Bernstein Theatre, Lenox
through November 5, 2017
by Shera Cohen
The most important work of WAM is not the arts, or theatre
in particular, but charity and goodwill. Since 2010, WAM Theatre (Where Arts
& Activism Meet) has donated more than $32,500 to 12 nonprofit
organizations that benefit women and girls, and provided paid work to more than
200 theatre artists.
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| Photo by Kristen van Ginhoven |
WAM was founded in 2010, and “The Last Wife” marks the end of its eighth season. In total, WAM
has presented one Main Stage play each fall. Also filling out WAM’s calendar is
its reading series which presents works in progress by local artists. A younger
troupe, The Girls Ensemble, has performed original works in 2016 and 2017.
WAM also collaborates on community
events, such as the Facing Our Truth project in 2016 and our Sister March event
in solidarity with the Women's March on Washington this past January.
I had the opportunity to see a preview of “The Last Wife” by
Kate Hennig. The wife, in this instance, is Katherine Parr, the sixth and final
wife of Henry VIII, who not only saved her head but also outlived her husband.
Enticing me to attend this play was the collaboration of WAM
with Shakespeare & Company. The latter contributed three of its finest
actors in lead roles; Nehassaiu deGannes (Kate), a spunky, articulate new-comer
in the Berkshires who shined this summer in “Intimate Apparel;” John Hadden
(Henry), a regular at Shakespeare & Co. whose attention to drama is
especially unique; and David Joseph (Thom), a suave young man, who seems to
have grown up before my eyes, with a cunning grin.
WAM has some challenges, as do other stages in the
Berkshires. The most significant hurdle is timing. Since it’s no longer summer,
attending performances at Shakespeare & Company, Berkshire Theatre Group,
and Barrington Stage in the fall months is not an immediate thought when
seeking theatre. Many venues are trying to stretch their calendars. I honestly
don’t know if it works – only the box office staff know for sure -- but I have
to say that I attended three of this year’s best productions this month – yes,
in October.
