Whenever I have seen a Shakespearian piece at Hart House Theatre in Toronto, I have been impressed. I expect the same from Macbeth, running November 9 to 26, 2011.
One of Shakespeare’s most famous pieces, Macbeth is the unhappy tale of a man who wants to be king and is willing to kill for it. Even if you haven’t read or seen the show, you’re bound to have heard someone quote “is this a dagger I see before me?” or “Out, out damn spot!” Now you get to hear them in context rather than out of the blue. By the way, technically the quote is “Out, damned spot! out, I say!” but no one seems to use that when stating it out of the blue.
You also may have heard that actors, a suspicious bunch, aren’t willing to say Macbeth in a theatre, and instead refer to it as “The Scottish Play”. See, the show is purported to bring bad luck, and there is speculation that the words uttered by the witches in the piece are a true incantation. It’s spooky interesting stuff. You should check it out and judge for yourself.
The show opens tomorrow (Wednesday November 9th) and runs until November 26. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students & seniors, with a special student price of $10 on Wednesdays. The show runs Wednesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, and in the last week there is also a Saturday matinee at 2pm.
Get your tickets at the UofTtix Box Office by phone at 416.978.8849, or online at www.uofttix.ca
See below for more detailed information in the press release:
Hart House Theatre is proud to present
Toronto, Ontario – On November 9, 2011 Hart House Theatre presents Shakespeare’s most popular tragedy. Murder, betrayal and the super-natural take centre stage in this timeless epic that creeps under the skin and lays bare the dangers of ambition and the corruption of power.
Directed by Hart House Theatre’s Artistic Director, Jeremy Hutton, this production promises to stay true to the text and timing of the historical basis of the play. Set in 11th century Scotland, Macbeth’s world is one of political strife, religious upheaval and bloody, bloody conflicts. Jeremy Hutton tells Shakespeare’s story in a way that will “satisfy the purists”; as fast-paced, dangerous and horrific as the story requires.
Drawing on the imagery rife within the text, Jeremy and his creative team are shining a spotlight on the natural/super-natural elements at play. “When very human creations such as war, murder and betrayal take a hold of the world, nature has a way of demanding a balance and reminding us of its power. Macbeth is a natural disaster of epic proportions played out on a very personal, spiritual level.” – Jeremy Hutton
One of the team members tasked with bringing Jeremy’s vision of the show to the stage is Set Designer Melanie McNeill. Melanie’s past designs for such prominent theatre companies as Necessary Angel, VideoCabaret, Theatre Direct and Birdland Theatre have earned her Dora nominations and awards. Melanie’s talents will be combined with those of award-winning Costume Designer Ming Wong and industry up-and-comer, Lighting Designer Simon Rossiter to create the world of Macbeth.
MACBETH
Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Dramaturgy by Susan Bond
Set Design by Melanie McNeill
Costume Design by Ming Wong
Lighting Design by Simon Rossiter
Stage Managed by Keely O’Farrell
FEATURING
William Foley as Macbeth
William Foley returns to Hart House Theatre after playing such power-house roles as Iago in Othello and Mercutio in Romeo and Juliet. William received his training in Montreal and since then has travelled across Canada performing in outdoor venues, found spaces and traditional theatres. This summer, William played the villain Sheriff of Nottingham for Halifax’s Shakespeare by the Sea before making Toronto his home and taking on the role of the tragically ambitious Macbeth.
Jackie Rowland as Lady Macbeth
Hart House Theatre prides itself on showcasing the best of the city’s emergent talent. One of the shining examples of this is newcomer Jackie Rowland who plays the infamous Lady Macbeth. Jackie recently completed her professional training with the National Theatre School and is a founding the member of “Epic and Everyday”, a new company in Toronto.
Peter Higginson as Duncan
No stranger to Hart House Theatre, Peter Higginson has appeared in shows here since the 1970s. Most notably, he gave a heart-wrenching and critically acclaimed performance as the title character in King Lear to follow-up his much lauded portrayal of the wise vagrant William in George F. Walker’s Criminals In Love. A truly powerful presence on stage and a mentor to many of our young actors, Peter is a highly valued member of Hart House Theatre’s community.
John Fray as Banquo and Mischa Aravena as Macduff
Playing the roles of Banquo and Macduff are two of the University of Windsor’s finest graduates, John Fray and Mischa Aravena. Both John and Mischa are at the beginning of what promises to be long and fruitful careers in theatre and film performance.
Show details:
November 9 – 26, 2011
Week 1: Wed to Sat @ 8pm
Week 2: Wed to Sat @ 8pm
Week 3: Wed to Sat @ 8pm + Sat @ 2pm
Tickets:
Adults $25, Students & Seniors $15 – – $10 Student tickets every Wednesday!
UofTtix Box Office 416.978.8849 www.uofttix.ca
About Hart House Theatre
Hart House Theatre, established in 1919, is the University of Toronto’s performing arts leader. Since its inception, the theatre’s unique mix of young professionals, alumni and students has garnered the theatre a reputation as not only a cultural destination for the U of T community, but one for all of Toronto.
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