Every year, students drown in Shakespearean works preaching stories of tyrannical leaders or sonnets of everlasting love, but they are not always entirely convinced by the value of simple words on paper. However, the Godwin Theatre Department’s upcoming production of Macbeth can enlighten students to a Shakespearean adaptation worth waiting for.
A Shakespearean classic about the danger of uncontrolled ambition, “Macbeth” follows the story of a Scottish general who receives a prophecy from three witches claiming he will one day be the King of Scotland.
Performed exclusively by Godwin students, the production includes a tedious audition and preparation process to ensure the success of the show.
For the audition process, students must perform a minute-long monologue, either given by Godwin Theatre teacher Jerold Solomon or prepared by the auditioner, that coordinates with the theme of the play.
When auditioners first enter, they must walk in and introduce themselves before placing their feet and transitioning into their character.
The audition process can be daunting for many students. Godwin senior Hazel Hornsby, who will play the First Witch in the upcoming production, said, “It’s terrifying for sure, but everyone is terrified, which helps. It all goes away once you enter the audition room.”
Once auditions have passed, preparation varies depending on the various roles of actors. The leads often practice three to four times a week and must dedicate time outside of rehearsals to memorizing their lines.
Godwin sophomore Adam Lyman, cast as Duncan, “[goes] over [his] lines every night and attends rehearsals when called.”
The first few weeks of preparation include rehearsals that follow the scenes of the show chronologically so that the cast may understand the story better.
As the performance grows closer, rehearsals are spent slowly polishing a rough run-through of the show before three days of dress rehearsals before opening night.
Although the preparation can be grueling, it is no less valuable than the final performance to those participating.
“Personally, it’s given me some of my favorite theater memories,” said Hornsby, “I love going over blocking and all the silly moments that can happen during the rehearsing process.”
However, no matter how dedicated the actors are to their performances, there are undeniable obstacles present.
Between finding time outside of school to practice your lines and facing nerves as you approach opening night, one of the most prevalent issues is the competition between students for limited roles.
“Many people want a big role in the show, sometimes the same role I want,” said Godwin senior Garrett Carlton, “so that aspect can be pretty challenging for me to overcome.”
Despite the various obstacles plaguing participating students, the rewards surrounding the show outweigh all other factors.
Performing a classic such as “Macbeth” in front of a large audience can be freeing as actors must learn to collaborate and adjust to each other.
“I find it rewarding,” said Carlton, “to get around problems and slightly improvise certain things when needed.”
Additionally, the show creates a sense of community as it comes to a close with the cast enjoying a dinner together to celebrate their success.
“The show is lovely, but nothing beats the sense of community when everyone gathers around a table and tries to figure out how to split a check 50 ways,” said Hornsby, “It’s hard to say goodbye to a show, but being with your castmates and having a nice meal helps make the closing process easier.”
Although Shakespeare is often seen as stale, it is undeniable that classics such as “Macbeth” hold vital roles in literature and show business. It is important to pay tribute to the classics that have influenced so many others after it.
