Happening this Week

CIVIL DISCOURSE: FOUR FREEDOMS FORUM
February 16th, Thursday 5:30-7PM

This session of the Museum’s series of four Town Hall-style conversations, inspired by Norman Rockwell’s Four Freedoms paintings, will explore today’s refugee crisis. With borders tightening around the world and at home, millions of people from impoverished and war-torn nations have been displaced and are seeking a safe place to re-start their lives. Especially pertinent in light of recent events, expert commentators including Hilary Greene (Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Center), Dr. Asma Abbas (Associate Professor of Politics and Philosophy at Simon’s Rock) and Dr. Charles Park (Director of the Berkshire Immigrant Stories Project) will offer observations, explore solutions, and foster civil community discourse to help participants process the local, national and global ramifications. Refreshments and a reception to follow. Free.
Normal Rockwell Museum. 9 Glendale Road/Rte. 183. West Stockbridge MA. 413.298.4100
While in Stockbridge discover our favorite things!

MUNIFICENT MAYPLE: SYRUP, PANCAKES AND STORIES
WITH MAPLE SUGARING’S DAVID LEFF
February 18th, Saturday 1-3PM

Board member of the Connecticut Maple Syrup Producer’s Association, David Leff, will lead a discussion on his book, Maple Sugaring, offering readers an intimate look into the art and science of producing New England’s signature treat. A collection of stories told by real-life sugar makers; the book traces the ancient traditions up to the newest technology that these craftsmen use today. Leff examines what makes maple sugaring such a beloved tradition and keeps it at the heart of New England’s character. The luncheon will feature all-things-maple including maple scones, pancakes with Brookview Sugarhouse Maple Syrup and Maple Bacon. $30, $20 for Members. Register Online at www.whitememorialcc
White Memorial Conservation Center. A.B. Ceder Room
80 Whitehall Road. Litchfield CT. 860.567.0857

TUMULTUOUS TWOSOMES:
SHAKESPEARE’S FAMOUS COUPLE’S ENCOUNTERS
February 18th, Saturday 7PM AND February 19th, Sunday 2PM

Expected to be raucously entertaining; enough to warrant a referee, the very funny Kevin Bartini will serve as MC of the “Lover’s Spat” scenes from Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo & Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Twelfth Night and more. In these selected scenes, Shakespeare’s most famous couples will pursue & reject, fight & make-up, conspire and confess. The cast includes Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Allyn Burrows (also Directing), Tamara Hickey, David Joseph, Jason Asprey, MaConnia Chesser and others. Shakespeare’s take on love as playful, wicked, irrational and omnipotent makes for a delightfully amusing evening. $15 – $35
Shakespeare & Company. Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre
70 Kemble Street. Lenox MA. 413.637.1199
While in Lenox discover our favorite things!

BINDLESTIFF FAMILY CIRKUS CABIN FEVER CABARET
February 18th, Saturday 9PM

For the sixth year, the Bindlestiff Family Cirkus will celebrate originality and oddity at Helsinki Hudson with its incredible acoustics and intimate stage. Aerialists, jugglers, oddball comedians, roller-skaters, daredevils and clowns take over the venue with a flair unique to Bindlestiff—a hybrid Vaudeville, Circus, Burlesque and Sideshow. Featuring talents from Cirque du Soleil, the recently shuttered Ringling Brothers, America’s Got Talent, as well as local legends, this grown-ups only event celebrates the performer in all of us; encouraging audience members to dress in costume or circusy makeup for a discounted ticket at the door ($20). $25 advance, $30 door. Doors open at 7pm.
Club Helsinki 405 Columbia Street. Hudson NY. 518.828.4800

FAVORITE REPASTS OF PRESIDENTS PAST:
KID’S COOK FOR PRESIDENT’S DAY
February 20th, Monday 10AM-1PM

Celebrate President’s Day by serving a few favorite dishes of some of the world’s most powerful men. Ages 5-12. $45
Register online at Cook for Presidents
Silo Cooking School. 44 Upland Road. New Milford CT. 860.355.0300

6th ANNUAL10X10 UPSTREET FESTIVAL:
HIGHLIGHTS FROM THIS WEEK
February 16th thru March 5th

10X10 NEW PLAY FESTIVAL. The main event! 10 plays, 10 playwrights, 10 minutes, endless fun. $25-30
Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 7:30pm
Saturdays and Sundays 3PM
Sydelle and Lee Blatt Performing Arts Center. St. Germain Stage
36 Linden Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.236.8888

February 16th, Thursday 8PM
BIFF 10 Shorts. A collection of the best Short Films from the Berkshire International Film Festival. Free.
Beacon Cinema. 57 North Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.358.4780

February 20th, Monday 7PM
WORDXWORD/10 NEW VOICES. WordXWord introduces 10 fresh new voices in this fast-paced program of poetry/spoken word. Free.
Berkshire Museum. 39 South Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.443.7171