Shakespeare & Company’s performance of the classic tragedy, “Macbeth,” at noon on Thursday, Feb. 20 in the Maureen Stapleton Theatre, located in the Siek Campus Center, is part of the renowned troupe’s annual residency with HVCC theatre students. The 90-minute program is open free to the entire campus community and the public.
Always in the top 10 of Shakespeare’s most-produced plays, “Macbeth” dramatizes the damage caused by the political ambition of those who seek power for its own sake. The play tells the story of a brave general who is told by three witches that he’ll one day be King of Scotland. Driven by ambition and his wife, Macbeth murders the king to claim the throne. His ensuing guilt and paranoia lead to further violent murders, a tyrannical bloodbath that leads to insanity and, ultimately, death for the power-hungry couple.
The performance is a highlight of the company’s week-long residency – now in its 14th year – with students in HVCC’s Theatre Arts degree program that includes a variety of acting and theatre workshops guided by company members. “Macbeth” also is part of the Northeast Regional Tour of Shakespeare that brings rotating plays to middle and high schools, colleges and other community venues. Begun in 1982, the touring productions now reach more than 20,000 audience members each year to perpetuate the company’s educational mission to “immerse students in the world of Shakespeare and classical theatre in the most active and engaging ways.”
This production of “Macbeth” is recommended for ages 13 and up, and coincides with the winter vacation week observed by most public schools. A brief audience Q&A follows the performance. Reservations are requested by visiting www.hvcc.edu/culture.
The event is presented by the college’s Cultural Affairs Program.
For additional information, please contact Debby Gardner at d.gardner@hvcc.edu or (518) 629-8071.