Macbeth

This week is the performance of Eden Troupe's production of Shakespeare's Macbeth. This is only the second production in Eden Troupe's existence that I haven't been directly involved. The first time was last semester when I was out of town for the week of production. This semster, I was around, but there were enough students involved, that my help was not needed. I've certainly been busy enough, especially this week with my parents here, that I did not miss giving up the hours needed to be involved in the production.

It was a different experience last night. Sitting in the audience. Seeing the play for the very first time as it was intended to be seen--completed, whole. No pre-conceived ideas from having seen rehearsals, no distractions from responsibilities, not even having read the script or seen another production.

As is traditional for Eden Troupe, the Friday evening performance had a large audience--probably sold-out or very close to it. The audience responded well to the drama on-stage and the actors maintained their roles. There were no real mistakes or problems that caught my attention. The actors and crew kept everything moving along.

I think my favorite charcters were the weird sisters. The actors brought them out with each of the three having a distint role and persona, but very much unified in deed and thought.

And I haven't heard a review of the show without mention of the fight scenes, particularly the sword fights at the end. Besides comsuming the final minutes and leaving you with that as among one's last impressions, they draw the audience into the battle and tell their own story. That these actors would not make it in a real sword fight is apparent enough, but they keep a quick pace to the strokes and blocks and the small stage makes the fights seem all the bigger and more dangerous.

I'll look forward to seeing it all again on DVD!