In celebration of the 73rd Annual Hofstra Shakespeare Festival, Hofstra’s Drama department performed “Macbeth.” Directed by drama department chair and professor Royston Coppenger on the Globe Stage at John C. Adams Playhouse, “Macbeth” tells the story of the self-titled Scottish war-hero who receives a prophetic message that he is destined to become king and secure the throne.
Harrison Campbell brings a captivating and jarring performance as the tragic hero who learns a shameful lesson of the consequences of overconsumption of power, alongside Mackenzie Krestul as Lady Macbeth who delivers the role of the ruthless woman with a modernized touch. The two actors have a raw and mature chemistry that is often difficult to portray onstage. In one scene between the two, Macbeth has killed the king and Lady Macbeth, who encouraged and helped cover up the act, takes her husband’s bloody hands in her own and fiercely touches his face while Macbeth displays his submission before his ascent into power.
The witches, otherwise referred to throughout the show as the “weird sisters,” played by Ariana Wentworth, Claire Riley and Kylie Walrod serve as serve as Macbeth’s prophets, as well as the forces of fate which jeer him. Throughout the show, the witches create mischief all around, serving as comedic relief among a plethora of dramatic characters. Macbeth’s closest friend, Banquo, is played by Jonny Grimes. During a scene at the castle, Banquo’s ghost appears on the table at a banquet hosted by the Macbeths. Grimes heavily relies on physical acting to not only terrify Macbeth, but the audience as well. Grimes is forceful yet feeble with Macbeth, as he spitefully kisses him and collapses off the table. Macduff, portrayed by Michael Kollner, doubts Macbeth’s claim that Duncan was killed by his servants. Kollner is exemplary at performing the role of a character who challenges Macbeth. He is the sole survivor of his family’s attempted assassination as planned by Macbeth. Kollner emphasizes Macduff’s hunger for vengeance, especially through his facial features.
Unlike the unabridged version of the play, he costumes in the show are inspired by 20th century fashion. Costume designer Meredith Van Scov told the Hofstra Department of Drama and Dance, “Shakespeare productions are exciting to design because you can do anything. They offer so many creative options and opportunities to tell the story.” She explains her vision for Lady Macbeth’s costume as well, which is perhaps the most modern costume in the show. Lady Macbeth wears a jumpsuit, as well as stilettos throughout the performance which displays her dominance and ferocity. Van Scov explains that “[Lady Macbeth] needed to have a strong presence that made her stand out from the other female characters in the show in way that plays with gender representation in that time period.”
Hofstra’s production of “Macbeth” is a perfect example of how a contemporary take on a classic piece of art can be done. The utilization of thematic costume design, dramatic acting and classic Shakespearean staging proves that once again, Hofstra does Shakespeare justice.
