Voodoo Macbeth adapted by Orson Welles

March 22-April 13, 2013
Gunston Theatre Two (directions)

Shakespeare’s chaos unfolds on a futuristic battleground of faith and mystery in a retelling of Welles’ sensational 1936 production for the Federal Theatre Project.

Directed by Kathleen Akerley (On the Waterfront, Beyond the Horizon).

The Federal Theatre Project’s production of Voodoo Macbeth in 1936 is legendary for its cast of African-American actors. A marginalized group heretofore seen in primarily dancing and singing roles, the play challenged audiences to acknowledge and appreciate their clear talent and ability. Set in Haiti, Shakespeare’s themes of witchcraft and the occult were replaced by the island’s practices of voodoo.

TACT Artistic Director Jack Marshall sought in Director Kathleen Akerley an artist who most embodies Welles’ fearless pursuit of dynamic theater, with his willingness to break rules and expectations to keep the stage what it was meant to be: vivid, challenging, and controversial.

Akerley accepted the challenge. Her battalion of Christian marines is stationed in Scotland, circa 2033 A.D., where, after eleven years of fighting, foreign culture has seeped into their day-to-day practices of faith and war. Shakespeare’s chaos ensues as Macbeth's exposure to indigenous spiritual practices and his own desires manifest in unexpected ways.

The all-male cast includes Joseph Carlson as Macbeth, with Frank Britton, Keegan Cassady, Evan Crump, Matt Dewberry, Cyle Durkee, Chris Dwyer, James Finley, Nick Hagy, Will Hayes, James Miller, Ryan Sellers and Theodore M. Snead.

Calendar of Performances for
Voodoo Macbeth

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March 2013

April 2013

PWYC indicates "pay what you can" - no advance reservations are accepted.

PREVIEW performances are "pay what you can" - see previous line.

Talkback indicates a post-show discussion following the performance.

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