The voices of older adults living in western Massachusetts form the core of this performance experience that reflects the drama, the conflict, the inexplicable, and the reality of adapting to constant change during the COVID-19 pandemic.

These first-person stories—sometimes poignant or sad, sometimes humorous or joyful—are supplemented by narratives from members of the Medical Reserve Corps and those who worked in hospitals, clinics, and vaccination sites. Together, the stories offer rich insights—and some surprises—into how those of us in rural Massachusetts navigated the unknown territory of a global public health crisis.

A talk-back after the reading will provide an opportunity for the audience to respond to the production and contribute their insights towards the further development of the project.

This performance is co-sponsored by Greenfield Community College’s Department of Community Engagement and the Franklin Medical Reserve Corps. This program is supported in part by a grant from the Buckland, Deerfield, Greenfield, and Sunderland local cultural councils, local agencies which are supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a state agency.

The Franklin Medical Reserve Corps partnered with Greenfield Community College’s Department of Community Engagement to interview and record the oral histories of 27 older adults in our area. These recordings are archived in Digital Commonwealth, a digital archive managed by the Boston Public Library.