WAM Theatre Announces Post-Show Conversation Series

WAM Theatre's fall Mainstage production of The Last Wife by Kate Hennig opened this past weekend to full houses and standing ovations at Shakespeare & Company's Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre. The run continues weekends through November 5 with an exciting series of post-show conversations planned. Here's a peek at what the press are saying:

"Insightful and engaging...epic in sweep and profound in ambition...Rich in nuance...Henry...is brought to exuberant life by John Hadden" - Albany Times Union

"...very good theater. It is compelling and enthralling...WAM's production won't last forever, which is a pity, for it should be seen by as many people as possible." - The Berkshire Edge

"John Hadden is wonderful as Henry..." On Nehassaiu deGannes as Kate: "This is a perfect role for the actress and she is perfect in it." - The Berkshire Edge

A contemporary reimagining of the compelling relationship between Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife, and the King, The Last Wife is a funny, powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics, and women's rights. The Last Wife stars Berkshire favorites Nehassaiu deGannes, John Hadden, and David Joseph, along with talented WAM newcomers Lily Linke, Alicia Piemme Nelson, and Raoul Silver. The play premiered at the Stratford Festival in 2015 and enjoyed a completely sold-out and extended run.

The four free post-show conversations take place after our 2 pm matinees and focus on Patriarchy, Women in Power, and Sexual Politics. The schedule is as follows:

Saturday, October 21 after the 2 pm matinee

"Patriarchy: A Crime Against Humanity?"

We will explore the theme of patriarchy, making connections between the patriarchy experienced in the world of the play and the ramifications of that patriarchal legacy in our world today. Joining us for this discussion are two Berkshire-based scholars: Michael Alexander, former Virginia Tech professor of History and current member of the History faculty at Miss Hall's School, and Alison Case, Professor of English and Chair of the Gender, Women's, and Sexuality Studies Program at Williams College.

Sunday, October 22 following the 2 pm matinee

A Conversation with the Actors

Find out what our cast found important in this script, and how being a part of this production has informed their lives and their craft.

Friday, October 27 following the 2 pm matinee

"Women in Power Today"

Uniting women with different experiences in grassroots and political leadership, we will examine the risks and rewards women experience while using their authority to create political and social change. For this conversation, we will welcome the perspectives of three inspiring Berkshire women: Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, CEO and Founding Director of Multicultural BRIDGE, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting cultural competence and integration of diverse groups in Western Massachusetts; Christine Hoyt, Member of the Board of Selectman for the Town of Adams; and Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Director of Administrative Services for the City of Pittsfield.

Saturday, November 3 after the 2 pm matinee

"Sexual Politics: Women's Bodies in Political Life"

with Asma Abbas, Associate Professor of Politics and Philosophy at Bard College at Simon's Rock

In the play, we see how physical relationships impact political power. Prompted by the play, we will talk one-on-one with Dr. Abbas about the complex interconnectedness of sexuality and political life and discuss how we can move forward in our political world today.

Performances of The Last Wife are Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:30pm and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm. (Please note: Please note: added 2pm matinee on Friday, October 27 and no performances on Sunday, October 29). Regularly priced tickets are $27-$40. Groups of 10+ save 20% on full-priced tickets. All tickets are available through the Shakespeare & Company box office at 413-637-3353 or online at tickets.shakespeare.org. The box office, located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, is open from 11am-3pm Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday/Tuesday), and 90 minutes prior to all performances.

For more information on WAM Theatre and The Last Wife, visit: www.wamtheatre.com/the-last-wife.

In keeping with their double philanthropic mission, WAM Theatre will be donating 25% of the box office proceeds from The Last Wife to their 13th beneficiary, The Soldier On Women's Program.

Since 2005, Soldier On has been providing services to women veterans and currently offers a transitional housing program for up to sixteen homeless female veterans in a trauma informed care setting. WAM's donation will support care during the transition to independent or family life for the residents of the Soldier On Women's Program.

"The Soldier On Women's Program is thrilled to be WAM's 2017 beneficiary and honored to work with a program that is so passionate about improving the lives of females," Soldier On's Executive Director Sara Scoco said. "Their generous donation will allow Soldier On to continue to provide services and support to homeless female veterans, including groups within the program and follow up case management services after women have successfully transitioned into the community. Soldier On Women's Program simply would not exist without benevolent donors such as WAM, and we are absolutely delighted to be a part of this experience."

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