Williamstown – To set the stage for the inaugural season of the '62 Center for Theatre and Dance, the Williams College Archives has "hit the boards" with a retrospective exhibit of theatrical history at Williams College.
"Gaslights to Footlights: Stage and Theatre Productions at Williams" displays over two centuries of thespian paraphernalia, from the first play performed on campus (Aaron Leland's "The Fatal Error" in 1807) to today's Cap & Bells, the college's largest and most prominent student theatre organization.
The exhibition is on view until May 2006, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. - noon and 1 - 4:15 p.m. in Stetson Hall.
From 1795 to as late as 1858, student participation in theatrical productions could warrant a five shilling fine: according to an old copy of "Laws of Williams College," acting was prohibited in order to maintain "the decency and purity of morals" on campus.
Nevertheless, drama seemed to find loopholes: Williams archivists were surprised to find records of a play written and "exhibited" by Aaron Leland, class of 1808. His play "The Fatal Error, A Tragedy" seems to have been permitted because it was assigned "academic value." Leland was later christened "father of dramatics at Williams."
For the most part, early theatre at Williams was entirely student-run.
The Thalian Association, founded in 1860, was among the earliest official college theatre groups; students created the Dramatic Association in 1898, which would later become Cap & Bells.
In 1941, The Adams Memorial Theatre opened with their production of O'Neill's "Marco Millions." Even after the drama department was established in 1947, students continued to take strong roles in producing theatre. "Gaslights to Footlights" displays several student sketches of set designs, as well as programs from musicals that feature original scores by Stephen Sondheim '50.
The rest, as they say… can be found at Williams College Archives.
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Dalton Day Returns This Saturday
By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The town's popular Dalton Day festival is returning this weekend after a year's hiatus.
The event will kick off this Saturday at 11 a.m. and runs until 4 p.m. in the field in front of the Senior Center.
The community celebration was established in 2023 by the Cultural Council in an effort to increase resident participation at town meetings while also showcasing the area's welcoming, diverse, artistic and sporty atmosphere. In 2024, the event brought together 300 residents.
"The primary mission of Dalton Day is to foster a strong sense of community, build civic pride, and bring residents together through a shared celebration of local culture, music, and food," said Jeannie Ingram, Select Board member and cultural council chair, and Lori Venezia, executive assistant to the town manager.
The event provides an accessible and free platform for "civic education, community bonding, and supporting local businesses, artisans, makers, and culture more broadly," they said.
The festival strengthens the fabric of the town both civically and economically by connecting grassroots organizations with residents, fostering a shared sense of belonging, and providing free, family-friendly entertainment.
It also serves as an opportunity for community members to meet with local officials and a couple of state officials. State Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Leigh Davis will be coming from Beacon Hill to speak at the event.
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Brayden Durant struck out seven and walked one in a complete-game effort on the mound Saturday to pitch the Drury baseball team to a 6-0 win over Keefe Tech in the quarter-finals of the Division 5 State Tournament at Joe Wolfe Field. click for more
Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
Gracelyn Wright struck out eight, and Genevieve Lagess went 3-for-5 with four runs batted in as the Hurricanes beat Monson, 17-3, to claim their first Western Mass title in four years. click for more
