Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum kicks off its 50th anniversary with the tragedy play Macbeth. Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ellen Geer.
Macbeth, is it just a dream? Is Macbeth the witches’ dream? Are the witches Macbeth’s dream? Could the witches be an externalization of Macbeth’s character? Or, maybe even Lady Macbeth’s ambitions?
The debate is intense among scholars to decipher what the witches really represent in the play. As for their characteristics in Ellen Geer‘s production, the rituals and the behavior exhibited by the three witches and Hecate seem to infer that they were Scottish, and consequently, continental witches rather than local ones. In Shakespeare’s times, British witches were believed to be more interested in petty things and not having much control of magical powers. Continental witches, on the other hand, were perceived as more powerful and able to control the destiny of people, thus being able to foretell and influence Macbeth and Banquo’s future.
It is important to note that the Protestant King James VI, who survived several murder attempts, some attributed to the North Berwick witches, wrote Daemonologie, three books and a pamphlet about demonology and witchcraft. King James called the witches of his time “slaves of the Devil” and encouraged witch hunting during his reign. It is believed that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth as a tribute to King James, who became the royal patron of Shakespeare’s theatre company. The supernatural, the historical and contemporaneous perception on witchcraft, and the duality of paganism and Christianity influenced and inspired some of the passages in Macbeth.
Director Ellen Geer’s production renders a faithful representation of the play’s emblems that surround the story and give Macbeth the uncanny anxiety that leads him to madness and his ultimate demise. The apparitions, the moving grove, and the Weird Sisters’ rituals are depicted in visually stunning detail to emphasize the decaying mental state of the protagonist and the fatal consequences of his actions.
Both Max Lawrence and Willow Geer transcend in their roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth respectively. They keenly illustrate the initial attempt to support each other, but also their mutual devastation as a result- of their own excessive ambitions. Geer excels in her interpretation of the ambitious and oftentimes comedic leading lady, a sublime depiction of power lust and self-destruction.
The stage, with a natural canyon ravine as its background, allows a dynamic performance. Actors enter and exit from all directions to give the audience an engaging experience. The costumes, lighting, and a touch of special effects frame this captivating story of kings, witches, good, evil, murder, and hope. Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum is a magnificent place to stage The Scottish play, a 400-year-old magical tragedy that continues to intrigue and fascinate audiences of all ages.
Macbeth
Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum
1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga CA 90290
(midway between Pacific Coast Highway and the Ventura Freeway)
June 10–September 23 (see link below for dates and times)
Tickets: theatricum.com
Written by William Shakespeare. Directed by Ellen Geer. Starring Max Lawrence in the title role; Willow Geer as Lady M; Aaron Hendry as Macduff; Claire Simba as Lady Macduff; Cavin (CR) Mohrhardt as Malcolm; Franc Ross as Duncan and the Porter; Taylor Jackson Ross as Hecate; Steven C. Fisher as Ross; and Jeff Wiesen as Banquo. Also in the cast are Marc Antonio Pritchett as Old Siward and Andy Stokan as the doctor. Presented by Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum. Creative team: Assistant Director Claire Simba; Fight Choreographer Cavin (CR) Mohrhardt; Stage Manager Kim Cameron; Assistant Stage Manager Ian Geatz; Costume Designer Tracy Wahl; Original Music Marshall McDaniel & Ellen Geer; Sound Designer Charles Glaudini; Lighting Designer Zachary Moore; Properties Master Alexander Sheldon; Wardrobe Supervisor Beth Eslick.
