LENOX, MA — WAM Theatre is proud to announce Center of the Universe, an original performance created and performed by WAM’s Elder Ensemble. Directed by Michael Kennedy and KD McTeigue, Center of the Universe takes inspiration from the performers’ own lives, Greek mythology, and Galileo’s Daughter by Jessica Dickey –– WAM’s fall mainstage production. This free, one-time only event will be held on the afternoon of October 22nd at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre in Lenox.
The Elder Ensemble, a multi-week creative workshop for Berkshire women over age 65, has met weekly at WAM Hub in downtown Lenox since early September. Led by Kennedy and McTeigue, the seven performers generated material through writing exercises, improvisation activities and shared storytelling.” The result is a lyrical original performance that explores the paradoxical nature of our mundane, extraordinary human lives from the perspective of local elder artists.
WAM’s fall mainstage, Galileo’s Daughter, a co-production with Boston’s Central Square Theatre, inspired the title of the Elder Ensemble’s play and loosely influenced its themes.
“In a moment of artistic symmetry, Galileo’s Daughter was itself influenced by another writer: playwright Jessica Dickey wrote it in response to Dava Sobel’s nonfiction book of the same title,” explains Maizy Broderick Scarpa, Director of Community Engagement. “Sobel, in turn, presumably was inspired by the writing of Galileo and Maria Celeste. Dickey’s play is an homage to Sobel’s book––not an adaptation of it. Similarly, the Elder Ensemble looked to Dickey’s writing as a jumping-off point.”
“These are two very different theatrical experiences that are very much in conversation with each other,” continues Scarpa, who oversees WAM’s devising ensembles. “The fact that Center of the Universe will be performed on the set of Galileo’s Daughter amplifies the intersections. “In her play, Jessica Dickey paints an image of women reaching back and forth through time to offer support and inspiration to each other, ” Scarpa says. “That feels particularly relevant at WAM this season.”
Director Michael Kennedy agrees, adding that “one of the most exciting things about devised theater is that it offers the opportunity to make something meaningful and true based on people’s lived experiences.” WAM Theatre has been devising original performances since 2014. In addition to the Elder Ensemble, WAM has a Teen Ensemble and facilitates regular community devising workshops.
The founder of Creative Action Unlimited, a Capital Region based company that produces original plays and films to inspire social change, Kennedy is no stranger to the devising process. “It creates far more than a production,” Kennedy says. “We see ourselves in each other and, as a result, we are reminded of the power of creativity, empathy, and connection. It creates a deep understanding for each of us that we are not alone.”
WAM veteran KD McTeigue is more than 40 years younger than many of the performers she directs. For McTeigue, the talent and generosity of the older artists has been part of what makes the Elder Ensemble––and Center of the Universe––special. “Women elders are often made invisible in our culture,” McTeigue reflects. “As we collaborate on the creation of this piece, I’m continuously moved by the wealth of joy, creativity, and presence the ensemble members bring to each rehearsal.”
Ensemble member Lisa Avery, who has performed with the group in past years and returns for Center of the Universe, describes the Elder Ensemble in three words: “Trust, affection, collaboration.” Avery is joined by Barbara Cortez-Greig, CD Nelsen, Lee McClelland, Maggie Barkin, Nancy Tunnicliffe and Elliot Hunnewell. A first-time Ensemble member, Hunnewell is delighted by the experience so far, “It’s great fun to keep surprising ourselves!”
Center of the Universe by WAM’s Elder Ensemble performs on October 22nd at 3:30pm at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne Bernstein Theatre. The performance runs approximately 25 minutes and will be followed by a brief reception. Tickets are free and can be reserved at wamtheatre.com/elder-ensemble.
If you’re interested in devising with a WAM Ensemble or at a community workshop, you can learn more about upcoming programs, sign up for alerts or join WAM’s mailing list at wamtheatre.com/engage.
For questions or accessibility requests, call or text 413-300-1413 or email maizy@wamtheatre.com.
AT A GLANCE
WAM Theatre’s Elder Ensemble presents
Center of the Universe
created and performed by the Elder Ensemble
facilitated & directed by Michael Kennedy & KD McTeigue
October 22nd at 3:30pm
The Elayne Bernstein Theatre
at Shakespeare & Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox, MA
For more information, and to reserve tickets: wamtheatre.com/elder-ensemble
More about WAM’s Teaching Artists
Michael Kennedy (she/her/hers) is a playwright, director, actor, teacher, and producer based in New York’s Capital Region. Current role with WAM: Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Selected Artistic Credits: Michael has written and directed 14 plays and 5 films, addressing multiple social issues, including substance use disorder, racism, classism, housing instability/homelessness, suicide, sex trafficking, anti-war activism, re-entry after incarceration, and caretaking. She has acted in stage productions since she was a teenager, participated as an actor in Forensic Interviewing Training for child sexual abuse for 15 years, and has extensive experience as a Playback Theater conductor. Educational/Childcare experience: Michael wrote and directed 7 plays with high school students as a teacher with the NYS Theatre Institute Theatre Arts School and SummerStage programs. She is a trainer in Creative Group Work, acting, creating safe spaces for theater work, and group building. Creative inspiration: Michael is inspired by every artist who is using their work to educate, advocate and encourage audience members to take direct action in their own communities for social justice. Community Engagement/Activist work: Michael has over 30 years of experience working in both human services and theater. Creative Action Unlimited is the synthesis of her extensive experience working directly with marginalized populations and her experience as a theater maker. Each of the stage and film productions at Creative Action Unlimited are original scripts, developed collaboratively, about specific social issues. In addition, Creative Action Unlimited is the umbrella organization for the Social Justice Artists Collective, a group of artists of various disciplines whose work intersects with social activism. Membership/Affiliations: Founder and Artistic Director of Creative Action Unlimited; member of the Dramatists Guild. Selected training: BS in Human Development, MS in Community Psychology, extensive training in psychodrama and creative group work. Awards/proudest achievements: Michael’s proudest achievement is knowing that, for over 30 years, she designed and developed compassionate, respectful and effective programs for individuals who faced multiple personal challenges, including trauma, addiction, and violence. She is also proud of the collaborative relationships she continues to foster among artists, community organizations and educational institutions. Final word: After years of admiring the WAM’s mission and commitment to excellence, Michael is honored to be joining the team as a Teaching Artist for the Elder Ensemble. Connect: creativeactionunlimited.com
KD McTeigue (she/her) is an actor, director, and writer from the Hudson Valley with a passion for mission-driven artistry. As a Teaching Artist of WAM’s 2024 Elder Ensemble, KD is excited to assist Michael Kennedy and the ensemble in the collaborative creation of new work. Selected credits include: WAM Theatre, Capital Repertory Theatre, The Outer Loop Theater Experience, Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, and the Theatre Institute at Sage. KD can be found on socials @kdmcteigue
Maizy Broderick Scarpa (she/they/any pronouns) is an award-winning playwright, director, educator, and performer, dedicated to building community and equity through theatre. Current Role at WAM: Director of Community Engagement. Previously at WAM: Teaching Artist; Actor (Fresh Takes Play Readings: Port of Entry, Grand Concourse, The Droll, The Tall Girls, Campus Unrest etc); Playwright (24 Hour Theatre Project) Selected Teaching Credits: REGIONAL: Barrington Stage Co, Shakespeare & Company, Hampton Shakespeare Festival, Dorset Theatre Festival, The Buxton School, Taconic High School, StateraConIV INTERNATIONAL: Le Chapeau Rouge, Lycée Alphonse Daudet; Collège Rene Cassin; the Kurdish Regional Government.. Awards & Affiliations: Dramatists Guild of North America , Massachusetts Cultural Council Individual Artist awardee; “Berkshire County Woman Change Maker” Selected Artistic Credits: Maizy’s play ADULTS (National Women’s Theatre Fringe) was recently voted “audience choice,” and named in “Best Of Triangle Theatre” by Byron Woods, alongside works by Annie Baker, Tom Stoppard, Robert O’Hara, and Lynn Nottage. She has had productions, readings, and workshops of her plays across the United States as well as in Sweden and France. As an actor, they have performed throughout the Berkshires and across the Northeast. If you have kids, you may have heard Maizy’s voice on WBUR’s popular storytelling podcast Circle Round. Inspired by the belief that all humans are artists, she founded Bloom Creativity which helps people unleash their inner artist through playwriting and creative wellness. Training: NYU/Tisch (Adler & ETW) Connect: maizyscarpa.com / bloomcreativity.com Instagram: @maizyscarpa / @bloom_creativity
ABOUT WAM THEATRE
WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. Now celebrating its 15th Anniversary Season, WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. In fulfillment of its philanthropic mission, WAM donates a portion of the proceeds from their Mainstage productions to carefully selected recipients. Since WAM’s founding in 2010, they have donated more than $100,000 to 26 local and global organizations taking action for gender equity in areas such as girls education, reproductive justice, sexual trafficking awareness, midwife training, and more. WAM Theatre has been widely recognized for having a positive impact on cultural and community development in the region. WAM is the recipient of the Creative Economy Standout Berkshire Trendsetter Award and previously, was named Outstanding Philanthropy Corporation of the Year by the Western MA Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. For more information, visit www.wamtheatre.com
WAM SUPPORT
WAM Theatre’s 15th Anniversary Season is supported by many individuals and foundations including: Berkshire Bank, Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, Brabson Family Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, GKV Foundation, Lee Bank Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC), Scarlet Sock Foundation, and WomenArts.
WAM’s season sponsors include Adams Community Bank, Blue Q., Berkshire Roots, Blue Spark Financial, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Garden Gables Inn, Guidos Fresh Marketplace,Handful Photography, Mill Town Foundation, Inc., Health Professional Coaching, Heller & Robbins Attorneys at Law, Interprint, Onyx Specialty Papers, Outpost Productions, RB Design Co., T Square Design Studio, Toole Insurance, a. von schlegell & co, and the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts.
With additional support from Local Cultural Council Grants from the Dalton Cultural Council, Lee Cultural Council, Lenox Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Northern Berkshire Cultural Council, Otis Cultural Council, Sandisfield Cultural Council, and Washington Cultural Council. WAM was also the recipient of recent support from the New England Foundation for the Arts and the National Endowment for the Arts, and U.S. Small Business Administration’s Shuttered Venue Operators Grant.