Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions
Presents
MACBETH
Written by William Shakespeare
Adaptation & Direction by Leslie D. Bland
May 22 – 31, 2009 at the Belfry Arts Centre
“Something Wicked This Way Comes”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE…Victoria, May 4, 2009 – Kaleidoscope Theatre’s modern multimedia adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth premieres May 22 at the Belfry Arts Centre. Macbeth has always been one of Artistic Director, Leslie Bland’s favourite Shakespeares. “The combination of political intrigue, the supernatural, conspiracies, and blood-guts- and-gore plumbed and held aloft through the Bard’s language makes for an irresistible creation. No wonder it’s considered one of Shakespeare’s five greatest works.”
The play explores the dangers of the lust for power, and the betrayal of friends. Perhaps more importantly though, it asks the question as to whether man controls his own fate. Does Macbeth come to a bad end due to his destiny, or due to his actions to claim a prophecy?
Adaptor Leslie D. Bland has had this adaptation in the works for more than 20 years. Set in modern times, the witches are portrayed as the mainstream media, and the production will feature integrated use of multi-media including pre-recorded scenes of the show’s cast. Bland says “It can be argued that they (the witches) drive the plot of the play, just as it can be advocated that the media determine today’s society and politics. From JFK’s triumph over Richard Nixon in the first televised presidential debate, to Trudeau-mania, to Oprah’s influence in kick-starting Barack Obama’s rise to power, the media have played a big hand in the political fortunes of our leaders.”
We are fortunate to have a stellar cast and creative team including local actors: Chris Mackie (Macbeth), John Emmet Tracy (Malcolm, Ross, 1st Reporter), Trevor Hinton (Macduff), Roderick Glanville (Banquo), Christine Upright (Duncan), and Tonya Albers (3rd Reporter). They are joined by Vancouver-based actor Melissa Oei playing Lady Macbeth/ 1st Reporter. We are tremendously excited to be collaborating with multiple Jessie Award-winner, and highly sought after projections designer Jamie Nesbitt. Carole Klemm (Set), Kate Dutton (Costumes), Rebekah Johnson (Lights), and Alexander Brendan Ferguson (Sound) round out the creative team.
The play has also been trimmed in length to approx 100 minutes for young audiences age 12 - adult. Our school matinee performance bookings are a huge success with a near sell-out. We anticipate our limited public performances will also sell out, so the public is encouraged to book their tickets at the Belfry Box office to ensure attendance at this ground-breaking world premiere.
Of special note -- This production of Macbeth is the subject of a feature documentary by Vancouver’s JIB Entertainment.
Public Performances:
Friday, May 22 – 8 pm (Opening Night)
Saturday, May 23 – 8 pm
Saturday, May 30 – 8 pm
Sunday, May 31 – 2 pm (Matinee)
TICKETS
Adults $22.05 (inclusive of charges and taxes)
Students $19.95 (inclusive of charges and taxes)
Tickets available at the Belfry Box Office (250) 385-6815
Shakespeare’s Macbeth is proudly supported by our following sponsors:
Season Sponsors
Thrifty Foods, “A” British Columbia, CRD, BC Gaming Policy and Enforcement, Playtime Bingo, BC Arts Council
Show Sponsors
JIB Enterprises, Traveller’s Inn Hotels & Resorts,
Media & Print Partners
Times Colonist, Island Parent Magazine, Monday Magazine, South Island Print Services