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Election-year mudslinging may seem like dirty business, but politics has a long and infinitely creative tradition of playing far dirtier than that, as evidenced by William Shakespeare's classic tragedy Macbeth. Drawing ties--strictly metaphorical ones--between today's political maneuvering and the decidedly hands-on "politics" of long ago, the Renegade Theatre Experiment will present Macbeth in the setting of contemporary times.
The company opens its third season on April 16 with Shakespeare's epic of ambition, conscience and destiny. The production is presented in partnership with City Lights Theater Company.
Thankfully, most methods of getting into politics these days aren't quite as drastic or violent as those undertaken by the Scottish baron Macbeth, who goes medieval on friends and countrymen alike just to get the boss's job. Egged on first by three witches who prophesize that he will be king, and later by his wife, Lady Macbeth, whose ambition eclipses his own, Macbeth covets the throne of the Scottish king, Duncan, and will kill to have it for himself.
As living with the guilt of this act--and a few others--becomes unbearable for both Mr. and Mrs. Macbeth, a few lords begin to guess Macbeth's treachery, generally to their own peril. But there is one prophecy of the witches that Macbeth isn't so eager to see come to pass, and one rival noble can fulfill it, thanks to a loophole (which seems to prove that some things in politics never change).
The Renegade Theatre Experiment presents the Scottish Play with an eye toward exploring the paradoxes raised in the play and the dualities of good and evil, natural and unnatural. Additionally, director Russ Marcel has also delved deeper into the characters of the three witches who set events in motion. Marcel has expanded their roles, so that like all forces of darkness, they may show up when they're least expected.
Local actor and City Lights artistic director Tom Gough and actress Leah Herman portray the couple that slays together. Whitney Q. Stebbins, Sarah Almazol and Evangeline Maynard play the three witches who stir up trouble.
Despite the dark story, this production isn't all dirty deeds. Proceeds from the company's April 21 performance will benefit Theatre Bay Area's Lemonade Fund, which provides support for theater workers with terminal or life-threatening illnesses.
Renegade Theatre Experiment presents Macbeth April 16May 1 (previews April 15) at City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. Second St., San Jose. Tickets are $15$18. For more information, call 408.351.4440 or see www.renegadetheatre.com
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