Category: Voices

Our local communities share their stories — the Hill Country Observer offers a place to lift up many perspectives, from many backgrounds and experiences, bodies and minds, places and languages — from many migrations and diasporas and Native roots and more.

  • Issue:

    From oppression to liberation — Black artists uplift emancipation at WCMA

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    New show at Williams museum explores the journey of Black Americans     John Quincy Adams Ward’s 1863 bronze sculpture “The Freedman,” left, helped to inspire an exhibition by seven contemporary Black artists exploring the meaning of emancipation in the 21st century. Hugh Hayden’s 3-D printed “American Dream,” right, offers a direct answer to Ward’s read more

    From oppression to liberation — Black artists uplift emancipation at WCMA
  • Issue:

    A giant of American theater — MCLA celebrates Irene Fornes

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    College helps to celebrate the work of Irene Fornes By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer NORTH ADAMS, Mass.   The wildness comes from despair?… Sometimes it comes because something has changed inside. A light has gone out, … something that makes us feel joy, feel compassion, feel for others.   A group of friends are keeping a read more

    A giant of American theater — MCLA celebrates Irene Fornes
  • Issue:

    Artists at Mass MoCA find refuge in magic

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    In new MoCA show, artists summon the power of talismans, rituals   In Gelare Khoshgozaran’s “U.S. Customs Demands to Know,” packages from the artist’s parents in Tehran become illuminated lanterns. The work is part of the new “Like Magic” show at Mass MoCA. Photo courtesy of Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art   By KATE ABBOTTContributing read more

    Artists at Mass MoCA find refuge in magic
  • Issue:

    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran

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    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran   The Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Sanaz Toossi is playing one of the parts in Barrington Stage’s production of “English,” which runs through Oct. 15. Courtesy photo   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer PITTSFIELD, Mass. Four students walk into a classroom in a city in the mountains. Tonight, they’ve come read more

    Pulitzer-winning ‘English’ explores dreams, fears inside Iran
  • Issue:

    High culture, low pay — Local arts groups push for change

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    Local arts groups shine light on their own workplaces in push for change       By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. Guitars strum and fireflies gleam in the meadow. Actors are falling in love every night, and stages large and small are alive with dance and music. It’s summer in the Berkshires. But read more

    High culture, low pay — Local arts groups push for change
  • Issue:

    Julia Bullock gives voice to pain and hope at Tanglewood

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    Composer, soprano shape a song cycle inspired by Black spirituals   The classical soprano Julia Bullock has been working with the composer Jessie Montgomery for seven years on a cycle of songs inspired by Black spirituals. She’ll perform Montgomery’s “Freedom Songs” on July 8 and 9 with the Boston Symphony Orchestra at Tanglewood. Courtesy photo read more

    Julia Bullock gives voice to pain and hope at Tanglewood
  • Issue:

    Noche Flamenca brings Goya’s passion to life

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    Spanish master’s images inspire a dance troupe’s evolving new work   The dance company Noche Flamenca will offer a work-in-progress preview of “Searching for Goya” on April 8 in the ‘62 Center at Williams College. The work draws its inspiration from the turbulent, sometimes dreamlike images captured by the Spanish master Francisco Goya in the read more

    Noche Flamenca brings Goya’s passion to life
  • Issue:

    Dark humor meets family tragedy in Fun Home

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    Hubbard Hall presents ‘Fun Home’ musical in shows Feb. 3-12   Some of the younger actors take part in a rehearsal in late January for Hubbard Hall’s new production of ‘Fun Home.’ The musical is based on Alison Bechdel’s 2006 graphic memoir, which focuses on her relationship with her father, the owner of a small-town read more

    Dark humor meets family tragedy in Fun Home
  • Issue:

    WCMA welcomes artists rooted in Tibetan traditions

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    Group show at Williams pairs historical, contemporary works   Gonkar Gyatso’s “Family Album” is among the works included in “Across Shared Waters,” a new group show at the Williams College Museum of Art. The exhibit pairs traditional Tibetan art with work by contemporary Tibetan artists from around the globe. Photo courtesy of Pearl Lam Galleries read more

    WCMA welcomes artists rooted in Tibetan traditions
  • Issue:

    A roller coaster fills the heart in Mass MoCA

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    New MoCA show draws on the thrills, bright lights of amusement parks   Viewers can sign up to ride the single-cart roller coaster at the center of “Brake Run Helix,” the new installation by Los Angeles artist EJ Hill at the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art. Courtesy Mass MoCA   By KATE ABBOTTContributing writer NORTH read more

    A roller coaster fills the heart in Mass MoCA