The Scottish Play

Local talent takes the stage in Macbeth

I

t says a lot that theater troupes the world over continue to come back to the brilliant works of Bill Shakespeare.

It's probably because he's just about the only guy in history to (seemingly) have it all figured out: love, lust, jealousy, power, obsession, murder—dude did it all, with an almost mind-blowing insight into the human condition and experience.

His views on the inner workings of all manner of people is nothing short of breathtaking, and even though there's a bit of a language barrier, for those willing to look into the many hidden meanings and double entendres with even a minimal degree of investigation (consult author C T Onions' fabulous book, A Shakespeare Glossary, for life-changing understanding), a glorious amount of humor and stark truths begin to emerge.

Perhaps, then, this can explain why Macbeth is so fascinating. The timeless tale of a leader gone mad with ambition, following a nefarious prediction from a cadre of witches, it is surely one of the darkest and most violent works written by the Bard and even gave us totally cool sayings like, "By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes."

There is something so devilishly enjoyable about the supernatural aspects of Macbeth as well, and to this day, it is considered cursed within the theater world. Many an actor refer to it simply as "The Scottish Play" rather than mutter its sinister title anywhere near the boards.

Director Patrick Briggs and local Shakespeare buffs will mount the show at the Santa Fe Playhouse (the first Playhouse production of Shakespeare in a minute) with actor Matt Sanford (pictured) playing the eponymous lead. Let's just hope everything goes according to plan…

Macbeth
7:30 pm Thursday, April 2
(through April 19) $10-20
Santa Fe Playhouse
142 E De Vargas St.,
988-4262


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