Macbeth - A Tale of Darkness
Here is a retelling of Shakespeare's tale of the decline of an honorable man into darkness, a study of how far an individual is willing to go in the pursuit of power. This adaptation includes new scenes between Lord and Lady Macbeth and uses an interactive ensemble to play a variety of roles. Only the director’s imagination will be the limit for this piece. It can be staged as elaborately or as simply as desired. The truth is in the words. It was written to be performed at any venue, any time period, and with a multi-cultural cast. Movement, music, and passion are the driving forces within this piece that will help the actors find their voice. This play was a finalist at the University Interscholastic League Contest for Texas Public Schools in 2009. One judge wrote, “This play takes risks and delivers in artistry…”
Productions
Behind The Scenes
PLAYWRIGHT NELLY E. CUELLAR-GARCIA
TALKS ABOUT “MACBETH - A TALE OF DARKNESS”
Q: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO WRITE THIS ADAPTATION?
A: I needed to produce a strong vehicle for a large group of students who were primarily male, and which allowed them to explore emotion without being tied down by language.
Q: WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PART OR LINE IN THE PLAY? WHY?
A: My favorite scene in the play is the dream scene of Lady Macbeth. It allowed my actors to explore movement behind the anonymity of a mask. The visual impact of this scene is sublime. Favorite line: "I know of men who will sell their soul for thirty piece of silver." The allusion to the betrayal of a god-like figure ( Jesus= King Duncan) (Judas=Macbeth) sent my students exploring different aspects of their characters.
Q: WHAT WAS THE MOST DIFFICULT PART IN CREATING THIS ADAPTATION?
A: Getting my students to understand the depth and scope of the feelings of these individuals as they faced the challenges placed before them.
Q: WHAT DID YOU TRY TO ACHIEVE THROUGH THIS ADAPTATION?
A: A deep understanding of the love of theatre that my students possess, a unity of a team or group to a single goal, a love of theatre for the sake of performing, a deeper understanding of the genius that was Shakespeare.
Q: DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING ELSE YOU'D LIKE TO ADD?
A: This is a great competitive piece for a group that wants to be challenged. It is inventive, allows for a large group of actors to come together and explore both the acting and technical challenges of the piece.