Directed by Barta Heiner
A new production of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” set in ancient Mesoamerica will take place at Brigham Young University Wednesday, March 18, through Friday, April 3, nightly at 7:30 p.m. except Sundays and Mondays in the Pardoe Theatre, Harris Fine Arts Center.
Tickets are $15, or $11 with BYU or student ID, and may be purchased online at www.byuarts.com, by phone at (801) 422-4322 or in person at the Fine Arts Ticket Office. Tickets for preview performances March 18-19 and matinee performances March 21 and 28 are $8.
Director Barta Heiner identified striking similarities between the characters and action of “Macbeth” and the personalities and history of the Book of Mormon, finding the same signs of evil that led both narratives to their end: greed, deception, bribery and murder, among others.
“Our concept of Macbeth doesn’t tell the story in Book of Mormon terms,” Heiner said. “Rather, we use ancient Mesoamerica as a backdrop for a moral analogy that explores universal truths like self-deception, power and corruption and the ongoing battle between good and evil.”
“Some adaptations feel stilted, but this flows — it feels natural,” said Hank Florence, who plays Macbeth. “It’s a story about a good man who falls.”
Cast members include Hank Florence as Macbeth, Brighton Hertford as Lady Macbeth, Matt Lund as Banquo, M. Murphy Smith as Macduff, Anya Wilson as Lady Macduff, Randy King as Duncan, Rhett Gagon as Malcolm, Moises Lopez as Donalbain and Anna Hargadon, Chealsea Abinante and Cherish Caldwell as the witches.
The production team includes dramaturg Elizabeth Lund, stage manager Marti Hansen, scenic designer Eric Fielding, costume designers Anna Hawkins and Julie Nielson, makeup and hair designer Amber Wilson, lighting designer Mike Handley and sound designer Mat Goebel.
For more information, contact Barta Heiner at (801) 422-4631.
Writer: Brady Toone
