Eastern Michigan University Theatre succeeded in bringing to life, “Macbeth,” a play written by Shakespeare about a ruler's merciless ambition and the tragedy that follows.
The play opened with a gripping sword fighting scene that quickly pulled the audience into the riveting story of Macbeth. In the play, Macbeth (played by Abel “Jedi” Curva) is a general in 11th century Scotland who receives a prophecy from three witches that foresee him one day becoming king. The play follows him in his ruthless and violent quest to achieve the prophecy with the aide of his wife, and the drastic actions they take haunt them along their journey.
“Macbeth” is a story of murder, ghosts, ambition, and deceit, which makes it a perfect play to see for the Halloween season with your friends, family, or fellow literature lovers. Viewer discretion is advised because some of the scenes could be too violent or gory for a younger audience.
The actors do a great job of portraying the complex, interesting characters. For example, the scheming, strong willed Lady Macbeth to the virtuous Macduff (played by Sami White and Matthew Wallace, respectively) are both characters that are portrayed in a way that you can’t help but be drawn into their roles in the story.
The director, Lee Stille, successfully made the play come to life in a way that succeeded in catching the audience's attention rather the person was a Shakespeare lover or simply someone reluctantly sitting through it.
“I thought the play did a great job at portraying the original play and I really enjoyed it,” said Dana Beyers, secondary education english major, she attended opening night.“It was definitely long like most Shakespeare plays, but it was well worth it,” she continued.
The set was also well designed and the special effects did a great job at making the audience feel involved in the production.
“The way the lighting was used was a very creative way to change the setting. I also thought the on-stage practical effects were astounding, it went well with the gripping performances by Macbeth and Lady Macbeth” said Eddie Hamilla, a Film major at EMU.
“Macbeth” is the first production of EMU Theatre for the 2016-2017 mainstage season. Additional showings take place at Quirk Theatre on Oct. 27th, 28th, and 29th at 7 p.m. In addition, a matinee is offered at 2 p.m. on October 30th.
Tickets are $15 for adults, $9 for mainstage performers, and $12 for students and seniors. LBC credit is also offered.
“It was a really good show .The acting was great and the performance was well done, and overall was an evening pretty well spent,” said Alexander Prindle, EMU student.