Macbeth Still Speaks to Modern Themes After All These Years

SARASOTA – I've always found the real beauty of Shakespeare to be in the way he seemed to flawlessly select timeless themes and explore them in a profoundly seminal way that ensured they would remain both relevant and accessible into perpetuity. More than 400 years after its debut, Macbeth still speaks to modern themes, as evidenced by FSU/Asolo Conservatory's current production, which opened Wednesday at the FSU Center for Performing Arts' Cook Theatre.

The Conservatory's resident Shakespeare expert Jonathan Epstein delivers a tight production that uses a clever set by Chris McVicker in what manages to feel like a fresh take on one of the most oft-produced plays in the history of the stage: the story of a Scottish king obsessed with fulfilling the prophecy of his rule but driven mad by the means he must employ to secure it.

Brett Mack is near flawless as Macbeth, while the talented Scott Kuiper delivers another strong performance as Lord Macduff. Brandon Maldonado, who, along with Kuiper, has distinguished himself as one of the strongest actors among the second-year class, turns in another very good performance as Lord Banquo.

The star of the play, however, is Danielle Renella, who gives a magnificent performance as a bewitchingly-sinister Lady Macbeth, the strong and ambitious wife who goads him in search of his supposed destiny with a villainous zeal. Renalla’s intensity beams from every inch of her tiny frame and despite her petite size, she looms largest of anyone on the stage in every scene she enters.

The one real miss in this production regards an ambitious take on the "wayward sisters." The three witches–played by Jillian Courtney, Jessie Taylor and a delightfully-wicked Kelly Elizabeth Smith–are presented in an intriguing way that includes interesting use of the minimalist set props, which are largely comprised of small, movable platforms and narrow, opaque slats that are wheeled into various arrangements and can be shadow-lit.

The witches go a bit over the top in their shrill, high-pitched delivery of the prophecies that are central to the play, which are often rendered inaudible, especially Courtney’s. Points given for the originality and visual triumph, points taken away for the lack of coherency. Once again, Becki Leigh comes through with excellent costumes that have a modern edge, while still looking accurate for their period.

In all, the production is a successful rendition of one of theater’s great masterpieces and a good chance to see a quality local production of one of Shakespeare’s most accessible works. Macbeth runs through March 13. Visit the Asolo website for more information.