On Saturday, March 7th, at 7:15 p.m., The Triplex Cinema in Great Barrington hosted a screening of the Cannes Film Festival Camera d’Or-winning drama The President’s Cake, followed by an in-depth talkback with Executive Producer Marielle Heller. The event drew attention to the film’s urgent narrative and creative development, as it explores the harrowing realities of childhood under Saddam Hussein’s Iraq through the eyes of nine-year-old Lamia.
The film’s storyline centers on Lamia’s assignment to bake a cake for the president’s birthday, a task complicated by pervasive shortages and a climate of fear. Her quest for ingredients such as eggs, flour, and sugar becomes not only a coming-of-age journey but also a poignant reflection on life amidst political repression. This powerful exploration is framed within an emotional and culturally rich context, offering audiences a window into the complex realities of survival and memory under authoritarian rule.
Marielle Heller’s Career and Role in the Film’s Success
Marielle Heller is an accomplished director, writer, actor, and producer, celebrated for her distinct cinematic voice and deep empathy. Her directorial debut,
The Diary of a Teenage Girl,
received the Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature. She is also known for directing Can You Ever Forgive Me? and
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,
both of which garnered Academy Award nominations for their lead actors Melissa McCarthy, Richard E. Grant, and Tom Hanks respectively. Most recently, Heller wrote and directed Nightbitch, featuring Amy Adams, and has an acting credit as Alma Wheatley in the Emmy-winning series The Queen’s Gambit.
Her wealth of experience and insight shaped her contribution as Executive Producer on The President’s Cake, supporting the film’s delicate yet intense storytelling. Ben Elliott, creative director of The Triplex Cinema, emphasized Heller’s impact, stating,
Marielle has been the creative force behind some of the most moving films of the last decade,
and expressing excitement to have her discuss The President’s Cake and the collaborative work involved in bringing it to audiences.
Additional Cultural Events Throughout the Region on March 6-7
Alongside the film talk, numerous cultural and artistic events took place across the Berkshires and nearby areas the weekend of March 6-7, amplifying the region’s vibrant arts scene. Each event brought forward a unique perspective, from music to dance to community conversations, showcasing an intersection of creative expression and social reflection.
MASS MoCA and Jacob’s Pillow Host Work-in-Progress Performance by Shamel Pitts
On the evening of March 7th at 7 p.m., MASS MoCA in North Adams opened its doors to an exclusive preview of Marks of RED, the latest multidisciplinary creation by acclaimed choreographer Shamel Pitts. This fourth installment in Pitts’ RED series delves into Black embodiment, aliveness, and communal connection through Afrofuturistic storytelling. The performance narrates through six women’s perspectives, invoking magical realism to explore the womb’s symbolic and metaphorical resonance as well as memory’s profound influence on experience, reality, and imagination.
The event featured scenic design by Mimi Lien, video mapping projections from Lucca Del Carlo, lighting by Sarai Frazier, and production support by the TRIBE arts collective, further enhancing the immersive experience. Attendees were invited to witness an open rehearsal blending movement, sound, and visual artistry, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process of this urgent and thought-provoking work.
Celebrations and Cultural Gatherings Mark the 28th Anniversary of ‘The Big Lebowski’
On March 6th, the Berkshire International Film Festival (BIFF) Social Club marked the 28th anniversary of the cult classic The Big Lebowski with a lively celebration at Cove Bowling and Entertainment in Great Barrington. Beginning at 7 p.m., the event invited attendees to dress in costume, enjoy bowling, and partake in iconic White Russians, all set to an energetic musical mix that honored the film’s enduring appeal.
The Coen Brothers’ 1998 comedy depicts Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski as a laid-back bowler from Los Angeles, mistaken for a wealthy namesake, embroiling him in a bizarre series of adventures involving nihilists, ferret encounters, and tangled plots. The brothers’ connection to Bard College and the influence of Great Barrington’s The Cove gave the celebration local resonance, strengthening communal ties to this extraordinary film legacy.
Interactive Dance Event and Classic Film Screening Celebrate Prince’s Legacy
The Crandell Theatre in Chatham, N.Y., presented a special screening of Purple Rain on March 7th at 7 p.m., coinciding with the current cultural moment of appreciating Minneapolis’ 1980s music scene that launched the legendary Prince Rogers Nelson’s career. This event transformed the screening into an immersive experience, featuring flameless candles for the iconic title song and an interactive dance party fueled by the electrifying closing medley.
The film captures Prince’s magnetic charisma alongside scenes from familiar Minneapolis locations, such as First Avenue club and his childhood home. Copies of Hilton Als’ memoir My Pinup, a reflection on Prince’s life and influence, were also available for purchase, deepening the connection between audience and artist.
Valley Classical Concerts Highlight Renowned Cellist and Pianist
Northampton’s Sage Hall hosted an afternoon of classical music on March 7th at 3 p.m., featuring the internationally acclaimed cellist Camille Thomas and pianist Julien Brocal. Their program included sonatas by J.S. Bach and Edvard Grieg, alongside shorter pieces by composers Eric Satie, Camille Saint-Saëns, and contemporary works enriching the repertoire.
Camille Thomas is recognized as a leading musical voice for her seamless blend of technical excellence and humanitarian spirit. She signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon in 2017, the first female cellist in 40 years to do so, and performs on a 1730 Stradivarius cello linked historically to notable cellists. Julien Brocal, a protégée of renowned pianist Maria João Pires and Thomas’ partner, prioritizes the emotional connection between performer and audience, earning significant critical acclaim, including BBC Music Magazine’s Newcomer of the Year in 2018.
Before the concert, attendees were encouraged to arrive by 2 p.m. to join a conversation between the artists and John Montanari, longtime host of NEPM. The event welcomed students under 18 at no charge, fostering educational engagement with classical music.
Clark Art Institute Commemorates Closing of ‘Shadow Visionaries’ with Musical Performance
On March 7th at 2 p.m., Williamstown’s Clark Art Institute closed its Shadow Visionaries exhibition with a concert featuring pianist David Kaplan and soprano Ariadne Greif. This program illuminated the connections between Romanticism and Surrealism through works by Hector Berlioz, Franz Liszt, and Francis Poulenc that dwell on themes of ambiguity, irony, and the grotesque.
The centerpiece was Berlioz’s evocative Nuits d’été (Summer Nights), a set of six songs based on selections from Théophile Gautier’s
La Comédie de la Mort “(The Comedy of Death),
which also inspired the print by Rodolphe Bresdin on display in the exhibition. David Kaplan earned acclaim from The New York Times for his “excellent and adventurous” playing and was praised by the Boston Globe for his “grace and fire” at the keyboard. Ariadne Greif’s performance was highlighted by The New York Times for her “luminous, expressive voice.”
Celtic Roots Music Showcased by Kalos at The Foundry
The Foundry in Pittsfield welcomed Celtic roots trio Kalos on March 7th at 7:30 p.m. Composed of Eric McDonald, Ryan McKasson, and Jeremiah McLane, Kalos blends traditional Celtic influences with spontaneous improvisation and joyful energy. Their performances traverse the intensity of darkness and light, inviting music enthusiasts to experience a haunting yet exuberant exploration of Celtic soundscapes.
The trio’s engaging live shows include organic banter and a mysterious atmosphere that transcends borders and musical genres, appealing broadly to audiences. The event gave guests a chance to encounter this compelling fusion of heritage and innovation firsthand.
Schumacher Center Hosts ‘Unnamed: A Conversation at the Edge of Sense’
On March 7th from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., the Schumacher Center for a New Economics in Great Barrington convened a profound dialogue titled
Unnamed: A Conversation at the Edge of Sense
featuring filmmaker, writer, and educator Nora Bateson alongside Dr. Bayo Akomolafe. The event, facilitated by board member Alex Forrester, examined the tension between the overwhelming desire to explain and control the world and the simultaneous exhaustion stemming from the limits of human understanding.
The conversation addressed how authoritarian forces exploit this craving for clear sense-making by presenting rigid hierarchies and certainties, while progressive efforts often focus on therapeutic and incremental improvements. Bateson and Akomolafe proposed a different approach: embracing ambiguity and acknowledging the spaces beyond established frameworks where language and logic falter.
The gathering sought not solutions but attentive presence to the emergent, unnamed movements residing in the cracks of contemporary political and social thought, inviting participants to reconsider assumptions about healing, justice, and progress.
Hands-On Kokedama Workshop at Berkshire Botanical Garden
Stockbridge’s Berkshire Botanical Garden hosted a kokedama workshop on March 7th, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., led by artist and horticultural therapist Brian Mikesell. Kokedama, a traditional Japanese art form, involves creating living plant displays shaped into moss and soil spheres that can hang or rest in dishes indoors.
Participants learned to craft their own kokedama from natural materials without relying on pots or specialized equipment. The workshop emphasized mindfulness and the nurturing connection between people and plants, allowing attendees to create personal botanical decorations to take home or gift, fostering relaxation and creative cultivation.
Federation for Children with Special Needs Hosts 27th Annual ‘Visions of Community’ Conference Watch Party
Simultaneously on March 7th, the Federation for Children with Special Needs (FCSN) held its 27th Annual Visions of Community conference statewide, with a local watch party in Pittsfield at St. Stephen’s Church. Running from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., the event provided families, educators, professionals, and caregivers with access to expert talks, workshops, and interactive sessions focused on supporting children and youth with disabilities.
This year’s conference featured keynote addresses by Yale Professor Christina Cipriano, author of Be Unapologetically Impatient, and David Hirsch, founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation and host of the SFN Dad To Dad Podcast. Attendees also chose workshops tailored to their interests, making the day both educational and empowering.
Free admission, parking, and meals were offered, with support available in English and Spanish throughout. The conference continued FCSN’s longstanding commitment since 1974 to empower families navigating complex challenges, emphasizing community-building and shared learning.
Implications and Continued Engagement in Arts and Social Conversations
The constellation of events across the Berkshires and surrounding areas during March 6-7 reflects a region deeply engaged with artistic innovation, historical reflection, and urgent social dialogue. Marielle Heller’s film talk on The President’s Cake highlights the power of storytelling to amplify voices often silenced by oppressive regimes, while performances such as Shamel Pitts’ Marks of RED and musical showcases connect audiences to nuanced expressions of identity and memory.
Simultaneously, public gatherings focused on ecology, community inclusion, and cultural celebration underscore a collective desire for deeper connection and understanding amidst complex modern realities. These events signify the arts’ central role in fostering empathy, challenging narratives, and inspiring proactive participation in shaping a just future. As audiences engage with these stories and conversations, opportunities grow for continued exploration of difficult questions around belonging, resilience, and transformation.
