Shakespeare & Company's GOD OF CARNAGE Benefit Performance Raises $4,725 for Hurricane Relief

Shakespeare & Company held a special benefit performance of God of Carnage last Thursday to give back to those impacted by the recent hurricanes. The Berkshire community came out in support, and together raised over $4,775 for victims of the recent devastation.

The proceeds were donated to the One America Appeal to support those effected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria. Shakespeare & Company patrons and supporters joined efforts to help their fellow citizens in Texas, Florida and the Caribbean as they recover and rebuild.

"We're grateful to be able to contribute in some small way to the ongoing relief effort going towards the aftermath of these devastating hurricanes," said Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. "We're about community here at Shakespeare & Company, and that circle extends far and wide. Our hearts go out to those good people trying to put their lives back together."

The One America Appeal was launched by all five living former American Presidents to encourage their fellow citizens to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey which inundated the Texas Gulf Coast with unprecedented flooding. It was then expanded to include areas most affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria.

God of Carnage written by Yasmina Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton, and directed by Regge Life, ran through October 8th in the Elayne P. Bernstein. The play won a Tony Award for Best Play and an Olivier Award for Best Comedy, and received rave reviews in the Berkshires.

The cast featured four Shakespeare & Company veterans: Elizabeth Aspenlieder, Jonathan Croy, Kristin Wold, and Artistic Director Allyn Burrows. The creative team included Devon Drohan (Set Design), James W. Bilnoski (Lighting Design), Charlotte Palmer-Lane (Costume Design), and Amy Altadonna (Sound Design). The production was generously sponsored by Deborah and Bill Ryan.

The One America Appeal is a joint appeal that was originally launched by all five living former American Presidents to encourage their fellow citizens to support recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey - which inundated the Texas Gulf Coast with unprecedented flooding. This special appeal has been expanded to include areas most affected by Hurricanes Irma and Maria. All donations made today will go to help victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida. In Texas, monies will go to the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund focusing on the greater Houston region, and the Rebuild Texas Fund assisting communities across the state. In Florida, monies will go to the Florida Disaster Fund, which is the state's official private fund to assist the state's communities as they respond to and recover from destructive storms. In the Caribbean, donations will be distributed to Unidos Por Puerto Rico launched by the office of First Lady Beatriz Rosselló together with private sector coalition; and the Fund for the Virgin Islands which was established 25 years ago by the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands for relief efforts. For more information, visit www.oneamericaappeal.org/#donations.

Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to Shakespeare & Company's internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and nationally renowned and award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.

Photo Credit: Christopher Duggan

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