Hudson Hall presents ‘The Happiness Experience,’ a film screening and dance party with the Camphill Hudson Players
Hudson, N.Y.— On Friday, May 30th at 7 p.m., Hudson Hall presents “The Happiness Experience,” a film screening and dance party with the Camphill Hudson Players.
Join Camphill Hudson Players for a very special screening of their debut film, “Happiness in the Spotlight: The Movie.” This film adaptation of their sold-out 2023 production by the same name includes “exclusive” behind the scenes footage and interviews. The event also features live performance, a full scale Bollywood dance, and a rocking post-screening dance party complete with Camphill Hudson’s famous chocolate chip cookies.
From May 23rd through June 8th, in conjunction with the event, Hudson Hall presents “The Art of Happiness,” an inclusive exhibition of artwork by people of all abilities exploring the following questions: Where can we find joy in our lives? What topics will bring us happiness? What actions should we take to find fulfillment? There is an opening reception on Friday, May 23rd from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
The events take place at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, located at 327 Warren Street in Hudson, N.Y. More information can be found online.
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PS21 presents the US premiere of South African choreographer Mamela Nyamza’s ‘Hatched Ensemble’
Chatham, N.Y.— On Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at 8 p.m., PS21 presents the US premiere of South African choreographer Mamela Nyamza’s “Hatched Ensemble.”
Nyamza is known for her artistic signature of unapologetically demystifying, deconstructing, and trampling on the norms and standards of the classics, and this subtly virtuosic and deeply expressive piece is no different. “Hatched Ensemble” is an autobiographical work reflecting on Nyamza’s life as a mother, lesbian and artist.
Accompanied by an opera singer and a traditional African multi-instrumentalist, the piece juxtaposes disparate movement vocabularies, referencing traditional African vocal scores, classical Western music, ballet, and beyond. Ten classically-trained ballet dancers from different ethnic backgrounds confront the deeply personal and challenging issues of tradition, sexual evolution, and racial and gender norms within the dance classics. “Hatched Ensemble speaks to anyone who has felt conflicted about their own identity and where they belong in the status quo,” said Nyamza.
The performances are on Friday, May 30th and Saturday, May 31st at 8 p.m. at PS21, located at 2980 Route 66 in Chatham, N.Y. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire Theatre Group presents the Tony Award-winning drama ‘The Elephant Man’ at The Unicorn Theatre
Stockbridge— From May 28th through June 15th, Berkshire Theatre Group presents the Tony Award-winning drama “The Elephant Man” at The Unicorn Theatre.
Directed by Eric Hill, Bernard Pomerance’s powerful drama is based on the true story of Joseph Merrick, a man with severe physical deformities who fights for dignity in Victorian England. Rescued from a life in a traveling sideshow, he finds refuge in a London hospital, where he forms an unlikely bond with a celebrated physician. As society debates whether to view him as a medical curiosity or a man of intelligence and grace, “The Elephant Man” explores the struggle to be seen for who we truly are. It is a powerful true story of resilience, acceptance and the human spirit.
Winner of the Tony Award for Best Play, “The Elephant Man” is a timeless examination of society’s perception of beauty, normalcy, and kindness. At its heart is a deeply human story about the need for connection and understanding, as Merrick’s journey forces those around him to confront their own prejudices. As thought-provoking as it is emotionally stirring, it is one of the most powerful and unforgettable dramas ever written.
The performances run from May 28th through June 15th at The Unicorn Theatre, located at 6 East Street in Stockbridge. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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The Foundry presents ‘Poetic Resistance,’ poems and songs about current events and the environment
West Stockbridge— On Thursday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m., The Foundry presents “Poetic Resistance,” an evening of poems and songs with Noh Bailey, slink g moss, James Sherry, and Molly Murphy Weinberg. These four unique artists share words and songs that respond to current events and the environment.
Noh Bailey is a multidisciplinary artist who wields form and style as weapons against the absurdity of reality. As a trans woman, her work embodies transformation- not just as a theme, but as a method- building and dismantling identity with sardonic humor and wit, cutting straight to the heart of her subject matter.
slink g moss has compiled several booklets of poems including “Microscopic Frog” and Quantum Parsley Revisited.” He plays music with Weeeds, Unfinish’d Business, and more.
James Sherry is the author of 14 books of poetry and theory and one of the leading proponents of both Language Writing and Environmental Poetics. He is the editor of Roof Magazine, a seminal literary publisher, associated with virtually every innovative strategy in English language writing of the past 40 years.
Molly Murphy Weinberg a filmmaker and editor, she also writes humorous and heartbreaking songs from her sixth floor New York City walk up about the simple joy of a developed frontal lobe.
The event is on Thursday, May 29th at 7:30 p.m. at The Foundry, located at 2 Harris Street in West Stockbridge. There is a post-show after party. Tickets and more information can be found online.
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Berkshire County Historical Society presents new historical marker commemorating trolley accident killing Secret Service officer William Craig and injuring President Theodore Roosevelt
Pittsfield— On Thursday, May 29th at 2 p.m., Berkshire County Historical Society presents a new historical marker commemorating a trolley accident in which Secret Service officer William Craig was killed and President Theodore Roosevelt injured.
While this incident is an interesting part of presidential history, it marks a more significant event. William Craig was the first Secret Service officer to be killed in the line of duty. Roosevelt spoke well of his personal agent, “The man who was killed was one of whom I was fond of and whom I greatly prized for his loyalty and faithfulness.”
Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti and Berkshire County Historical Society Executive Director Lesley Herzberg will preside over the installation at the corner of South Street and Mountain Drive.
The event is on Thursday, May 29th at 2 p.m. at the corner of South Street and Mountain Drive in Pittsfield. A reception on the porch of the Country Club of Pittsfield will follow. Light refreshments will be served.
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Aston Magna Music Festival’s family fun day
Great Barrington— On Saturday, May 24th from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Aston Magna Music Festival presents a free family fun day at Saint James Place.
You, and especially the children in your life, are invited to Aston Magna Music Festival’s free family event for young people of all ages. The theme of the event is “How Music Paints Pictures.” Music can translate into pictures in our minds. During this interactive event, you’ll “see” pictures of winter, a dragonfly, and more. Aston Magna Festival musicians will be performing on piano, violin, theorbo, and lute.
The free event is on Saturday, May 24th from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Saint James Place, located at 352 Main Street in Great Barrington. More information can be found online.
