‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ at The Mount
Lenox — Shakespeare & Company presents William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” directed by Jonathan Croy and Douglas Seldin, outside at The Mount through Saturday, Aug. 19.
As part of its 40th anniversary season, Shakespeare & Company brings the production back to where it all began, honoring the company’s inaugural production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at the Mount in 1978. Said director Jonathan Croy, “The language is delicious, and the range of comedic style is astonishing. From Oberon’s high wit to Bottom’s well-intentioned malapropisms; the mistaken identities in the effects of the love potion and in Bottom’s transformation; the way that the charming pathos and silliness of the Mechanicals opens into the broad genius of Pyramus and & Thisbe, Midsummer is an absolute buffet of comedy and promises to be an unforgettable adventure for the whole family.”
Tickets for the family-friendly are $25 for adults and $10 for youth and audience members are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets; chairs are also available to rent. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact the Shakespeare & Company box office at (413) 637-3353.
–E.E.
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MASS MoCA to screen ‘Mad Max’ with live score

North Adams — On Saturday, July 15, at 8:30 p.m., MASS MoCA will screen the 1979 film “Mad Max” with an original score performed live by the New York City ensemble Morricone Youth.
“Mad Max,” George Miller’s cult classic dystopian action movie set against the Australian outback, was inspired by Miller’s childhood in the bush and the graphic injuries he witnessed as an emergency room doctor. After becoming embroiled in a vengeful feud with a vicious motorcycle gang, protagonist Max Rockatansky’s origin story unfolds as the once-family man transforms into a desolate road warrior.
Taking its name from film music maestro Ennio Morricone, Morricone Youth was formed in New York City in 1999 with the mission to re-interpret, perform and record music written exclusively for films. Founded by guitarist Devon E. Levins, the ensemble has been comprised of a rotating set of musicians with backgrounds ranging from punk, folk, psychedelic rock and experimental music. Most recently the ensemble has embarked on a project to record albums for each of the 15 live scores it has performed to date.
Tickets range from $16 to $32. For tickets and more information, see the Berkshire Edge calendar or contact MASS MoCA at (413) 662-2111.
–E.E.
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HVA to offer paddle trips on the Housatonic River
Stockbridge — The Housatonic Valley Association will offer free paddle trips for those who want to learn where to access the Housatonic River and appreciate it as a natural resource. These are a great way to the river and appreciate the river. A beginner’s paddle for those unfamiliar with canoeing will be held Tuesday, July 18, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. in Stockbridge. Participants will learn how to safely enter and exit a canoe, paddle the basic strokes effectively, and turn a boat around. An afternoon paddle trip and river exploration through Lee will be held Wednesday, Aug. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m. Some prior river paddling experience is helpful as there is some quick water to negotiate. Participants will learn about the river ecology, see plants and animals along the way and be brought up to date on current issues. Pre-registration is required for both trips. Once registered, participants will receive trip information that will provide detailed information about what to bring, directions and meeting locations. Parents with children 10 years and older are welcome. For more information or to register, contact HVA’s Alison Dixon at (413) 298-7024 or adixon@hvatoday.org.
–E.E.
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Bidwell House Museum to present Native American history talk

Tyringham — On Saturday, July 15, at 10 a.m., the Bidwell House Museum will present the talk “Native Americans in South County” with Rene Wendell at the Tyringham Union Church. Wendell will discuss the local prehistoric evidence of Native American life as well as the first contacts of white settlers with the Mohican tribe in south Berkshire County. He will bring native artifacts from his personal collection and attendees are welcome to bring their own arrowheads for him to evaluate.
Wendell spent 13 years leading public, nature-based programs for the Trustees of Reservations at Bartholomew’s Cobble in Ashley Falls. He is currently the land steward for the Nature Conservancy’s Great Barrington office where he helps to manage thousands of acres that the conservancy holds in western Massachusetts.
There is a suggested donation $15 for the general public and $10 for museum members. For tickets and more information, contact the Bidwell House Museum at (413) 528-6888 or bidwellhouse@gmail.com.
–E.E.