UIndy Theatre is running an original production of Mac: A Macbeth story from Nov. 13-15. It is a modern, southern-set adaptation of the classic story of Macbeth by Assistant Professor and Director of the UIndy Theatre Program Grant Williams.
Senior theatre and philosophy major Sloane Townsend plays Cynthia, the lady Macbeth parallel in the play.
“She’s kind of the mastermind in the original play, and so she’s kind of the mastermind here as well,” Townsend said in regard to her character. “She’s definitely one of my more favorite roles that I’ve done.”
The play is accessible to those who have not seen any Shakespeare productions as it is an adaptation of a widely accessible piece of work. According to Townsend, Shakespeare plays are everywhere, you notice that the Lion King is Hamlet and you start to realize that almost everything is Shakespeare.
“I think this is a very accessible show to anyone,” Townsend said. “It’s kind of like how you notice that Shakespeare plays are everywhere once you know The Lion King is Hamlet.”
Mac: A Macbeth story is a comedy play, a subversion from the original story’s tragedy. It follows Mac, a helpless person who suddenly finds himself with the possibility of something greater in life, according to Eventbrite.
“We have so many different aspects coming in,” Townsend said. “(It’s) like you’re seeing a film being produced on stage.”
The play itself has a backtrack throughout the duration of the performance that will add dramatic music and background noise to important scenes, something that Townsend emphasized. The tracks were selected by Williams, who is also directing the play.
The play is described as avante garde and artsy, something that not a lot of institutions are exploring right now, according to Townsend.
“That’s what we need right now especially in this time in the world where I feel like art isn’t being explored as much,” Townsend said. “Having these small community moments where we explore art and get to experience it, not only as the audience but as the actors and this community, like we’re all in sync here, is awesome.”
The play is a contemporary southern retelling, something that we have not quite seen before as audiences in regards to such a classic play like Macbeth. According to Townsend, the comedy, staging and colors of the play are wonderful, and the characters are enjoyable.
Mac is one of five UIndy productions this semester, proceeding the two student-lead productions and the Annual Cabaret Showcase in February and a production of Next to Normal in April.
Tickets can be bought for Mac: A Macbeth story here, and tickets are free with a UIndy ID (A# is the discount code at checkout). This also goes for any other UIndy productions. Tickets are on sale for $10 for non-UIndy students.
