New Adaptation of Macbeth takes MSUM stage
Oct. 4-7 | 7:30 p.m. | Gaede Stage
A blood-curdling tale of ambition, shame, jealousy, greed and murder takes the Gaede Stage at MSUM Wednesday, Oct. 4.
The leading characters could be Claire and Frank Underwood from the hit Netflix series House of Cards. Fans of the political thriller will see striking similarities between the Underwoods and the Macbeths, the first couple seeking the White House, and the second seeking the throne of Scotland during the dark ages.
Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s best-known plays, dramatizes the damaging physical and psychological effects of political ambition on those who seek power for its own sake. The audience follows the Macbeths as they scheme, plot and murder in order to come into power, but as soon as they achieve their initial objective, their world crumbles around them.
Because human nature hasn’t changed much, Macbeth is still relevant today, says the play’s director, Craig Ellingson. The 90-minute, no intermission adaptation is a visceral, rollercoaster ride, but still remains true to Shakespeare’s intent.
The play runs through Saturday, Oct. 7. All performances start at 7:30 p.m. For more information, contact Craig Ellingson at (701)388-9382 or craig.ellingson@mnstate.edu. For tickets, go to mnstate.edu/tickets or call the MSUM Box Office at (218) 477-2271 Monday through Friday from noon to 4 p.m. or arrive early and pick up at the door.