Shantigar Foundation
in Western Massachusetts
Arts
Meditation
Nature
Jean-Claude van Itallie, Founder
1936 - 2021
Jean-Claude van Itallie
Scholarship Fund
Welcome to Shantigar
In the dark times
Will there be singing?
There will be singing
Of the dark times.
Bertolt Brecht, 1938
(David Constantine & Tom Kuhn, translations)
As the year turns, Shantigar is devoted to keeping the light alive. Our homestead is a sanctuary and seedbed where people renew energy and encourage each other. Together we will continue to cherish this land, break bread, and listen to one another while celebrating our collective voice.
Joining meditative and artistic practices
with the healing power of nature,
we can live more peacefully on our planet.
In 2024, through the dynamic strands of our founding mission—creativity, meditation, and engagement with nature—Shantigar was the place where people took a leap forward:
Practicing Chi Kung and yoga. Writing a play. Moving our bodies in a fluid relationship with nature. Meditation walks. Bird walks. Exploring ways of singing that convey emotional truth. Gathering around a vision for land regeneration. Movement building rooted in indigenous values.
This winter, Shantigar will take a pause to improve the house and plan Spring, Summer, and Fall programs. We invite you to join the design process. What kind of residential workshops or shorter experiences would bring you to Shantigar? In a world that has shifted so dramatically, what will fortify you? What experiences can contribute to our beloved community?
Chi Kung sessions continue onsite, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
Shantigar’s online Theatre Conversations meet the first Saturday of each month.
Shantigar = Peaceful Home
Located on the former Davenport Dairy Farm, Shantigar was created by the late playwright
Jean-Claude van Itallie in 1997. His Buddhist teacher, Chogyam Rinpoche, chose Shantigar as our name, meaning Peaceful Home. Over the past thirty years, we have hosted a stellar roster of theatre artists, dancers, musicians, painters, writers, spiritual teachers, yogis, healers, and activists. Our workshops are welcoming and intimate, nourishing in every way. Our spectacular fields, hills, forests, and trails offer abundant joys. If you’re new to Shantigar, we invite you to explore our site and learn more about our story.
Grow the Community
In 2024, Shantigar honored its late founder by launching the Jean-Claude van Itallie Scholarship Fund. Thanks to generous donors, we were able to distribute $1,500 in financial support to people desiring to attend workshops.
In 2025, our priority is to share the Shantigar experience with residents of Franklin County where the average wage is the lowest in Massachusetts.
Jean-Claude van Itallie
Scholarship Fund
Best wishes,
Board Members—Connie Childs, Rand Engel, Didi Goldenhar, Deb Katz, Rosemary Quinn
Advisory Board Members—Josh Adler, Michael Schreiber, Marisa Viola
Shantigar's Mission
To engage with the world from a more profound place through transformative workshops, retreats and performances.
Joining meditative and artistic practices with the healing power of nature, we can live more peacefully on our planet.
Private Group Rentals at Shantigar
Shantigar is ideal for professional convenings, creative work, and meditation gatherings. Get close to what matters while immersed in our natural splendors. We offer space and time to restore, recharge, and engage in essential conversations.
Group rentals are available for a minimum of 3 people staying at least 2 nights. Our farmhouse and cabins can accommodate up to twelve people. For more information, please contact Shantigar co-director Deb Katz at (413)-834-3280 or administrator Peter Columbus: email@shantigar.org.
