Spencertown Academy and Millay Arts present ‘The Ninth Hour: A Beowulf for the Modern Age,’ a rock-noir musical
Spencertown, N.Y.— On Saturday, March 9th at 2 p.m., Spencertown Academy and Millay Arts present ‘The Ninth Hour: A Beowulf for the Modern Age,’ a rock-noir musical.
Created and performed by Shayfer James and Kate Douglas, this rock-noir musical is a reimagining of the epic poem “Beowulf” that explores the intricacies of humankind’s relationship with power and violence. This classic story of glory and ruin is told through triumphant pop anthems, heart-wrenching lullabies, heroes, and monsters. A hero, summoned to be a protector against a relentless enemy, must confront the evil within herself as a monster comes to terms with the agony of isolation at his life’s end.
The production had its sold-out premiere at The Met Cloisters. At the Academy, James and Douglas will perform all the songs from their musical in an intimate duo format, which will be followed by a Q&A.
The performance is on Saturday, March 9th at 2 p.m. in the Blanche Grubin Auditorium at Spencertown Academy on Route 203 in Spencertown, N.Y. General Admission tickets are $15 and $10 for students and members. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Chatham Public Library presents ‘Mastodons, Mohicans, and More! Ghent 12,000 BC – 1790 AD,’ an illustrated talk
Chatham— On Saturday, March 9th at 1:30 p.m., Chatham Public Library presents ‘Mastodons, Mohicans, and More! Ghent 12,000 BC – 1790 AD,’ an illustrated talk.
Ghent Town Historian Gregg Berninger, known for provocative public presentations and YouTube videos, will bring to life Columbia County’s pre-1818 years, before Ghent was even Ghent. In this one-hour illustrated talk he will answer three big questions: What became of the mastodons and the Mohicans? How did European settlement evolve? How common was slavery in 18th century pre-Ghent?
“We’ll explore early Claverack and Kinderhook, Ghent’s parents, revealing similarities and differences,” noted Berninger. “It’ll take some imagination, but we’re going to get as close as we can to those who came before us.”
The talk is on Saturday, March 9th at 1:30 p.m. at the Chatham Public Library on Woodbridge Avenue in Chatham, N.Y. It is free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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The Mason Library presents a free screening of ‘The Boys Who Said No!’
Great Barrington— On Saturday, March 9th at 7 p.m., the Mason Library presents a free screening of ‘The Boys Who Said No!’
The 90-minute documentary traces the personal and collective acts of nonviolent resistance as retold by men and women who actively opposed the military draft in order to end the Vietnam war. Included is footage of Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. visiting and supporting Joan Baez and others, who were jailed for blocking the Oakland Induction Center in 1967.
The free screening is on Saturday, March 9th at 7 p.m. at the Mason Library on Main Street in Great Barrington. The doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a free wine, cider, and cheese social. There will be a short discussion following the film. All are welcome. More information can be found online.
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Maureen Stapleton celebration and symposium at Hudson Valley Community College
Troy, N.Y.— On Saturday, March 9th at 2 p.m., Catholic Central School, in collaboration with Hudson Valley Community College (HVCC) and the Hart-Cluett Museum, presents a Maureen Stapleton celebration and symposium.
Hosted by Emmy-winning film critic and 2016 Catholic Central graduate Jackson Murphy, the program will include a short documentary from Maureen’s son, Daniel Allentuck, along with clips from her esteemed career which spanned over 50 years. Additional contributors include Russell Sage College Theatre Professor David Baecker, Maureen Stapleton historian William G. Carey Jr., and Executive Director of the Hart-Cluett Museum, Kathryn Knothe Sheehan (Class of 1973).
Lobby displays will highlight the actress’s career which spanned over 50 years and will feature items from her work on Broadway, Hollywood, and television. A panel interview will provide insights into Maureen’s artistic process, her friendship and symbiotic relationship with Tennessee Williams, and her lasting impact on American theater and film.
The free event is on Saturday, March 9th at 2 p.m. in the Maureen Stapleton Theater at Hudson Valley Community College on Vandenburgh Avenue in Troy, N.Y. Pre-registration is highly encouraged. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Poetry and fiction series at Bard College at Simon’s Rock
Great Barrington— Beginning on Thursday, March 7th at 7 p.m., the Poetry & Fiction Series at Bard College at Simon’s Rock returns to campus this spring.
For over thirty years, the Poetry & Fiction Series has hosted prominent and upcoming poets and fiction writers, including Seamus Heaney, Annie Prolux, Derek Walcott, John Edgar Wideman, Susan Sontag, Rita Dove, and many more. Open to the community, the readings are preceded by a conversation with Simon’s Rock students and followed by a Q&A with the attending audience. Coordinated by Brendan Matthews, the series consists of four intimate readings over the course of the spring semester.
The first reading in the series will take place on Thursday, March 7th with author Tiana Clark. Tiana Clark is the author of “I Can’t Talk About the Trees Without the Blood,” winner of the Agnes Lynch Starret Prize. She has received the Kate Tufts Discovery Award, an NEA Literature Fellowship, the Amy Lowell Poetry Traveling Scholarship, and a Pushcart Prize.
Next up on Thursday, March 28th, is Alexis Schaitkin, the author of the novel “Elsewhere,” named a New York Times Editors’ Choice, and ALA Notable Book, and longlisted for the Carol Shields Prize. Her previous novel “Saint X” was a New York Times Notable Book and was adapted into a limited series for Hulu.
On Thursday, April 4th is Ama Codjoe, the author of “Bluest Nude,” winner of the Lenore Marshall Poetry Prize and finalist for both the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Poetry and the Paterson Poetry Prize. She has received an NEA Literature Fellowship and a Whiting Award.
On Thursday, April 18th is Paul Yoon, the author of five works of fiction, most recently “The Hive and the Honey,” a finalist for the 2024 Story Prize. He is the recipient of the New York Public Library Young Lions Fiction Award and a Guggenheim Fellowship.
The readings take place on Thursdays at 7 p.m. in Blodgett House on the campus of Simon’s Rock on Alford Road in Great Barrington. They are free and open to the public. More information can be found online.
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Berkshire Natural Resources Council presents a free winter hike at Arrowhead
Pittsfield— On Saturday, March 9th at 12:30 p.m., Berkshire Natural Resources Council presents a free winter hike at Arrowhead.
Enjoy a free guided hike around the grounds of Arrowhead with Berkshire Natural Resources Council. The hike begins with an introduction to Arrowhead and its grounds by the Berkshire County Historical Society. Learn about Melville’s sleigh rides, and see how Mt. Greylock looks in the winter – does it really look like a white whale?
The free hike is on Saturday, March 9th at 12:30 p.m. at Arrowhead on Holmes Road in Pittsfield. BNRC will provide snowshoes if weather allows. Registration and more information can be found online.
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Town of Dalton welcomes community input on hazard mitigation plan
Dalton— On Friday, March 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., the Town of Dalton welcomes community input on hazard mitigation plan.
What can the Town of Dalton do to prevent natural hazards such as floods, high winds, and winter storms, from wreaking havoc? The Town is extending an invitation to the community to participate in a public meeting as it updates its Hazard Mitigation Plan. This plan details all the natural hazard risks that may impact the Town and includes potential actions to mitigate those risks.
The invitation extends to residents from Dalton and regional communities who are passionate about hazard mitigation and climate adaptation to actively participate in this upcoming public meeting. The town welcomes your insights on identifying high-risk hazards, pinpointing vulnerable areas, as well as constructive feedback on effective strategies for mitigating these risks. Your engagement is instrumental in shaping a resilient and prepared community.
The Hazard Mitigation Planning Committee, in partnership with Jamie Caplan Consulting LLC, a Northampton, MA-based firm, is developing the plan with a grant from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). FEMA approval, coupled with Town adoption, will enable Dalton to access pre- and post-disaster hazard mitigation grant funds.
The meeting is on Friday, March 8th from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at Town Hall on Main Street in Dalton. The zoom link can be accessed online. (Meeting ID: 882 4265 1143/Passcode: 931979)
