[Capdist-announce] PRESS RELEASE: WAM Theatre Announces Post-Show Conversation Series

[Gail Burns]

October 18, 2017

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Gail Burns, Marketing and Publicity Associate

www.wamtheatre.com

pr at wamtheatre.com; 518.243.9627

Production photos available at:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/wamtheatre/albums/72157687450162660


Post-Show Conversation Series Announced for WAM Theatre’s The Last Wife

LENOX, MA (October 18, 2017) – WAM Theatre’s fall Mainstage production of The
Last Wife by Kate Hennig opened this past weekend to full houses and
standing ovations at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre.
The run continues weekends through November 5 with an exciting series of
post-show conversations planned. Here’s a peek at what the press are saying

“Insightful and engaging…epic in sweep and profound in ambition…Rich in
nuance…Henry…is brought to exuberant life by John Hadden” – Albany Times
Union



“…very good theater. It is compelling and enthralling…WAM’s production
won’t last forever, which is a pity, for it should be seen by as many
people as possible.” – The Berkshire Edge



“John Hadden is wonderful as Henry…” On Nehassaiu deGannes as Kate: “This
is a perfect role for the actress and she is perfect in it.” – The
Berkshire Edge

A contemporary reimagining of the compelling relationship between Katherine
Parr, Henry VIII’s sixth and final wife, and the King, The Last Wife is a
funny, powerful examination of patriarchy, sexual politics, and women’s
rights. The Last Wife stars Berkshire favorites Nehassaiu deGannes, John
Hadden, and David Joseph, along with talented WAM newcomers Lily Linke,
Alicia Piemme Nelson, and Raoul Silver. The play premiered at the Stratford
Festival in 2015 and enjoyed a completely sold-out and extended run.

The four free post-show conversations take place after our 2 pm matinees
and focus on Patriarchy, Women in Power, and Sexual Politics. The schedule
is as follows:

Saturday, October 21 after the 2 pm matinee

“Patriarchy: A Crime Against Humanity?”

We will explore the theme of patriarchy, making connections between the
patriarchy experienced in the world of the play and the ramifications of
that patriarchal legacy in our world today. Joining us for this discussion
are two Berkshire-based scholars: Michael Alexander, former Virginia Tech
professor of History and current member of the History faculty at Miss
Hall’s School, and Alison Case, Professor of English and Chair of the
Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies Program at Williams College.

Sunday, October 22 following the 2 pm matinee

A Conversation with the Actors

Find out what our cast found important in this script, and how being a part
of this production has informed their lives and their craft.

Friday, October  27 following the 2 pm matinee

“Women in Power Today”

Uniting women with different experiences in grassroots and political
leadership, we will examine the risks and rewards women experience while
using their authority to create political and social change. For this
conversation, we will welcome the perspectives of three inspiring Berkshire
women: Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, CEO and Founding Director of
Multicultural BRIDGE, a grassroots organization dedicated to promoting
cultural competence and integration of diverse groups in Western
Massachusetts; Christine Hoyt, Member of the Board of Selectman for the
Town of Adams; and Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Director of Administrative
Services for the City of Pittsfield.

Saturday, November 3 after the 2 pm matinee

“Sexual Politics: Women’s Bodies in Political Life”

with Asma Abbas, Associate Professor of Politics and Philosophy at Bard
College at Simon’s Rock

In the play, we see how physical relationships impact political power.
Prompted by the play, we will talk one-on-one with Dr. Abbas about the
complex interconnectedness of sexuality and political life and discuss how
we can move forward in our political world today.

Performances of The Last Wife are Friday and Saturday Evenings at 7:30pm
and Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2pm. (Please note: Please note: added
2pm matinee on Friday, October 27 and no performances on Sunday, October
29). Regularly priced tickets are $27-$40. Groups of 10+ save 20% on
full-priced tickets. All tickets are available through the Shakespeare &
Company box office at 413-637-3353 or online at tickets.shakespeare.org.
The box office, located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, is open from 11am-3pm
Wednesday-Sunday (closed Monday/Tuesday), and 90 minutes prior to all
performances.



For more information on WAM Theatre and The Last Wife, visit:
www.wamtheatre.com/the-last-wife.

In keeping with their double philanthropic mission, WAM Theatre will be
donating 25% of the box office proceeds from The Last Wife to their 13th
beneficiary, The Soldier On Women’s Program.

Since 2005, Soldier On has been providing services to women veterans and
currently offers a transitional housing program for up to sixteen homeless
female veterans in a trauma informed care setting. WAM's donation will
support care during the transition to independent or family life for the
residents of the Soldier On Women’s Program.

“The Soldier On Women’s Program is thrilled to be WAM’s 2017 beneficiary
and honored to work with a program that is so passionate about improving
the lives of females,” Soldier On’s Executive Director Sara Scoco said.
“Their generous donation will allow Soldier On to continue to provide
services and support to homeless female veterans, including groups within
the program and follow up case management services after women have
successfully transitioned into the community. Soldier On Women’s Program
simply would not exist without benevolent donors such as WAM, and we are
absolutely delighted to be a part of this experience.”

Quick Facts

The Last Wife

by Kate Hennig

Northeast Regional Premiere

Through November 5, 2017

at Shakespeare & Company’s Elayne P. Bernstein Theatre

70 Kemble St, Lenox, MA

Tickets $20-$40

Cast

Nehassaiu deGannes as Kate

John Hadden as Henry

Lily Linke as Mary

Alicia Piemme Nelson as Bess

David Joseph as Thom

Raoul Silver as Eddie

Creative Team

Director: Kelly Galvin

Assistant Director: Lia Russell-Self

Set Design: Juliana von Haubrich

Costume Design: Stella Schwartz

Lighting Design: Aja Jackson

Sound Design: Alex Sovronsky

Stage Manager: Hope Rose Kelly

Assistant Stage Manager: Shannon McManus

Post-Show Conversation Series (after 2 pm matinees)

Saturday, October 21

“Patriarchy: A Crime Against Humanity?”

Michael Alexander, former Virginia Tech history professor and current
member of the history faculty at Miss Hall’s School

Alison Case, Professor of English and Chair of the Gender, Women’s, and
Sexuality Studies Program at Williams College

Sunday, October 22

A Conversation with the Actors

Friday, October  27

“Women in Power Today”

Gwendolyn Hampton VanSant, CEO and Founding Director of Multicultural
BRIDGE,

Christine Hoyt, Member of the Board of Selectman for the Town of Adams

Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Director of Administrative Services for the City of
Pittsfield.

Saturday, November 3

“Sexual Politics: Women’s Bodies in Political Life”

Asma Abbas, Associate Professor of Politics and Philosophy at Bard College
at Simon’s Rock

About the Playwright: Kate Hennig

WAM Theatre: 2016 Fresh Takes Reading Series. Writing: Her writing includes
poetry, stories, articles for industry publications, a dissertation, two
blogs, and a research paper. As a playwright Kate has been a member of the
Groundswell Playwrights’ Unit 2003 (More), Tarragon Playwrights’ Unit 2004 (
More), and the Banff Playwrights’ Colony 2007 (More) and 2008 (Waterworks).
Her play, The Eleventh David, was produced in August 2006 as part of the
SummerWorks Festival, to great critical and audience acclaim. Kate has
written a monologue for movement and voice called The Penelope Principle.
She has written two highly subscribed blogs documenting her acting
experiences with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and with Billy Elliot: The
Musical on Broadway. Her play Waterworks was given a reading at the
Stratford Festival in 2012. Venues: The Banff Centre, Nightwood Theatre,
Tarragon Theatre, Blyth Festival, Grand Theatre, Shaw Festival, Stratford
Shakespeare Festival, Theatre Aquarius, Theatre Passe Muraille, and Volcano.
Et Cetera: Kate’s writing has been funded by the Toronto Arts Council, and
by the Ontario Arts Council through the Creators’ Reserve.

About the Director: Kelly Galvin

WAM Theatre: Emilie remount (Associate Director), Artistic Associate
(2012-2014), Fresh Takes Inaugural Playreading Series (Curator and
Producer), Blue Stockings reading (Director), Emilie (Producer).
Elsewhere: Directing:
Southwest Shakespeare Company (Photograph 51), Boston Playwrights’ Theatre (
Memorial), Shakespeare & Company (The Clean House reading, Fall Festival of
Shakespeare 2008-2013, Bankside Preludes), Boston University School of
Theatre (The Cherry Orchard, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Dancing at
Lughnasa, The Duchess of Malfi, The Tall Girls, Changes of Heart).
Assistant Directing: Bedlam NYC, Orlando Shakespeare Theatre, Boston Center
for American Performance, Shakespeare & Company. 2016 Directing
Observership, Huntington Theatre Company. 2017 Artistic Development &
Directing Internship, Arena Stage. Training: MFA Directing and Certificate
in Arts Administration, Boston University. Wellesley College (BA, Political
Theory and Theatre Studies).

ABOUT THE CAST

Nehassaiu deGannes (Kate)

WAM Theatre: Debut. Elsewhere: Intimate Apparel, Door of No Return, Or,
(Shakespeare & Co), The Convert (Underground Railway Theatre), King Lear
(Chicago Shakes), Marisol, Tallest Building In The World (Luna Stage), Doubt,
A Song For My Father, (Oldcastle), Door of No Return, EQUUS with Alec
Baldwin (John Drew Theatre, Guild Hall), Brave New World (Litmus/ Theatre
Passe Muraille), Hamlet (Driftwood), Romeo and Juliet, Three Musketeers
(Stratford Festival of Canada); and in NYC: T.B. Sheets (Buran
Theater), Gertrude
Stein Lab (director) & Three Gifts for Lenny Bruce, Celia (Target Margin),
readings & new play development with Ensemble Studio Theatre, Red Bull, The
Lark, New Dramatists, New Georges, Columbia U. Training: Trinity Rep
Conservatory, Brown University MFA. Awards: Berkshire Theater Award
Outstanding Supporting Actor for Or; Center For Book Arts National Poetry
Award. Etcetera: Part-Time Lecturer, Theater Program, Princeton University.
Thank you Kristen, Kelly, Kate Hennig & WAM! Thank you Princeton & Jane Cox
too! Online: nehassaiu.com @NehassaiuActor

John Hadden (Henry)

WAM Theatre: Debut Elsewhere: John is a founding member of Shakespeare & Co
(2016 “Berkie” award-winner), co-founder/artistic director of Counterpoint
Theater (Boston), was artistic director at Hubbard Hall (Cambridge, NY),
and associate artist with We Players (San Francisco). He has acted in and
directed about 100 plays here and abroad, and his own plays, including stray
dogs, Hard Rain, King Fool, and Women at War, have been seen at LaMaMa ETC,
PS 122, EST, the National Arts Club, Arsenal Center for the Arts, The
Colonial, Mixed Company, the Wharton Salon, and The Good Ear Review. A solo
show, based on his book Conversations with a Masked Man: My Father, the
CIA, and Me (Arcade 2016), is currently on tour. Online: johnlhadden.com.

David Joseph (Thom)

WAM Theatre: Debut Elsewhere: David has been at Shakespeare & Company for 12
seasons. Past roles include: The Wharton Comedies, George Bailey in It’s a
Wonderful Life, Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Elyot in Private
Lives, Dorante in The Liar, Sebastian in The Tempest, Clown 2 (12
Characters) in 39 Steps. Other recent roles include Michael in Can You Hear
Me Baby (NYC & The Goodwill Theatre), George in WORD PLAY  at Playwrights
Horizons (NYC), Johnny in Hotel California (NYC), Coleman in I Married The
Icepick Killer at Stella Adler Theatre (NYC). David is in post-production
for the feature film he produced and starred in, Penny Land. Damsel by
Douglas Burgdorf, another feature film, premiered at the Spain
International Film Festival. Other film credits: Romeo in Romeo & Juliet for
The Boston Symphony Orchestra, Ang Lee’s Taking Woodstock, Glowing
Screens, Magdalena's
Brain. Et Cetera: David recently earned a Berkshire Theater Award Best
Actor nomination for playing Charlie Chaplin in The Consul, The Tramp and
America’s Sweetheart at Oldcastle Theatre. In 2008 and 2010, David sang the
National Anthem at Fenway Park.

Lily Linke (Mary)

WAM Theatre: Debut Elsewhere: Recent credits include Good (New Repertory
Theatre), Julius Caesar, 1984, A Midsummer Night's Dream (Classic Repertory
Company), and The Wastelands Project (Children of the Wild). Training: She
received her BFA in Theatre Arts from Boston University. Et Cetera: Lily is
primarily a teacher and actor/educator and has worked in schools, theaters,
and after-school and summer programs on both coasts. She currently manages
New Repertory Theatre's Education department and resides in Somerville, MA.

Alicia Piemme Nelson (Bess)

WAM Theatre: Debut Elsewhere: Buck Hill Productions (As You Like It, Much
Ado About Nothing, The Winter's Tale, The Taming of the Shrew), Bay Area
Children's Theatre (The Rainbow Fish Musical, Five Little Monkeys), Boston
University (Don Juan Comes Back from the War, The Cherry Orchard, Mad
Forest, The Duchess of Malfi, The Tall Girls), One Year Lease -
Apprenticeship (Σε Τουτο το βουνο), Tabard Theatre (You're a Good Man
Charlie Brown). Training: BFA Acting - Boston University, Physical
Theatre/Clowning - Accademia dell'Arte Awards: KCACTF Region VII Finalist
Online: ampnelson.com

Raoul Silver (Eddie)

WAM Theatre: Debut Film/TV: A Bread Factory Training: HB Studios, School of
Rock, Brooklyn Music Factory Et cetera: Raoul is 11 years old and lives in
Columbia County, NY. Upcoming: New York: Once Upon The Bronx (Theater for
the New City Dream Up Festival 2017) Online: www.youtube.com/raoulsilver

About Soldier On

Soldier On has a single purpose mission of providing a continuum of
programs to ensure that homeless veterans and their families have access to
immediate and long-term housing with an array of supportive services
delivered to them where they live. Soldier On’s goal is to help veterans
become fully franchised and contributing members of their community by
helping them to regain physical, mental, economic and housing stability
within an environment of integrity, dignity and hope.

Since 2005 Soldier On has been providing services to women veterans and
currently offers a transitional housing program for up to sixteen homeless
female veterans in a trauma informed care setting. Soldier On provides a
safe, comfortable, structured environment that promotes healing and healthy
life choice, helping veterans realize their full potential by providing
them with activities and opportunities that embrace mind, body, and spirit.

Soldier On Women's Program website:
http://www.wesoldieron.org/womens-program/

OUR SEASON SPONSORS

WAM Theatre is funded in part by Mass Humanities, which receives support
from the Massachusetts Cultural Council and is an affiliate of the National
Endowment for the Humanities; and by the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
Our 2017 sponsors include Adams Community Bank, the Appelbaum-Kahn
Foundation, Berkshire Magazine, Berkshire Sterile Manufacturing, Blue Q,
Brabson Library & Educational Foundation, Canyon Ranch, Custom Business
Solutions, The Dylandale Foundation, The Feigenbaum Foundation, Futures
Education, the Garden Gables Inn, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Guido’s
Fresh Marketplace, In Touch Printing, International Schools Theatre
Association, Interprint, Dr. Jay Wise, DDS & Dr. Casey Jones, DMD,  Lee
Bank, Massachusetts Cultural Council, MAXYMILLIAN Technologies, Methuselah
Bar and Lounge, No. Six Depot Roastery and Café, RB Design Co., Redfin, The
Rookwood Inn, Rouge Restaurant & Bistro, The Dr. Robert C. and Tina Sohn
Foundation, T Square Design Studio, Toole Insurance, a. von schlegell &
co., and Zonta.

WAM Theatre is also supported in part by grants from the Alford-Egremont
Cultural Council, Dalton Cultural Council, Lenox Cultural Council, New
Marlborough Cultural Council, Pittsfield Cultural Council, Cultural Council
of Northern Berkshires , Otis Cultural Council, Richmond Cultural Council,
Sandisfield Cultural Council, Stockbridge Cultural Council, Washington
Cultural Council, and West Stockbridge Cultural Council – local agencies
that are supported by the Massachusetts Cultural Council, a state agency.

ABOUT WAM THEATRE

Based in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, WAM Theatre is Where Arts and
Activism Meet. The company was co-founded in 2010 by Canadian director,
actor, educator, and producer Kristen van Ginhoven. WAM’s vision is to
create opportunity for women and girls through the mission of theatre as
philanthropy.

Inspired by the book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for
Women Worldwide by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn, WAM donates a
portion of the proceeds from its theatrical events to organizations that
benefit women and girls.

Since 2010, WAM Theatre has donated more than $32,500 to twelve nonprofit
organizations and provided paid work to more than 200 theatre artists. In
addition to the main stage productions and special events, WAM Theatre’s
activities include a comprehensive educational outreach program and the
Fresh Takes Play Reading Series. For more information, visit
www.WAMTheatre.com

###


-- 
Gail M. Burns

*Marketing + Publicity Associate*
www.WAMTheatre.com <http://www.wamtheatre.com/>
413-274-8122

*Our 8th Season:*  <http://www.wamtheatre.com/special/>
Fresh Takes <http://www.wamtheatre.com/fresh-takes-2017/> | Emilie
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/emilie-remount-2017/>| Stars in the Orchard
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/stars-in-the-orchard-2017> | The Last Wife
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/the-last-wife/> | Leadership Summit
<http://www.wamtheatre.com/berkshire-leadership-summit-2017/>


Make a donation now <https://www.wamtheatre.com/donateonline/> to WAM
Theatre!
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