Our Second "Macbeth" e-interview

 The second performance of Macbeth takes the stage tonight at the Renaissance Theatre in Huntington (900 8th Street), so let's go behind the scenes and meet some of the members of this all-star cast!


   Here in the second of our e-interviews is my pal Sarah Diamond Burroway, who's an excellent actor and a fellow blogger! Here's what she has to say:

Q: You're part of a classic Shakespeare play, but in case our reader isn't familiar with it, tell us the basic story.

Sarah: It's a centuries old tale of greed, power, treachery and deceit. It's set in Scotland in battlefields, woods, Macbeth's castle and anywhere the witches are. This production of Macbeth by ARTS is set in an undefined yet contemporary time, which I believe helps lend itself to the notion that the very real themes of this Shakespeare tragedy could and do exist (though maybe not so carnally) today. 

Q: Tell us about the character you play.

Sarah: I play Witch One.  She's one of the Weird Sisters.  The witches like to toy with Macbeth. He's already lustful and greedy for more power. They meet up with Macbeth and Banquo and start sowing little seeds, which sprout and take root. 

Q: What's the most challenging thing about this show?

Sarah: As a theatre company, we've worked four or more days per week since summer to educate ourselves about Macbeth, to become more informed of Shakespeare.  Many people are intimidated by Shakespeare, but there's really no need to be. He wrote stories that are still relevant 400 years later.  Once you consider the language and realize it's really English, it's pretty simple to cut through to to emotion of each scene. 

   Physically, this has been a very challenging show. The director and fight captain have worked especially hard to train the actors in the fight scenes to play them out realistically and safely. I think the audience will be impressed by the weaponry and battles.

   Also, the weird sister have been working with a movement coach, Leah Turley, to help us learn how to use our bodies in an "other worldly" way so we 'become' witches in our scenes rather than recite witch lines as our physical selves. The movement work has helped give an entirely different feel to those scenes where the witches are on stage. We present our character selves in a way on stage that is completely different from how we carry ourselves in real life. I think you'll see three distinctly different characters who meld into the intent of the witches. 

Q: Will the audience be scared or shocked by this production?

Sarah: Yes and yes. As well as educated, entertained, transported, terrified, repulsed and wanting more when the show concludes. I think Mike Murdock's vision for Macbeth is something exciting and atypical for theatre in the tri-state. 

Q: Why did you want to be part of this show?

Sarah: To be working with this director, cast and crew is awesome!  As someone who's only been doing community theatre for a couple of years, it is a wish come true to share the spotlight with truly some of the best, most talented actors and technical crew anywhere. Plus, I told Mike that I wanted to be a witch on my birthday and I'm happy to be celebrating around a bubbling cauldron.

Q: Why would you recommend this show to our readers?

Sarah: Shakespeare isn't something local community theatre companies here tackle everyday. It's hard word. It's a time consuming process.  The show that Murdock and ARTS are putting up is by far one of the best--if not the best-- shows of the season.  Sometime next year when people are asking, what was your favorite show of 2012? Macbeth will be in the top three. No question. 

Q: Tell us the dates, times and place for the show.

Sarah: You can catch Macbeth at ARTS (the Renaissance Center, or old Huntington High) on October 12, 13, 19, 20 at 8 p.m. or 14, 21 at 2 p.m.  If you'd like to enjoy dinner before the Friday or Saturday performances give a call to 304-733-ARTS for reservations.  Tickets are $10, or $25 for dinner and the show.  See you there!