Aquila Theatre Company presents “Macbeth” on UNA campus

by Ann Harkey Staff Writer

Fog filled Norton Auditorium as the Aquila Theatre Company performed their rendition of the well-known Shakespeare play, “Macbeth.”

Aquila Theatre was founded in London in 1991 and will tour “Macbeth” to almost 70 American cities. Their mission includes making classical works accessible to a wide audience. The play was performed with only six actors and minimal props.

“Macbeth” is set in Scotland and follows Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis. Macbeth is told by three witches that he will one day become the King of Scotland and must take his future into his own hands by murdering the current king. The play unfolds as the events of Macbeth’s rise and fall to power are portrayed.

The play was well received by several UNA students.

“Brilliant,” said Joy Whitten, a public relations major at UNA. “I’ve liked everything the Aquila Theatre has done. It’s a bit depressing, but I’m always in awe of Shakespeare.”

Some UNA students were introduced to “Macbeth” for the first time.

“I liked it,” said Patrick Lindsay, a computer science major. “I like how they kind of modernized the costumes. This is my first ‘Macbeth’ experience, and I’ve enjoyed it.”

UNA professors share their opinions of the professional play.

“I thought it was one of the most emotional Macbeths I have ever seen,” said Dr. Lesley Peterson, professor of English at UNA. “He had such an emotional range.”

Actor Guy Oliver-Watts-who also starred in “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as Puck for the Aquila Theatre-portrayed Macbeth.

“It was really something,” said Dr. Robert Adler, a professor of Spanish for UNA. “What an awesome presentation, especially with no scenery.”

The play was funded by the Albert S. Johnston endowment via the Department of English.