Shakespeare & Company

45th season celebrates reopening of Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

Shakespeare & Company kicks off its 45th season with two works by Shakespeare and a modern production, “An Iliad,” in June. This season marks the one-year anniversary of the New Spruce Theatre, its 500-seat amphitheater, and celebrates the reopening of the Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre, closed since the summer of 2020, with two contemporary productions.

Onstage

Showtimes and tickets online. June 3-July 3: “An Iliad,” by Lisa Peterson and Denis O’Hare, directed by Jeff rey Mousseau. From Robert Fagles’ translation, “An Iliad” transforms Homer’s epic poem into a riveting monologue. Crafted around the stories of Achilles and Hector with language that is both poetic and conversational, “An Iliad” refreshes a world classic, thus creating a powerful piece of theater that explores the human compulsion toward violence. $22-$77. Tina Packer Playhouse. July 2-Aug. 14: “Much Ado About Nothing,” by Williams Shakespeare, directed by Kelly Galvin. As Count Claudio falls in love with Hero, the daughter of his host, Hero's cousin Beatrice and Benedick — a bachelor — are each duped into believing the other is in love with them. Meanwhile, Claudio is deceived by a plot that suggests Hero has been unfaithful. Will courage, wit and compassion reveal the truth of their circumstances? $22-$77. The New Spruce Theatre. July 15-Sept. 4: “A Walk in the Woods,” by Lee Blessing, directed by James Warwick. Two superpower arms negotiators, a Russian and an American, meet informally in the pleasant woods on the outskirts of Geneva. The Russian, Botvinnik, is urbane and humorous but also seasoned and cynical. His American counterpart, Honeyman, is inquisitive and determined, fervently hopeful about what can — and must — be achieved to maintain peace. They continue their informal meetings as the seasons change and, through these conversations, develop a friendship that belies the antagonisms of the world order. $22-$62. The Roman Garden Theatre. July 22-Aug. 28: “Hymn,” by Lolita Chakrabarti, directed by Regge Life. Two men meet at a funeral. One knew

Shakespeare & Company

70 Kemble St., Lenox, 413-637-3353, shakespeare.org the deceased; one did not. Benny is a loner with a wife and children, while Gil longs to fulfi ll his potential. They form a deep bond, but cracks appear as they begin to realize that true courage comes in diff erent forms. This soulful new play, fi lled with music, asks what it takes to be a good father, brother, or son. $22-$72. Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre. Aug. 19-Sept. 18: “Measure for Measure,” by William Shakespeare, directed by

PHOTO PROVIDED BY DANIEL RADER.

Elizabeth Aspenlieder and Michelle Joyner in a scene from “The Approach” at Shakespeare & Company.

Alice Reagan. When Angelo is abruptly appointed to rule over a chaotic and debauched city, he restores order with repressive laws and an iron fi st over licentiousness. The object of his own twisted desire is a young nun, whom he puts in an unthinkable position. "To whom should I complain?" is all that young Isabella can utter when she fi nds herself the target of his abuse of power. $22-$77. Tina Packer Playhouse.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SHAKESPEARE & COMPANY.

Wednesday Walks

July 6-Aug. 31: Lead by Steve Ball and dog Will, $10, 10:30 a.m.

Free Friday Talks

Free, tickets required. Located in the Tina Packer Playhouse Tent Friday, June 17: “Much Ado About Nothing.” Ann Berman hosts Director Kelly Galvin, Assistant Director Sarah Shin, and Patrick Brennan and Kiki Smith, design team members, 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 22: “Measure for Measure.” Ann Berman hosts Director Alice Reagan and other guests. 10:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26: “Golden Leaf Rag Time Blues.” Discussion with the director and other guests. 10:30 a.m.

89WisdomWay,Greenfield

Ticketsavailableatthedoororwww.fcas.com