Adams Theater presents Stephanie Chou’s ‘Comfort Girl’
Adams— On Saturday, September 14th at 7:30 a.m., Adams Theater presents Stephanie Chou’s “Comfort Girl.”
Created and composed by Stephanie Chou, “Comfort Girl” is an 80-minute chamber opera inspired by true stories of Asian “comfort women” abducted into sexual slavery by the Japanese army during WWII. It is not only a groundbreaking fusion of East-West musical traditions, but has also sparked public dialogue on a formerly taboo subject that still resonates globally for women today. Based on survivor testimony, the jazz-opera/song-cycle gives voice to the 200,000+ women and survivors who were silenced for 50 years.
The performance is on Saturday, September 14th at 7:30 a.m. at The Adams Theater at 27 Park Street in Adams. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents ‘Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce’
Amherst— From September 7th through March 9th, The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art presents ‘Artful Collaboration: Eric Carle & Ann Beneduce,’ a special exhibition exploring the 50-year professional relationship between the beloved picture book artist and author Eric Carle (1929-2021) and the legendary picture book editor Ann Beneduce (1918-2021.)
The exhibition includes never-before-exhibited art, correspondence, and photographs from Carle and Beneduce’s work together on iconic books such as “1, 2, 3, to the Zoo” (1968) and “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” (1969,) to their final collaboration “The Nonsense Show” (2015.) The two worked together throughout Carle’s entire career. “A special relationship between author and editor is crucial to the success of a book,” said Carle. “Ann’s and my…working relationship…operates on the same wavelength and is marked by deep mutual respect and affection.”
On view are original illustrations from The Nonsense Show (2015,) the last book Carle authored and illustrated on his own with Beneduce as consulting editor, including a yellow rubber duck with human feet. The book’s humorous tone and imagery capture the pair’s contagious enthusiasm.
The exhibit runs from September 7th through March 9th at The Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art at 125 West Bay Road in Amherst. More information can be found online.
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Clark Art Institute to host a ‘Kathia St. Hilaire: Invisible Empires’ closing celebration
Williamstown— On Friday, September 13th at 7 p.m., the Clark Art Institute hosts a closing festival celebrating the exhibition “Kathia St. Hilaire: Invisible Empires.”
The evening features DJ performances from Haitian-American producer, artist, DJ, writer, and cultural producer Ashley Solage, also known as Ashley Venom, and from Haitian-American DJ and event producer Rayven Heath, also known as DJ RAYVINO.
Enjoy complimentary late-night access to “Kathia St. Hilaire: Invisible Empires.” Admission to the event is free. Bring a picnic and a blanket. Custom beer by Hot Plate Brewing, Co. and food from Bezzle’s BBQ will be available for purchase.
The event is on Friday, September 13th at 7 p.m. on the Moltz Terrace of the Lunder Center at Stone Hill at The Clark on South Street in Williamstown. More information can be found online.
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Brazilian Day Celebration in Pittsfield
Pittsfield— On Saturday, September 7th from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., Brazzucas Brazilian Market, Espetinho Carioca, and MassDevelopment’s Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) Partners will host the first-ever Brazilian Day Celebration in Downtown Pittsfield, a vibrant event honoring Brazilian culture and Brazilian Independence Day.
The celebration, inspired by the grand Brazilian Day festivities in New York City, brings a piece of this cultural experience to Pittsfield. There will be live performances by Berkshire Bateria, Berkshire Brazil, Quarteto de Samba featuring Taz Ramos, and Marcelo Santos. Hot Plate Brewing, Co. will be serving beverages outside from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
This event aims to kick off Hispanic Heritage Month by sharing Brazil’s vibrant music, dance, and food with the community. It is on Saturday, September 7th from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. on North Street in Downtown Pittsfield.
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OLLI presents ‘Exploring the Impact of Railroads in the Berkshires’ with Norma Kirby
Lenox— On Tuesday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., OLLI presents ‘Exploring the Impact of Railroads in the Berkshires’ an engaging workshop with Norma Kirby at Lenox Station.
The interactive workshop delves into the historical and economic significance of railroads in the Berkshires. It is designed to immerse participants in the fascinating world of trains and their transformative role in the region. It will include lecture, discussion, hands on equipment and rail exploration, and an opportunity to climb into a train.
Norma Kirby is a retired long-time railroad employee who held the positions of Conductor, Locomotive Engineer, Road Foreman of Engines and Locomotive Engineer Instructor working both for Amtrak and two smaller freight railroads located in the northeast.
The in-person workshop is on Tuesday, September 10th from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Lenox Station at 10 Willow Creek Road in Lenox. It will require walking approximately 0.3 miles round trip. All participants will be required to wear pants and sturdy shoes preferably with a definable heel. Work gloves are encouraged. Participants will also need to bring a lunch and several bottles of water. Registration and more information can be found online.
