Society & Culture
Allyn Burrows is the artistic director of Shakespeare & Company, located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts and one of the world’s top Shakespeare festivals. They are committed to inclusion, diversity and racial and gender equity as its foundation. They believe that live theatre connects us all in the universal pursuit of a purposeful existence and reveals through storytelling the meaning of our humanity and can only be achieved when theatre is genuinely inclusive and reflects the stories of all, particularly those who have been ignored, diminished, or erased. Founded in 1978, the Company began with outdoor performances at American novelist Edith Wharton’s estate, The Mount, before moving to its current campus. Allyn discusses how Shakespeare & Company recently created The New Spruce Theatre, a gorgeous outdoor amphitheater that ties back to the Company’s history of outdoor performances. Although the 2020 season was shuttered, Allyn shares how they came up with creative ideas to keep the shows rolling, including partnering with the Berkshire International Film Festival to host pop-up drive-in movies, broadcast digital/streamed productions, and more. This season they are hosting shows outdoors, including King Lear featuring Christopher Lloyd, and taking many steps to keep visitors safe.Also on Speaking of Travel, travel and tourism leader Nick Breedlove, Executive Director of Jackson County tourism in Western North Carolina, talks about what we can expect as we set out during this prime vacation season.And with more and more people traveling by air these days, it’s important to remember how airports are important to a community. This year, the Asheville Regional Airport is celebrating their 60th Anniversary and after an eight year hiatus they are bringing back the most unique 5K in the mountains– the Runway 5K. Tina Kinsey from the Asheville Regional Airport fills us in on all the details.