Berkshire School’s Theater Department presents ‘The Memo’
Sheffield— On November 1st and 2nd at 7:30 p.m., Berkshire School’s Theater Department presents “The Memo,” an absurdist comedy written by Václav Havel, translation by Paul Wilson.
The first president of the Czech Republic, Václav Havel wrote “The Memo” (formerly “The Memorandum”) in 1965 as a satirical send-up against communist rule in Czechoslovakia. The play is about a ridiculous synthetic language that’s been installed at a generic workplace in order to streamline communications. The language aims to remove all possible misunderstandings in office communications, posing a hilarious and heartbreaking challenge to the agency’s self-proclaimed “humanist” director. The language turns out to be so complex, convoluted, and utterly absurd that nobody has the slightest clue how to understand, speak, or write it.
The production features local students Diarra Fall (Lakeville, Conn.), Ellie Grimmett (Lenox), Hannah LaPier (Sheffield), and Diana Splawn (Sheffield).
The performances are on November 1st and 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at Berkshire School’s Allen Theater, located at 245 North Undermountain Road in Sheffield. More information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents Eryca Nolan’s ‘Project HERlarious,’ a comedy series of the funniest female comedians from across the country
West Stockbridge— On Saturday, November 2nd at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents Eryca Nolan’s ‘Project HERlarious,’ a comedy series bringing together funniest female comedians from across the country.
Celebrate the brilliance and humor of women in stand-up as they take the stage for a show packed with wit, talent, and nonstop laughs.
Host Kim DeShields has performed at comedy clubs across the U.S. and internationally. A semifinalist on Nick at Nite’s “Funniest Mom” and contestant on “Last Comic Standing,” she has also appeared on Wendy Williams’ “Street Talk” and co-founded “Comedy As A Weapon.” Kim has opened for comedy greats like Tracy Morgan, Mike Epps, Leslie Jones, and more.
Featured comedienne, producer, and Berkshire County native, Eryca Nolan has appeared on TVOne and Amazon Prime. She has opened for Viral Star Pinky Patel. When she isn’t sipping wine or conjuring up ways to break up with her kids, you can catch her on stage.
Headliner Stephanie K. is a talented comedienne and actress who embarked on her stand-up comedy journey in 2012, launching her career in New York City. Her breakout television performance on “Gotham Live” catapulted her to national recognition. A sought-after performer, Stephanie has entertained audiences both domestically and internationally, showcasing her comedic flair. Her impressive talent earned her the prestigious title of “Queen of Comedy” in the Netherlands in 2017. Stephanie’s notable performances include taking the stage at the iconic Apollo Theater and headlining at prominent comedy clubs throughout the city, solidifying her position as a rising star in the comedy world.
The show is on Saturday, November 2nd at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge., The doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Museum to open two maritime art exhibits, ‘Call of the Sea’ and ‘Homage to the Glacier’
Pittsfield— From November 2nd to January 5th, Berkshire Museum presents two maritime art exhibits, “Call of the Sea: Maritime Art and Navigation” and “Homage to the Glacier: Works by Peter Bremers and James Schantz.”
Both dangerous and alluring, sea travel has long brought different peoples into contact to exchange goods, ideas, and cultures. This exhibition will examine the impacts sea travel has had on the world, whether it be cultural, economic, or biological. “Call of the Sea” will feature 15 works of art, model ships, and interactives that explore the art, science, and history of naval navigation. Paintings on display will include notable artists such as Alberto Pasini, Edward Moran, and Thomas Shields Clarke alongside travel posters that highlight the relationship between humanity and the sea, inspiring a deeper appreciation for the maritime art and history of various cultures around the globe.
“Homage to the Glacier” features beautiful glass sculptures by Dutch artist Peter Bremers alongside paintings by Berkshire artist James Schantz.
Seeking inspiration from the remarkable ice formations and landscape of Iceland, the artists traveled there in May 2023. Bremers had previously been influenced by the icy landscapes of the polar regions. Their journey together brought the two along the southeastern coast of Iceland, where they encountered Vatnajökull, the second-largest glacier in Europe. As Vatnajökull recedes, iceberg formations are left behind as visual reminders of climate change and the delicate balance of our planet. Through these works, Bremers and Schantz intend to pay tribute to these monumental, ethereal forms, while reminding us of the serious impact of global climate change.
The exhibits run from November 2nd to January 5th at the Berkshire Museum located at 39 South Street in Pittsfield. There is a members-only opening reception on November 1st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. To learn how to become a member and more information can be found online.
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MASS Moca presents ‘Jeffrey Gibson: POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT’
North Adams— November 3rd through winter 2026, MASS MoCA presents “Jeffrey Gibson: POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT,” a newly commissioned immersive installation that will follows Gibson’s highly celebrated United States representation at the 60th edition of La Biennale di Venezia.
Gibson is known for creating installations, performances, paintings, and sculpture that elevate and provide visibility to queer and Indigenous communities, whose cultural narratives have been historically marginalized. Throughout the run of the exhibition, the project will host a series of performances by Indigenous creatives from across North America.
Gibson views the exhibition as an invitation to other Indigenous creatives to contribute to a space where difference is not only considered, it is celebrated. The installation features seven aspirational and newly constructed oversized garments, which are adorned with beads and found materials, that have been organized in kaleidoscopic patterns and are suspended from the ceiling on tipi poles or worn during performances. These works are informed by the regalia worn in faith-based ceremonies, among them the “Ghost Dance,” a pacifist movement that originated with the Northern Paiute and culminated in the 1890 Wounded Knee massacre, and remains active today — paying homage to the past while signaling hope for the future.
“POWER FULL BECAUSE WE’RE DIFFERENT” also offers an exploration into the term “two-spirit”, a third gender which is both, and neither, male or female and is often embraced by many Indigenous individuals and communities to encompass gender and spiritual identity. The exhibition will include the 1992 documentary “Two Spirit People” by Michel Beauchemin, Lori Levy, and Gretchen Vogel, which features Indigenous two-spirit individuals discussing the term and their identities as creatives on the streets of the Bay Area.
A new video installation, suspended from the ceiling, will accompany the documentary harnessing both contemporary and early drag culture that facilitates in creating a club-like atmosphere in the first half of the gallery. Titled “Your Spirit Whispers in My Ear,” the collection of videos are edited by Sancia Miala Shiba Nash with a soundtrack by Patrick Coll and the material for the videos is crowd-sourced from more than 20 Indigenous two-spirit individuals, DJs, drag performers, academics, and activists.
The exhibit runs November 3rd through winter 2026 at MASS MoCA, located at 1040 Mass MoCA Way in North Adams. On November 2nd, there will be an artist talk at 3 p.m. and an opening preview reception at 5:30 p.m. More information can be found online.
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Guild of Berkshire Artists presents Colors of Autumn,’ a new exhibit in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre
Pittsfield— Now through December 14th, the Guild of Berkshire Artists presents Colors of Autumn,’ a new exhibit in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre.
The exhibit features the work of thirteen Berkshires artists whose paintings and photographs often capture the beautiful colors and serenity of autumn landscapes. Artists include Chelsea Bradway, Karen Carmean,Meryl Enerson, Kinney Frelinghuysen, Paul McMahon, Rick Neilsen, Jeff Nestel-Patt, Alvin Ouellet, Jane Salata, Marney Schorr, Allan Seppa, Katherine Squires, and Julie Wosk.
The styles in the exhibit are wide-ranging from softly impressionistic to surreal to dramatically real-looking. Several of the artists create exquisitely painted landscapes filled with the vibrant oranges and yellows of autumn and the peaceful, muted greens of a meadow and the countryside. Some of the works instill a sense of peace and quietness and some are surprising and arresting, a still life medley of orange silk flowers and an ancient ammonite fossil set on a shimmering gold bed of encaustic paint, a young woman mysteriously running barefoot through a field, her slippers left behind in the grass.
The exhibit runs through December 14th in the lobby of The Colonial Theatre, located at 111 South Street in Pittsfield. More information can be found online.
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OLLI presents ‘Fine Art Antiques Roadshow’ by master conservator Troy Amuso
Pittsfield— On Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m., OLLI presents ‘Fine Art Antiques Roadshow’ by Master Conservator Troy Amuso.
Are you curious about the restoration potential of antique oil paintings? OLLI is thrilled to offer this special event inspired by the popular “Antiques Roadshow” but with a focus on fine art oil painting restoration. This event is a unique chance to learn more about fine art oil artwork, the causes of deterioration, and the possible steps to remedies and restoration.
Troy Amuso entered the world of art restoration in 1977 working as a studio apprentice in New York under highly respected Dutch art conservator, Yan Vanderviver. It was that unique opportunity that sparked Troy’s passion in the craft of art conservation, setting him on a path towards an unyielding career as a fine art oil painting conservator from a young age. From 1977 to 1995 Troy held studio positions focused on the preservation of fine art in New York, Connecticut, and Los Angeles. It was during those formative years that Troy earned a respected reputation for his conservation work from art collectors, art galleries, and private museums throughout the North East and West Coast.
The in-person event is on Sunday, November 3 at 2 p.m. at Berkshire Community College at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. It is free and open to all. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire South’s ninth annual ‘Arts & Crafts Festival’
Great Barrington— On Saturday, November 2nd at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Berkshire South Regional Community Center will host its ninth annual Arts & Crafts Festival.
This free, family-friendly event showcases over 30 local artisans and vendors selling handmade goods including jewelry, ceramics, quilts, screen-printed apparel, decorations, poured candles, original prints, paintings, and more. Attendees will have the perfect chance to find unique holiday gifts while supporting local makers. The festival will also include live music and food trucks. Berkshire South’s Education & Childcare department will also host a booth selling baked goods, with all proceeds supporting the Sunshine Preschool and Out of School programs.
The event is on Saturday, November 2nd at 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Berkshire South, located at 15 Crissey Road in Great Barrington. More information can be found online.
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Second annual Becket Day
Becket— On Saturday, November 2nd is the second annual Becket Day.
The vibrant community, businesses, and organizations of Becket are throwing a spectacular Becket Day bash! This day-long festival is all about showcasing the spirit of this wonderful town.
Fall in the Berkshires provides a breathtaking backdrop for the festivities. There will be food and drink specials, special discounts, story time, crafts, and more. Participating businesses and organizations include Becket Arts Center, Becket Athenaeum, Becket Country Store, The Dream Away Lodge, Himalayan High, Neon Newt, Route 8 Pub, and Sherwood Shoppe.
The day-long event is on Saturday, November 2nd throughout Becket.
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Family-friendly moonlit hike into Stockbridge’s Ice Glen
Stockbridge— On Saturday, November 2nd at 6 p.m., the Stockbridge Fire/Rescue/EMS and Parks & Recreation host the Stockbridge family-friendly moonlit hike into Ice Glen.
The easy guided hike will start from Stockbridge Town Park on Park Street in Stockbridge at 6 p.m., proceed down South Street, onto Ice Glen Road, and through the Glen returning to the park for a bonfire, cider, and donuts.
Stockbridge Firemen and volunteers will be stationed at points where there is uneven terrain. Sturdy footwear, warm layered clothing, hats, gloves and a flashlight are recommended. This is a pet-free event. Rain cancels the event. For more information, call the Stockbridge Fire Department at 413-298-4866.