(North Adams, Massachusetts) Robert Wilson's critically acclaimed, monumental interpretation of the Passion of Christ, 14 Stations, will continue at MASS MoCA (Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art) through summer 2003.
This extremely popular work combines architecture, sculpture, landscape design, sounds and light to create a participatory theater in the gallery. The installation was created by the theater director/artist on the occasion of the year 2000 Passionspiele (Passion Play) presented last year in Oberammergau, Germany. At MASS MoCA the work is installed in the 300 foot long Building 5 Gallery.
"14 Stations is a rich and nuanced installation that rewards multiple viewings, and prolonged interaction," commented Joseph Thompson, director of MASS MoCA. "In the last month, the work has received a burst of fresh attention from important critics, including Robert Burstein of The New Republic, which has in turn triggered a rush of visits and calls, often by frustrated patrons who have not yet had the opportunity to see the work in North Adams.
After discussions with Robert Wilson, we've decided to extend the exhibition through next summer. This will allow our audiences in the Northeast a bit of grace time to see the work, and will also give Robert's office more flexibility in locating a second venue for the work." The work includes 12 8' x 10' cottages, a 25' tall teepee, a 150' boardwalk, as well as dozens of sculptures and other elements.
Art critics have hailed 14 Stations as a masterpiece. Public radio WBUR said, "14 Stations succeeds beautifully - a series of nuanced phrases that are carefully, even delicately, arranged in a single powerful exclamation." The Dallas Morning News reviewed the work saying, "It is theater, environmental art, and a sound and light show in which conventional religious expectations are inverted and certainty is banished." The Boston Globe described 14 Stations as, "total theater, a wild ride of architecture, sound, light, sculpture, and choreography."
The 14 Stations refers to the moments of passion through which Christ passed on the way toward crucifixion. In the Middle Ages pilgrims performed ceremonial reenactments of the suffering of Christ and the saints to attain spiritual enlightenment. Routes were ritual walkways, and the act of pilgrimage strengthened the identification of the pilgrim-worshipper with the story. In 14 Stations, Wilson explores this rich source of art-historical and religious imagery, translating themes typically reserved for painting, stained glass, and sculptural relief into a complete environment.
Wilson was invited by the organizers of the Passion Play to create a large outdoor installation in conjunction with the play's 40th consecutive presentation - the event has been staged in Oberammergau every decade since 1634. In Germany the installation was sited in a grassy meadow.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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