Directed by Julianne Boyd, performances began on the Mainstage July 21 and will continue through Aug. 6.

The cast features John Bedford Lloyd as C. P. Ellis, Aisha Hinds as Ann Atwater, Clifton Duncan as Bill Riddick and Susan Wands as Mary Ellis.

Inspired by the best-selling book by Osha Gray Davidson, The Best of Enemies, according to the Barrington, is a "true story about the relationship between C.P. Ellis (a Grand Cyclops of the KKK) and Ann Atwater (an African-American civil rights activist) during the desegregation of the Durham, NC schools in 1971. The Best of Enemies exposes the poison of prejudice in the hearts of Atwater and Ellis who, by facing each other, are forced to face the worst, and best, in themselves."

The production is designed by David M. Barber (sets), Scott Pinkney (lights), Kristina Lucka (costumes) and Brad Berridge (sound). Michael Andrew Rodgers is production stage manager.

Mark St. Germain is the author of BSC’s longest-running hit play, Freud’s Last Session, which continues Off-Broadway. The Best of Enemies is presented at the BSC Mainstage, 30 Union St., Pittsfield. For ticket information call (413) 236-8888 or visit www.barringtonstageco.org.