mount Everett Regional High School, will include an introduction, breakout sessions for all participants, and a question and answer period.
To RSVP, please visit https://bit.ly/3MDl7TZ. For more information, please contact SBRSD at 413-229-8754.
— A.J.
