This weekend, the Ulrey Performing Arts Center is hosting a production of William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
This is the first time in 10 years Harding has put on one of Shakespeare’s works, according to director Britton Lynn, associate professor of theatre. “Macbeth” was selected because of its recognition as one of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedies and its sinister nature, which causes it to stand out amongst the generally upbeat tone of previous Harding productions.
To help refresh the play, which was written in 1606, the theatre department is incorporating new technology into the play.
“We’re slowly moving into the world of projected scenery,” Lynn said. “We tried it for the first time last year, and we’re doing it again for Macbeth to see what we’re capable of.”
David Goble, a senior theatre major, is playing the role of Macbeth. He said the production will include smoke, lighting and choreographed stage combat that makes it a truly interactive experience.
“We do some serious stage combat in the show; there’s blood, some people die on stage,” Goble said. “There’s one moment in particular I’m excited about. If the audience is sleeping, it’ll wake them up.”
James Morgan, a sophomore marketing major who plays Banquo, said the darker nature of the play has encouraged the cast to take the production more seriously.
“There’s not much in the way of comedy in this play,” Morgan said. “Comedy is more natural for people of our generation, but being serious is a bit more of a challenge.”
The costumes for “Macbeth” were designed by a group of students for a class project, which Lynn said is highly unusual and was a new experience for everyone involved. Very few changes were made to the script, holding true to the original Shakespearean dialogue. This was done intentionally to maintain the dramatic feel of the play.
“‘Macbeth’ is the least flowery of Shakespeare’s tragedies; it’s compactly written and the least poetic,” Lynn said. “Shakespeare deliberately uses language that reads like a haunted house. You can’t just tell the story of Macbeth without getting into this otherworldly dimension.”
Tickets for “Macbeth” are on sale at hardingtickets.com for $10 or free with a CAB passport. Show times are Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. and March 1 at 2 and 7 p.m.
