Remembering the fallow years, looking at the turn around
by Shera Cohen
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| by Dashielle |
Not so long ago, after the Shakespeare & Company theatre
troupe left their performance venues at The Mount in Lenox, the home of author
Edith Wharton, along with the grounds, looked empty, and to be honest, rather
dingy and an unlikely site for what has become a destination point in the
Berkshires -- a magnet for museum-goers and audiences of all backgrounds,
interests, and ages. I never would have guessed such a 180-degree turn-around.
My favorite program is the “Monday Lecture Series”. Again, I
recall attending when 30 or so others came to The Stables Theatre to hear
author book discussions, readings, and book signings. The series grew. Due to
its immense popularity, many talks are now sold out even before the Mount’s
brochure is printed. Topics often have a historic slant; last week’s author
introduced her book about women spies during the Civil War. Speaker Karen
Abbott offered one of the most dynamic and intelligent talks that I have heard
to date.
A close second favorite is “Wharton on Wednesdays,” outdoors
on the veranda. With great emphasis on language, particularly that of the early
1900’s, professional actors offer readings of Wharton short stories as guests
sip wine (or whatever). This is one of the Berkshires’ most elegant “events,”
yet attire is strictly casual.
Fridays and Saturdays, beginning at 5pm, musicians use this
same terrace for “Music After Hours.” In fact, each day of the week offers some
form of cultural activity. Gone are the days of the empty Mount.
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| by Kevin Sprague |
While at the Mount, we enjoyed viewing (sometimes trying to
understand) giant art pieces placed throughout the grounds’ 50 acres under the
title “SculptureNow”. For those who have seen this exhibit in the past, this
year brings a new pool of sculpture and artists -- 28 in all, made from fabric,
metals, wood, fiberglass, and/or other materials. Each is whimsical, dramatic,
odd, curious, and/or colorful.
Of course, tours are a must-see, which include those of the
house and backstairs (check the Ghost Tours) and the exquisite four-sided
garden.
Although I have visited the Mount for 20 years, even I was
unaware of its storytelling series that takes place with a storytelling
workshop in October.
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| by Gallery Administrator |
I end with another very important 180-degree turn --
Shakespeare & Company once again mounts theatre at The Mount. For the
entire summer, “Hamlet” (often considered Shakespeare’s best play) takes the
outdoor stage in a “Bare Bard” (meaning cut version) production, with actors
performing in multiple roles, and always extremely accessible to any audience
member.
There’s more to choose from: poetry readings, food
adventures, film, and Friday Conversations En Francais. If only, I could
remember anything learned in my three years of high school French, I might join
in. Alas, I will stick with English language, albeit Elizabethan.
For information on The Mount check www.edithwharton.org.
