The Gainesville Theatre Alliance (GTA) will be performing “Macbeth” at the Brenau University’s Hosch Theatre from Feb. 14-22. The show will be taking a new approach to the classic work of Shakespeare as opposed to its long-standing reputation of being a “cursed” play.
“Macbeth” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare detailing the story of the Scottish General and his eventual downfall due to his lust for power. The Scotsman was met by three witches who foretold the prophecy of him becoming a Thane under the King of Scots and eventually usurping his position for himself. The story is surrounded in violence, cruelty, betrayal and-most importantly-curses.
Commonly known as a “cursed” play due to the belief that Shakespeare utilized genuine curse incantations within his script, the community sometimes believed that if the name Macbeth was said outside of rehearsal or without being onstage a disaster will soon follow.
Since the tragedies’ first believed performance in the early 1600’s, only one such incident has occurred. After an argument over casting choices at the Astor Opera House in 1849 went a bit too far, a riot started that resulted in a militia being called in to deal with the commotion. Alas, the “curse” was never confirmed, but this event only served to further the superstition.
Director Sheri Wilson hopes to bring a new aspect to the show and provide another angle to view it from than just being another commonplace superstition.
“The only ‘Curse’ is that we tend to overly malign this character, portraying him as a one-dimensional, not opening him up to a more balanced objective interpretation.” – Sheri Wilson, UNG Adjunct Professor of Communication, Film and Theatre
Wilson’s interpretation will be focusing on the inner turmoil of Macbeth and the instability that soldiers tend to have after coming back from battle. She wants to portray more than just the blueprint left behind by Shakespeare and intends to through the actors.
The show will be performed by a mixture of students, some of whom have never been in a Shakespearean play before. Wilson has high hopes for the cast, stating that due to their enthusiastic members, every character in the play has come “alive.”
Benjamin Perrin, the actor set to play Macbeth, expressed his excitement for the role and appreciates that the play will be “staying true” to how some real-life veterans go through their PTSD. Perrin emphasized that the play will be showing what “untreated trauma can do to someone,” and will aim for a more empathetic look at the character of Macbeth.
Aya Aberni, who portrays one of the three witches, shares how the play interprets the witches in a neutral light and does not tell Macbeth to perform any of his heinous acts. However, due to his warped ambition and internal faults, Macbeth will once again fall to his greater desires.
The Gainesville Theatre Alliance has issued an advisory warning for the show to those below the age of 13. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call the GTA Box Office at 678-717-3624 or visit their website.
