by Shera Cohen
Each day predicted rainfall was over 60% with strong winds, thunderstorms, lasting for hours, even potential hail. Not that I’m complaining that none of this did occur, although it might have given a bit of reprieve from the heat. But then, I had no choice but to manipulate my plans and try to be spontaneous – yes, an oxymoron.
The following were the “go to” and “stay home” programs on my “How I Spent [part of] My Summer Vacation” agenda.
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| "Mornix" |
Yet it’s a pleasure to learn about art genres that are not my bailiwick, while explaining to readers that, perhaps like them, I know what I like and no more. One professional, international dance company takes the Ted Shawn Stage for a week. Good to know: the barn-like theatre has AC. In many cases, young girls fill the seats; wannabee dancers. It’s obvious that they love the programs.
Since the horrible fire of a few years ago which destroyed the Pillow’s second stage, JP’s summer program is atypical, yet it works. The Pillow utilizes its Outside Stage more often than ever to showcase numerous smaller dance companies or individual artists proving their talents for one-shot gigs. What an excellent opportunity for many who might not have had on a stage, let alone the prestigious JP stage.
Switzerland’s Ballet du Grand Theatre de Geneve has been prominent throughout Europe for over 60-years. The term “ballet” seemed to be a misnomer, as the three pieces were not indicative of my expectations. “Noetic” created full-company modern dance tableau images. “Faun,” developed a growing love story between a male and female faun. Not that the Each dancer’s nuance from head to toe transformed themselves into two lovely animals. The final piece, “Strong,” was the epitome of a 40-minute flawless program of mesmerizing, synchronized movements; a nonstop performance that required incredible strength, focus, and stamina.
Argentina-based Social Tango Project combined equal parts: dance, live music, still images, and video documentary. This genre of dance brings tango to the concert stage in a way that audiences have not seen before. The dancers had been primarily based in Argentina. The essence of the South American culture is at the core of “the project”.
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| Fragile Beauty Exhibit |
Clark Art Institute, Williamstown – www.clarkart.edu/museum From various readings, I believe that Clark is considered one of the finest museums in the country. I am thrilled that this large, multi-faceted building which is home to the “A List of Artists” of the past two centuries is here in MA, and a “must” on my Berkshires vacation calendar. Only by coincidence on my part, did we visit Clark on opening day of the Edgar Degas exhibit (through 10/6/24). This artist’s name is synonymous, along with that of others, with Impressionism.
The large billboard signs depicting Degas throughout the Berkshires are, however, a bit of a misnomer. I was mistaken that Clark had mounted a Degas exhibit of many of the artist’s genres; these were works on paper only, such as sketches and essentially first drafts.
The star of Clark’s 150th Anniversary of the First Impressionist Exhibition (through 10/14/24) is Guillaume Lethiere. Who? This man, whose skills to my untrained artistic eye, are equal to those whose names we all recognize. At least one-half of the Clark Center’s lower level is devoted to Lethiere as well as his followers in the same era; late-18th/early 19th centuries.
Usually, I pace myself too quickly when viewing galleries. I do not give the artist his due. Yet, Lethiere’s images and accompanying stories alongside grabbed me, in a sense, as if he would say, “Hey, 21st century woman, I realize that my name isn’t Cassatt, Renoir, or Manet, but I’m damn good. Just take a look.”
Shakespeare & Company, Lenox – www.shakespeare.org If you like, or even love, the Bard, this is a must. If you like (primarily) contemporary theatre, S&Co. is still a must. “A Body of Water” is a contemporary play about a senior couple and a young woman who invades their privacy. The Roman Theatre is a snug alcove adjacent to one of the property’s buildings. The site is intimate, sound is flawless, yet mosquitos are aplenty. Spray and/or a bug bracelet will pretty much cure that problem. See review.
Back home, South Lee – Scrabble. We play a mean game. Suggestions: bring a game or book, watch HBO, or all 3.
Great Barrington Public Theater, Great Barrington - www.GreatBarringtonPublicTheater.org GBPT is a relatively new group, located on the campus of Simon’s Rock. I couldn’t have written a better review of “Survival of the Unfit,” a drama/comedy than that of In the Spotlight’s reviewer. One important suggestion: this is a college campus with many buildings, we spent a half-hour to find the theatre. SIGNAGE please.
Mass MoCa, Williamstown – www.massmoca.org While looking forward to the Plastic Bag avant guard exhibit we couldn’t fit in the time; this unique static show is featured hand-in-hand with a movie specific for the exhibit. Just because I missed it, doesn’t mean you have to.
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| Emanuel Ax |
The program’s highlight was pure excellence to listen to pianist Emanuel Ax play Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 3 in C. minor. Opus 37. Not being familiar with the music, my focus was on Ax, who always appears to be one of the unassuming geniuses of this era.
Richard Strauss’ sprach Zirathustra, a very long, powerful symphonic poem for full orchestra seemed to reach the sound panels of the shed to ricochet throughout the tent. This could be wrong, but quick research on my part implies that composer Gustov Holst borrowed some sections of Zirathustra for his own The Planets. Even later still John Williams used several portions of this same music. I was convinced that I was listening to Star Wars. I googled to check if all this borrowing was legal and kosher. Yes.
Back home – More Scrabble. By this point it was nearly 100 degrees; even too hot to walk to the pool.
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| Don Quixote at TurnPark |
TurnPark, West Stockbridge – www.turnpark.com Not so long ago, I visited TurnPark the year it opened. There wasn’t much to see, except huge, whimsical sculptures of Einstein and Don Quixote. Both still reside on the boulders and shrubbery of the large expanses of land. The owners are a Ukrainian family from who traveled through Russia, Europe, and finally the U.S. to pick the exact location they wanted for their sculpture showcase. By chance, TurnPark’s address is Moscow Road. New this summer is “Lost and Found,” a series of homes for gnomes; sweet, charming, and small. Hikers would be especially interested in this art venue.
Back home – Scrabble, yet again.
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However, yet to come as my Berkshires Vaca continues are the following.
The Mount, Lenox – www.edithwharton.org The ongoing, amazing, huge sculptures throughout the acre of Edith Wharton’s home. Plus, a summer of weekly or bi-weekly author talks. I’ll be there at least twice.
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| "Boeing" photo by David Dasheill |
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield – www.berkshiremuseum.org On my docket for next week is to see three new exhibits: The Wild Indoors paintings, Black Woman as Muse photography, and Imaging Women in the Space age multi-media program. For a relatively small museum, it’s packed with a lot.
Berkshire Theatre Group, Stockbridge & Pittsfield – www.berkshiretheatregroup.org The week prior to my vaca, I spent 2.5 hours laughing at “Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein”. See review at inthespotlightinc.org. It seems to me that BTG has put a lot of effort in mounting its best season in many years; I want to attend everything! A good mix, more musicals, small plays, and casts of thousands, or less.
