Did you know that North Adams was once home to the second largest Chinese population east of the Mississippi? The Celestials transports us to 1870 as seventy-five Chinese laborers — and unwitting strikebreakers — arrive in this bustling factory town. A tale of labor, love, immigration, and community, Peter Glazer’s stage adaptation of Williamstown author Karen Shepard’s mesmerizing novel (inspired by the same history as MASS MoCA’s 2008 exhibition The Nanjing Particles, by Simon Starling), The Celestials shines a light on a little known, yet startling familiar moment of our city’s history.

Make a Plan
Our galleries are stacked with fresh exhibitions, so make some time to see some art. Then decide on dinner! Have dinner and drinks on MASS MoCA’s campus or in downtown North Adams before the show, then enjoy a drink at our bar, well-stocked with Bright Ideas Brewing beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits.

MASS MoCA strives to provide the best possible experience for all our visitors. For information about accessibility at ticketed events click here.

Photo: Anna Parrino

This program is supported by The Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.