North Adams— On June 8th at 7 p.m., MCLA Arts & Culture and MASS MoCA present the debut of Peter Glazer’s play, “The Celestials” adapted from Williamstown author Karen Shepard’s mesmerizing novel which shines a light on the history of North Adams and Chinese laborers.

“The Celestials” is set in North Adams in the 1870s when 75 young Chinese men and boys were brought from San Francisco to break a strike in a local shoe factory. It explores how the lives of residents and immigrants alike were affected by the experience. Calvin T. Sampson’s shoe factory, once located across the street from MASS MoCA, and the beauty of the surrounding Berkshires provide the setting for this unusual love story, both historical saga and social commentary.

The play is on June 8th at 7 p.m. at MASS MoCA’s Club B10 on MASS MoCA Way in North Adams. Admission is $10 and children 5 and under are free. Tickets and more information can be found by visiting MASS MoCA online. MASS MoCA’s campus offers many pre-show dining options including BIGGDADDY’s Philly Steak House, Bright Ideas Brewing, Casita or Lickety Split Cafe, and a full bar serves Bright Ideas Brewing beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits.