“The Collection” is an early Pinter work. Yet it contains the hallmarks, if less subtley, of later Pinter masterpieces, such as “The Homecoming,” “No Man’s Land” and “Betrayal.” It’s almost a writing exercise, in which the various possibilities of infidelity — in fact and in fancy — are explored geometrically. A wife may, or may not, have been unfaithful with another, probably gay, man. He in turn may, or may not, have been unfaithful to his much older, presumed lover. Aglet’s production lets us be surprised by Pinter’s humor; his insinuating, persistent sexual innuendo; constant role reversal and outbursts of anger; near violence and fear of loss; and his view of women as the ultimate victors, the enigmatic characters in ultimate control. If this reading at Berkshire Theater Festival’s Unicorn Theater March 26 took a while to warm up and if at first director Thomas Gruenewald overdid Pinter’s famous pauses and silences, it was soon delivering Pinter’s carefully chosen words tersely yet smoothly. As Harry, the older man, Kale Brown has fine moments of hurling lines at his presumed lover or of trying to deflect James, the suspicious, maybe-cuckolded husband. Jim Beaudin makes James a man of potential menace as well as of possible sexual ambiguity. David Joseph’s Bill is quite good, all superficiality and surface, glib and obviously attracted to James. Stephanie Hedges as Stella the wife, has the most difficult role since there is little to it: few words, unfinished paragraphs, little to do. Yet she alone, like the stronger Pinter women to come, seems at the end to know the truth. Aglet shows us how fascinating even minor Pinter is. “The Collection” will be repeated at TriArts’ Bok Gallery April 2. Wine and snacks are served at 7 p.m., and the performance begins at 7:30. Tickets are $20 and can be reserved at 860 435-6928 or online at www.aglettheater.net.
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Marsala is eager to go home with you.
Tiffany Lemelin, shelter manager, brushing Marsala upon arrival.Provided
The Little Guild is an animal shelter at 285 Sharon-Goshen Turnpike in West Cornwall. Founded in 1957, the organization rescues animals from local surrenders and under-resourced shelters. When a rescue animal arrives at The Little Guild, staff begins a careful intake and transition process to ensure the animal is safe, healthy and ready for adoption.
New arrivals are quarantined in-house. Vaccinations are verified as up to date, and staff assesses each animal’s medical, behavioral and placement needs. Rescues receive medical care, daily support and behavioral training to ease shelter stress. Once a dog has finished quarantine and is ready for a home, its profile is published at littleguild.org.
Michael DeBarba, certified dog trainer working with Marsala.Jennifer Almquist
Prospective adopters fill out an online application with information about their household and veterinary and personal references.
The next step is for the prospective adopter and family members to meet the dog. If there is already a dog in the household, a meet-and-greet is scheduled so the dogs can get acquainted.
The animal care staff offers guidance based on its knowledge of each animal’s personality, needs and quirks to help families find the best fit.
Marsala wins a heart.Jennifer Almquist
Once a match is made, the adoption contract outlines aftercare. Adopters agree to return the animal to The Little Guild if the adoption doesn’t work out. The organization’s commitment continues after adoption, with six months of free training and follow-up from staff to answer questions or address concerns.
“Please don’t pass Marsala by,” Lemelin said. “He loves people and other dogs. He’s a lap dog who lives for snuggles, cuddles and face kisses. Marsala deserves a family, a soft bed and a lifetime of being chosen.”
To find out about Marsala and other rescue dogs and cats, visit littleguild.org
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