MacBeth opens at VIU October 30

Swords, witches, goddesses and ghosts - welcome to MacBeth, Shakespeare’s most popular and darkest tragedy, whose very name became synonymous with bad luck. 

Vancouver Island University’s Theatre department presents its fall production of MacBethOctober 30 to November 8 and director Leon Potter promises a fast-paced production, which will thrill Shakespeare lovers and newcomers alike.

Set in an ancient world where the natural, magical world, and an organized, man-made world are often at odds, this production is packed into less than two hours and will explore the battle between Pagan and Christian beliefs where witches are feared, prophesies revered, and it all collapses on one man.

Macbeth is an honourable man who has won favour with his friend the King, but he is approached by three witches who inform him the fates have chosen him to become King.

He writes home to tell his wife the news, and she comes to realize the quickest way to make this a reality would be to kill the King.  Macbeth becomes paranoid and obsessed. He begins to view everyone around him with suspicion.  As Macbeth sinks deeper, he is haunted by his own actions and a paranormal world which will not let him rest until the final and bloody conclusion.

In the opening scene of Act IV, Shakespeare reproduced a magical ritual in which a group of witches dance around a black cauldron, shouting strange phrases while tossing in ingredients. The practitioners of rituals such as these were not impressed by Shakespeare’s public exposure of their witchcraft and decided to cast their own spell on the play Macbeth that some people believe still haunts it to this day. 

“Productions of this play have been cursed for many years,” said Potter. “The last time I did this show, I was sent to the hospital with multiple broken bones, so I would rather be safe than sorry. Supposedly, simply saying the name Macbeth inside a theatre will bring bad luck to the play and anyone acting in it. To reverse this bad luck, it is said one must exit the theatre and spin around three times and then ask permission to return inside. Other variations of spell reversal efforts include spitting over your shoulder or letting out a stream of cuss words.”

Potter is taking no chances with the safety of his cast and crew. He has scheduled a blessing ritual to be performed by a Wiccan practitioner by the name of Priestess Jalena Apsaras, also known as Debra Thomlinson (owner of Moonlighting Studio in Chemainus). The blessing ritual will be held on October 17 at 2 pm on stage in the Theatre (building 310) at the Nanaimo campus.

“It’s free and open to the public so we’re inviting people to come down and witness for themselves this modern day practicing of craft,” said Potter.

Evening showtimes for VIU’s fall production of MacBeth are Thursday through Saturday, October 30, 31 and Nov. 1, and November 6, 7 and 8 in the Theatre, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo. Matinees take place November 3 at 4 pm, and November 4, 5, and 6 at noon.

Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and students. A special preview show takes place Wednesday, October 29 at 8 pm. All seats are $5 for this performance only.

To reserve your tickets, call the Theatre box office at 250-740-6100.