Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ … in 45 minutes

Published 3:00 am Tuesday, June 28, 2022

The three witches of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” — from left, Leelah Swinford, Marilyn Novak and Obsidian Adams — gather around their cauldron in a cauldron during rehearsal on June 21, 2022.

BAKER CITY — With a clanking of wooden swords and soliloquies straight from Shakespeare’s pen, the youth of Baker City are presenting “Macbeth” in July.

In 45 minutes. With sparkly red scarves as blood.

Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” is full of sword fights, intrigue and murder, and that’s all there in this shortened version staged by Eastern Oregon Regional Theatre.

Shows are set for July 1-3 and July 8-10. Performances are at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 3 p.m. Sunday, at EORT, 2101 Main St.

Tickets are $15 adults, $13 members or $8 students. Purchase tickets at the door or in advance at www.easternoregonregionaltheatre.com or by calling 541-523-9652.

The play

“Macbeth” is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare in the early 1600s that explores the psychological effects of those who seek power at any cost.

This version, written by Nancy Linehan Charles, has a slightly longer title: “Macbeth: A kid’s cautionary tale concerning greed, power, mayhem and other current events.”

In addition to it’s short stage time, the words of Shakespeare are explained in more modern language by the narrators, who are three girls at a sleepover.

“It’s like they’re talking during the movie,” said Abby Dennis, who directs the play. “And then they get involved.”

Involved in a sword fight, to be exact.

As for the “cautionary tale” part, the narrators help translate the action into morals for the audience — such as explaining how this story is “about a guy who wanted something that did not belong to him.”

Mainly, King Duncan’s crown and the role as king.

Although it’s short, all the familiar parts are included — the three witches recite the famous “ Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and caldron bubble” and Lady Macbeth’s “Out, damned spot!” mutterings as she descends into madness after the murder of the king.

This is “Macbeth” in all its tragic glory — but in a kid-friendly version.

“This guy tells one heck of a story,” says Jessica Warbis, one of the narrators.

The cast

“Macbeth” is brought to life by Justin Wolfe, Jordan Wolfe, Paige Wolfe, Jessica Warbis, Payton Anderson, Kate Loennig, Leelah Swinford, Marilyn Novak, Obsidian Adams, Evan Carroll, Jace Carroll and Natioshya Hickson-Clarke.

Marketplace