University of Virginia Library

A Tale Told By An Idiot?

The Virginia Players
upcoming production of
Macbeth promises to be a
production that will not soon
be forgotten. It rivals the
musty conceptions of long
sonorous speeches in dark
passages and offers in its stead
an array of colorful Scotsmen
the likes of which have never
been on stage. Described as a
"symphony of movement,"
this innovative production of
Macbeth will open on the
Minor Hall stage Monday,
March 19.

Directed by David Bell and
designed by Tom Bunchers' master
theses projects, both the
directorial and design elements
merge into a cohesive unit.
Unique is the keyword to the
production which emphasizes
the supernatural aspects as well
as the tragic struggle against
elements that he cannot
control.

George Black , portraying
Macbeth finds the largest
problem in the role is physical.
"There simply isn't' enough time
to rest during the play, the
character is called upon to fly
from one scene to the next,
especially in the second half of
the play. The demands on the
actor are simply enormous -
that's why the role is
traditionally known as an actor
killer."

As to the interpretation of
the role, Mr. Black said that he
finds more to the tragic
conception of the character
than he had previously. "The
character is really caught up
in the world around him.
Events move faster than he can
cope with, and instead of
allowing himself to be beaten,
he attempts to fight against
them, even though he realizes
that he cannot succeed."

The emphasis is far from
being on the main character
alone - everyone in the cast is
present on the stage
throughout the play melting
into the scenes when required.
David Dashiell who plays
Malcolm, expressed the
sentiments of the cast. "It's
unquestionably the most
exciting and exhausting play
that I have ever performed in,"
he said.

If there is a consensus
about Macbeth it is that this
production promises to be one
of the most unique
productions ever staged. From
director to designer to actors,
all are excited about the
coming opening the Minor
Hall Theatre. Macbeth will
play March 19 through March
26 with performances nightly
at 8:30 and a Sunday Matinee,
Reservations can be obtained
by calling the box office at
924-3051 between 2and 5p.m.
weekdays.