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. Charged relationships develop between the immigrants and townspeople, centering on foreman Charles Sing, factory owner Calvin Sampson, and his wife Julia, complicating an already tense situation. A tale of labor, love, immigration, and community, Peter Glazer’s theatrical adaptation of Williamstown author Karen Shepard’s mesmerizing novel, The Celestials, shines a light on a little-known, yet startling familiar moment of our city’s history.

The photo above depicts Charles Sing, foreman of the Chinese workers in North Adams, taken by Henry Ward circa 1873. In this production, the role of Charles Sing will be played by actor Elijah Guo.

This play was originally intended to be presented during our canceled 2020 season.

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Make a Plan

• This performance is general admission seating and will take place inside MASS MoCA’s Club B10. Masks are optional during indoor performances but may be required in the event of a change in Berkshire County risk levels.
• Please note, museum admission is not included with your event ticket unless indicated. Purchase museum admission here.
• All events at MASS MoCA are accessible to all audiences. Please contact accessibility@massmoca.org if you would like to inquire about accessibility needs and services.
• By purchasing a ticket to join MASS MoCA’s visitors, staff, and artists on the museum campus, you agree to follow a Courtesy Code, detailed here. Our full COVID FAQ is here.
• All sales are final; no refunds or exchanges.

Planning on dinner before the show? Check out restaurants in downtown North Adams or find a nosh right here on campus: BIGGDADDY’s Philly Steak House, Bright Ideas Brewing, Casita or Lickety Split Cafe. A full bar serves Bright Ideas Brewing beers and Berkshire Mountain Distillery spirits.

This staged reading is brought to you in collaboration with MCLA Arts & Culture and MASS MoCA.

Charles Sing, foreman of the Chinese workers in North Adams
Photograph by Henry Ward, ca. 1873
Played by actor Elijah Guo.

Image courtesy of Anna Parrino