“MACBETH:” A HAUNTING DRAMA BY ELM SHAKESPEARE

                            MACBETH AND LADY MACBETH

                      PHOTO BY JUDY SIROTA ROSENTHAL

Warriors, witches and wickedness invade Scotland in the haunting drama “Macbeth” penned by William Shakespeare many centuries ago.  Ambition and power can still corrupt as can be witnessed in today’s headlines, when honest politician is all too often an oxymoron.

The  Elm Shakespeare Company will be presenting a masterful production of “Macbeth,” outdoors under the stars at Edgerton Park on the Hamden/New Haven line, from Tuesday, August 28  to Sunday, September 2 at 8 p.m.

Macbeth (James Andreassi) and Banquo (Mark Zeisler) are weary warriors as they return from battle, victorious over two separate invading armies.  Arriving at their homeland, the two men overhear a trio of witches (Sarah Grace-Wilson, Kerry Tattar and Francesca Smith) conjuring spells and offering prophesies about Macbeth soon becoming the Thane of Cawdor and, soon after, the King of Scotland.  Thus the seed is planted and ambitions start to grow out of control, like kudzu, in a fertile plain.

With the encouragement of his wife Lady Macbeth, a determined and diabolical Marianna Bassham, James Andreassi’s impassioned and misguided Macbeth sets off on a bloody trail of victims, forging a path to the throne.  Why wait for the crown if you can eliminate, by murder, all who stand in your way?

With a false heart and a blood stained soul, the once valiant and glorious warrior transforms himself into a corrupt and wicked man.  Lady Macbeth soon manifests her guilt in sleepwalking while her husband sees the ghosts of those he has slain, haunting his waking hours.  For their deeds, their consciences will allow them no peace.

With King Duncan (Tracy Griswold) dead, Macbeth now fears Macduff (Colin Lane) who opposes his accession to the throne, and orders Macduff’s wife and children killed.  When the witches further prophesize that only a man not born of woman can harm him and his safety is secured until Birnam Wood comes to the castle, Macbeth feels invincible.  Artistic director James Andreassi does a sterling job of creating this harrowing tale.

Elm Shakespeare Company productions are free but suggested donations are $20 adults, $10 students and $5 children under 12.  Come early with chair or blanket and picnic on the lovely grounds.

The Elm Shakespeare Company will hold a Gala and Auction on Thursday, August 30 at 5 p.m. with delicious food and intriguing items to purchase.  An online auction is currently underway.  Go to www.elmshakespeare.org or www.biddingforgood.com/elmshakespeare or call 203-874-0801 for more information.

Cast your fascinated and disbelieving eyes on Macbeth as he unleashes his lust for power and, in the process, self-destructs.