September 5, 2007

Actors From The London Stage to present Shakespeare's 'Macbeth'

Actors From the London Stage
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Renowned theater company Actors From The London Stage will bring William Shakespeare's supernatural thriller "Macbeth" to Purdue University's Loeb Playhouse for two performances at 8 p.m. Sept. 21-22.

Purdue Convocations is presenting the performances.

"Rather than include elaborate scenery and costumes, Actors From The London Stage takes a much more understated approach – just five actors take on all the roles using minimal sets and costumes," Purdue Convocations director Todd Wetzel said. "The result is an unfettered performance that allows the audience to focus on Shakespeare's story and language."

"It's an incredibly interesting thing to do and to see when the play is pared down to its basic ingredients because we have to be simple," said actor Chris Donnelly, an alumnus of Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in England and a Shakespearean theater veteran who plays Macbeth as well as three other characters. "It focuses in on the energy of the play and the storytelling. Shakespeare didn't have all of the [modern] scenery; he didn't have the lights. We have to rely on what Shakespeare had, which is the words."

When the actors take the stage, the space around them can be a windswept Scottish heath, a lively royal banquet or a sweeping battlefield, Donnelly said.

"That's where the magic is to me," he said. "The audience doesn't need to be told what it looks like. They just need to be told the story. That's the advantage of having it very pared down."

Taking on other roles, including the three witches, Banquo, Lady Macbeth and Macduff, are Will Ashcroft, Brigid Zengani, Dan Winter and Charlotte Allam.

Founded by British actor Patrick Stewart more than three decades ago, Actors From The London Stage is one of the oldest established touring Shakespeare theater companies in the world. The company brings classically trained actors from companies such as the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal National Theatre of Great Britain and Shakespeare's Globe Theatre to college campuses across the country for an arts program that includes a theater performance as well as a weeklong residency during which the actors present classes and workshops for students and the general public.

During the teaching week, the actors will bring their knowledge to a variety of Purdue and Ivy Tech Community College classes, not only for courses on Shakespeare but also theater, literature and communications courses.

"It makes great sense to us that when we have talented, world-class artists here on campus that we help to create exciting opportunities in the classroom for college students," Wetzel said. "Professors tell us that they love the fresh infusion of energy and inspiration the artists bring, and students enjoy the contact with the artists. These opportunities are a distinct advantage for our students."

Activities open to the public at Purdue include a program titled "Macbeth in History and Performance" at 7 p.m. Sept. 22 in Stewart Center, Room 202. English professor Paul White will talk about what made the tragedy so sensational in Shakespeare's time and what captivates audiences today, including superstitions surrounding the play's production history.

Also, following both "Macbeth" performances, audiences will be invited to stay for a discussion with the cast after experiencing the company's performance style. The post-performance event is free for ticket holders.

Tickets for "Macbeth" performances are available at the Elliott Hall and Stewart Center box offices at (765) 494-3933 or (800) 914-SHOW. Tickets also are available through Ticketmaster outlets. Tickets are $26 for adults and $19 for children 18 years and younger, and Purdue and Ivy Tech Lafayette students.

Writer: Christy Jones, (765) 494-1089, christyjones@purdue.edu

Sources: Todd Wetzel, (765) 494-9712, tewetzel@purdue.edu

Kerry Schutt Nason, Purdue Convocations director of marketing, (765) 494-5045, knason@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

PHOTO CAPTION:

A touring Shakespeare theater company called Actors From the London Stage, will bring "Macbeth" to Purdue University's Loeb Playhouse for two performances on Sept. 21-22. (Photo courtesy of Purdue Convocations)

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