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• Fall 2021 OLLI Semester

  • Start
    Monday, September 20, 2021
  • End
    Monday, November 01, 2021
  • Location
    Online

  Register

  
  

  OLLI's Fall Semester of Online and In-person Courses

  September 20 - November 1, 2021
  Classes run weekly for 90 minutes.

  Expand your mind in with OLLI at BCC's live, interactive, online courses running over Zoom and in-person.  No tests, no grades, no prerequisites (except OLLI at BCC membership), just learning for the love of learning. 

  Simply click on the links below to learn more about our exciting semester of courses.

  Please note that all in-person course attendees must wear masks in class and affirm that they have been fully vaccinated.
  

  Register securely online here or call 413.236.2190 (Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm Eastern) to register by phone with a credit card, or with any questions you may have. To sign up for OLLI courses, you must be an OLLI at BCC member. (Not a member yet? Join here for a $60 annual membership. )
  

  OLLI Fall Semester-at-a-Glance 

  Click on the course names to read more about them.

  Mondays

  9:30 - 11:00 am  The French Revolution: Upheaval and a Template for the Future | Philip Deely | Online
  

  11:30 am– 1:00 pm  Today's Headlines | Steven Tobin | Online

  1:30 - 3:00 pm  Latin America and the Biden Administration: Post-Covid? and Post-Trump? | Martin Weinstein | Online

  3:30 - 5:00 pm  Scenes and Sounds of Six Great Operas | Christine Casey | Online
  

  Tuesdays

  10:30 am - 12:00 pm  Extra Life: A Short History of Living Longer | Gordon Josephson | Online

  1:00 - 3:00 pm The Civil War in America's National Park System - David Kroese | Online

  3:30 - 5:00 pm Evolution: a 21st Century Perspective | Frank Schickor | Online & In Person
  

  Wednesdays

  10:00 am - 12:00 pm Shakespeare and the Law: The First Thing We Do, Let’s Praise All the Lawyers | Philip McKnight | In Person

  1:30 - 3:00 pm Artistic Visionaries: Frank Gehry and Christo | Jock Brooks and Tom Krens | Online (Tom Krens) & In Person (Jock Brooks)
  

  3:30 - 5:00 pm Hot Topics | Will Singleton | Online

  
  

  Thursdays

  9:30 - 11:00 am Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II | Ann Berman | In Person

  11:30 am - 1:00 pm Christopher Marlowe’s Edward II | Ann Berman | Online

  11:30 am - 1:00 pm Making the Social Internet User Friendly for All | Fan Yang | In Person

  11:30 am - 1:00 pm Creating a Photo Essay | Doug Robbins | CLOSED: AT CAPACITY

  1:30 - 3:00 pm Writing Your Story: An Introduction to Memoir | Vivian Dorsel | In Person

  2:00 - 3:30 pm Inside the District Attorney’s Office | Online

  3:3 0 - 5:00 pm Euripides, 2.0 | Steven Somkin | In Person

  Fridays

  10:30 am - 12:00 pm COVID Freight Frenzy: How Goods Movement Changes Now Taking Place Will Rock the Post-COVID World | Robert James | Online

  1:00 - 2:30 pm Beyond the Three Bs (Bach, Beethoven, and Brahms) | Kenneth Stark | In Person

  3:00 - 4:30 pm Science Conversations | Hank Gold | Online

  
  

  Not sure which classes you want to take? Sign up for one or more Flexpasses, which allow you to attend six individual class sessions of your choice within a semester, as long as the class is not full. Click here to learn more about Flexpasses.

  Course fees are $50 for one course, $95 for two or three, and $125 for four or more courses within a semester. Each Flexpass counts as one course. Click here to register online. Needs-based partial scholarships are also available. For more information on scholarships, email Executive Director Megan Whilden.

  Note that our online courses are recorded, unless otherwise noted. If you cannot attend live, or if you miss a session or two, you can request a link to the recording and watch it at your convenience. (In person classes are not recorded.)

  Questions? Contact us at olli@berkshirecc.edu or 413.236.2190. We look forward to hearing from you!

  Show details
• Issues in Holocaust World Literature and Film

  • When
    Monday, September 20, 2021
  •  
    7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom

  Register

   
  

  The OLLI Distinguished Speakers Series presents
  Professor John Incledon on

  Issues in Holocaust World Literature and Film
  

  Monday, September 20, 2021
  at 7:00 pm Eastern
  

  Online via Zoom 
  Click here to register safely and securely online
  or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9am-4pm) to register by phone with a credit card.

  What are the lessons of the Holocaust? This discussion will attempt to go beyond the standard answers to that question and explore some of the more difficult and challenging issues that are posed by the painful legacy of Hitler’s war against the Jews.  During the discussion we will take a new look at some iconic works of Holocaust literature and film, discuss in depth the ability of literature and the cinema to capture and reflect the reality of the Holocaust, and examine critically the changing historical perspectives on the Holocaust coming out of the countries that have a special relationship to it: Germany and the United States.

  
  

  Professor John Incledon teaches in the Department of World Languages and Cultures and the Holocaust Studies Program at Albright College in Reading, Pennsylvania.  He holds a Ph.D. from the State University of New York, Binghamton.            

   Admission is $10 for OLLI at BCC and Berkshire Museum members, and $15 for the general public.  Admission is free for Berkshire Community College students, youth 17 and under, and those holding WIC, EBT/SNAP, or ConnectorCare cards.
  

  Pre-registration is required. Click here to register safely and securely online or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9am-4pm) to register by phone with a credit card.

  In Partnership with the Berkshire Museum

  
  

  Show details
• Artistic Visionaries: Frank Gehry and Christo/Clark Member Registration

  • Start
    Wednesday, September 22, 2021
  •  
  • End
    Wednesday, October 27, 2021
  •  
  • Schedule
    5 sessions
  • Location
    Clark Art Institute 225 South Street Williamstown, MA 01267

  Register

  

  Artistic Visionaries:
  Frank Gehry and Christo 
  

  A Five Session In Person Course
  offered at the Clark Art Institute auditorium
  225 South Street, Williamstown, MA
  in partnership with The Clark
  

  Wednesdays, 1:30 - 3:00 pm
  9/22, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20 & 10/27 (no class 9/29)

  Register here or by calling 413.236.2190 for the following:

  Clark Art Institute members tuition: $50
  Non OLLI or Clark members: $65
  

  OLLI members: please register for this course through the Fall 2021 Semester Registration page found here.

  Please note that all attendees must affirm that they are fully vaccinated and wear masks at all times during class.
  

  Two of today’s art and architecture innovators have challenged us to understand and appreciate their special, and very personal, visions. Both Gehry and Christo  have transformed the very definitions of their art forms, architecture for Gehry and sculpture for Christo. We will review their lives, works, and perhaps recount a few personal stories.

  WORKING WITH FRANK: September 22 and October 6, with Thomas Krens

  Thomas Krens will deliver two lectures focusing on his 30+ years relationship with Frank Gehry. As a museum director and museum planner who began working with Gehry in 1987, Mr. Krens once commented that he wasn’t sure that he could cover the territory with an even dozen. 

  The talks will focus on the Guggenheim in Bilbao; the unrealized “Manhattan Project,” a new museum for New York City that was derailed by 9/11; and the Guggenheim Museum in Abu Dhabi, for which Gehry was selected as architect in 2006.

  The point of departure of the first lecture is to trace the narrative arcs of two important elements that combined to produce the Guggenheim Bilbao and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, an extraordinary new museum which Mr. Krens has called “the Apotheosis.” The first arc describes the genesis and evolution of the “Global Guggenheim” concept, and its aspirations to design and frame an ambitious and unprecedented vision for the role, use, and consumption of contemporary culture by weaving together in one unifying vision the major threads or functions of the art museum as cultural agora, center of exchange and discourse, and mediator of the gulf between local and global cultural and political perspectives.

  The second narrative is about working with Gehry in two very different evolving political contexts:  the Basque Country, which was still defined by sharp political diversions, and in which acts of political violence were not uncommon;  the evolution of Abu Dhabi, capital of the United Arab Emirates, and its transition from a pre-medieval culture as late as the 1950s, into the wealthiest country in the world on a per-capita basis at the beginning of the 21st century.

  Thomas Krens holds degrees from Williams College in Political Science, a Masters in Studio Art from SUNY Albany, and an MBA from Yale University.  He is is the former Director and Senior Advisor for International Affairs of the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation in New York City.  In 1986, while Director of the Williams College Museum of Art, Krens first conceived of converting the recently closed Sprague Electric plant into the world’s largest contemporary art museum which, became the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art (MASS MoCA).  During his time at the Guggenheim, Krens's tenacity and salesmanship resulted in international expansion such as the Guggenheim Bilbao. 

  CHRISTO: October 13, 20 & 27 with Jock Brooks

  Christo’s life and well-known art--mostly outdoor monumental projects--will be explored as we are challenged even what to call his many unique, expansive creations: sculptures, art installations, environmental art, or something else. His recent death will mean we will have all the facts to wrestle with--and appreciate--using his drawings, models, renderings, and eventual photographs of the “events.” A lecture and two films (exploring and illustrating in detail the Running Fence and Valley Curtain projects) are planned.

  Jock Brooks, M.A., Columbia University; retired Associate Director, Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute; Educator, National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; Senior Examiner, American Association of Museums; frequent OLLI instructor.

  
  

  Show details
• Oil Painting Shared Interest Group Meeting

  • When
    Thursday, September 23, 2021
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    Online via Zoom
  • Spaces left
    13

  Register

  
  

  OLLI at BCC members are invited to join OLLI's

  Oil Painting Shared Interest Group

  First Meeting on September 23, 2021 at 10:00 am Eastern 

  Free and open exclusively to OLLI at BCC members

  FOR OIL PAINTERS ONLY: 

  
  

  A new Shared Interest Group for OLLI Members who are experienced with painting in oils.

  
  

  Are you interested in participating with a small, supportive group of oil painters to share your painting (preferably in progress); get positive, thoughtful feedback from other artists; and provide the same for them? 

  
  

  Learn how to provide honest, helpful feedback to other artists and to utilize feedback from other artists to inform your own efforts.  Share useful techniques, material, etc. that you have found to enhance your efforts. 

  
  

  The group will meet monthly for 60-90 minutes. The first meeting will be on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 10:00 am Eastern via Zoom to discuss plans for this new Shared Interest Group which will be limited to 10 people.  

  
  

  Please Contact Claudia Shuster with any questions or for additional information. (Artwork pictured by Claudia Shuster.)

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• Chamber Music Shared Interest Group Meeting

  • When
    Thursday, September 23, 2021
  •  
    1:00 PM - 2:30 PM
  • Location
    Berkshire Community College
  • Spaces left
    22

  Register

  
  

  OLLI at BCC members are invited to join OLLI's

  Chamber Music

  Shared Interest Group

  First Meeting on September 23, 2021 at 1:00 pm Eastern 

  Free and open exclusively to OLLI at BCC members

  Meeting  in-person at Berkshire Community College

  Attention chamber music lovers! We invite you to join the Chamber Music Special Interest Group. Whether you are an active chamber music player or want to be,  or you simply enjoy listening to chamber music, we are planning monthly meetings that will provide discussion/lectures on topics such as harmonic analysis, the physics of intonation, ensemble techniques and,  perhaps member performances. Meetings will provide players a place to meet new musical partners who could then form ensembles to enjoy playing on their own or perhaps to share with the group.

  The first meeting will be held in-person at BCC. 

  Please contact Harriet Wetstone if you are interested in this Chamber Music SIG and you would like any additional information.

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OLLI Theatre Brunch

  • When
    Sunday, October 03, 2021
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    Berkshire Community College Main Campus, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield MA 01201
  • Spaces left
    33

  Register

  
  

  You're invited to
  OLLI's Annual Theatre Brunch

  A Delicious Brunch, a Fascinating Talk, and a Great Afternoon of Theatre!

  SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3, 2021
  12 noon Brunch & Speaker; 3pm Theatre Performance
  

  MASKS AND PROOF OF VACCINATION ARE REQUIRED AT THE THEATRE
  Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking at BCC.

  A Crossing

  A World Premiere Dance Musical
  

  Book by MARK ST. GERMAIN
  Music & Lyrics by ZOE SARNAK
  Created in Association with CALPULLI MEXICAN DANCE COMPANY
  Directed & Choreographed by JOSHUA BERGASSE

  Pulsing with energy and emotional intensity, this story about a group of migrants crossing the southern border is raw, visceral and electrifying — demonstrating the personal impact of crossing an “invisible line.” The group faces many dangers, including their own guide, the “coyote” — a human smuggler. This new dance musical ingeniously combines compelling lyrics, athletic choreography and elements of Mexican folk music to tell a remarkable tale of courage, fear and struggle.

  BRUNCH SPEAKER: Lecturer PHYLLIS JAFFE
  

  Buffet BRUNCH created by OLLI’s Gourmet Chefs:
  

          Arline Breskin, Joan Brotman, Adele Cukor, Bill Grabel,  Lesley Oransky, Carol Sabot, Adrienne Silverstein, Steve Tobin

  Your ticket includes brunch, talk and matinee performance!  You may also opt to attend the brunch and lecture only. Tickets are $77 for OLLI members, and $87 for non-members. Tickets for just the brunch and talk are $28.

  Buffet brunch & speaker Phyllis Jaffe: 12 noon at Berkshire Community College, 1350 West Street, Pittsfield MA
  Matinee performance: 3:00 pm at Barrington Stage Company's Boyd-Quinson Mainstage, 30 Union Street, Pittsfield MA

  Click here to register safely and securely online,
  or call 413.236.2190 (M-F 9am-4pm) to register by phone with a credit card.  The reservation deadline is September 24th.
  

  Refunds are not available unless space is filled from a waiting list or event is cancelled due to safety concerns.

  MASKS AND PROOF OF VACCINATION ARE REQUIRED AT THE THEATRE; Masks must be worn when not eating or drinking at BCC
  

  Show details
• Climate Change Risks and Opportunities: Sustainable Development in an Age of Crisis

  • When
    Monday, October 04, 2021
  •  
    5:00 PM

  Register

  
  

  The Tech Impact Forum presents:

  Climate Change Risks and Opportunities: Sustainable Development in an Age of Crisis

  Monday, October 4th at 5pm Eastern

   Free and open to all | Online via Zoom
  Click here to RSVP
  

  An Online Talk Featuring
  

  Michael Burger, Executive Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School
  

  Moderated by Tanya Srebotnjak, Director, Williams College Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives
  

  This summer's storms and wildfires have made one simple fact abundantly clear: the climate crisis is fully upon us. The need to adapt to climate change, both by enacting a full-scale energy transition and increasing resilience to extreme events and other impacts, presents opportunities in the face of increasing risks. In this talk, Michael Burger, Executive Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia Law School, will discuss the latest developments in climate science, the economic and investment implications of the energy transition, and what is happening on the ground in communities in the northeastern U.S., and nationwide, as governments and developers seek to site the renewable energy facilities needed to power a climate-safer future.  The talk with be moderated by Tanja Srebotnjak, the Director of the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives at Williams College. 

  Michael Burger

  As Executive Director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law, Michael leads a dynamic team that is at the forefront of domestic and international efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote climate change adaptation through pollution control, resource management, land use planning and green finance. Past and present projects involve collaborations with local and national environmental groups and government representatives, as well as international organizations such as the United Nations Environment Program, the United Nations Development Program, and the International Red Cross. Michael is a widely published scholar, a frequent speaker at conferences and symposiums, and a regular source for media outlets. He has taught at Columbia Law School, NYU Law School and Roger Williams School of Law, and has lead short courses on climate change and human rights in the Hague and Grand Cayman. He is also a co-founder and member of the Environmental Law Collaborative. Michael is Of Counsel at Sher Edling LLP, a boutique plaintiffs firm that represents states, cities, public agencies, and businesses in high-impact, high-value environmental cases.

  Prior to joining the Sabin Center Michael was an associate professor at Roger Williams University School of Law, where he taught environmental law, administrative law, and law and literature, and was founder and director of the Environmental and Land Use Law Clinical Externship program. He previously taught in the Lawyering Program at New York University School of Law, and served as an attorney in the Environmental Law Division of New York City’s Office of the Corporation Counsel. Michael is a graduate of Columbia Law School, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and an articles editor for the Columbia Journal of Environmental Law; and of Brown University, where he graduated magna cum laude and received the Ratcliffe Hicks Prize for highest standing in language and literature. He also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree from the Creative Writing program at NYU.

  Tanja Srebotnjak

  Tanja is the Director of the Zilkha Center for Environmental Initiatives at Williams College.  She has worked on sustainability since 2000 and in a variety of settings, including at the United Nations, the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental think tank, academia, and an independent K-12 school.  She holds a Masters in statistics from Dortmund Technical University and a PhD in environmental statistics and policy from the Yale School of the Environment.

  Co-sponsored by 1Berkshire and the Berkshire Innovation Center

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• OLLI Theater Party: "The Chairs" at Shakespeare and Company

  • When
    Wednesday, October 13, 2021
  •  
    7:30 PM
  • Location
    Shakespeare and Company, 70 Kemble Street, Lenox MA 01240

  
  

  OLLI Theater Party

  Organized by OLLI’s Performing Arts Initiative Committee

  OLLI members are invited to our casual theater meet-ups to enjoy a sampling of some of the Berkshires most exciting productions at discounted ticket rates.

  Please call the theater box office directly to buy your tickets and state that you are an OLLI member to qualify for the discounted ticket price.

  Shakespeare and Company

  The Chairs 

  By Eugène Ionesco

  Directed by James Warwick

  Wednesday, October 13, 7:30 PM  

  Indoors at the Tina Packer Playhouse
  70 Kemble Street | Lenox, Mass.

  For tickets, call the theater box office: 413-637-3353

  Mention OLLI to receive our group rate: $17, $23, $29 or $35

  An absurdist play of the first order by a master innovator of the genre. In a house on an island, a very old couple pass their time collecting and inventorying chairs while sharing half-remembered stories. With brilliant eccentricity, Ionesco's 'tragic farce' combines a comic portrait of human folly with a magical experiment in theatrical possibilities.

  Show details