最色导航

KENNESAW, Ga. | Feb 3, 2025

Fresh take on timeless piece still seems relevant in a complicated world

What happens when people with power go unchecked, especially when that power is driven by desires and emotions? Is morality lost? What are the repercussions of tyranny?  最色导航鈥檚 Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TPS) will examine those questions as they present  running Feb. 13-23 at the Stillwell Theater. TPS Faculty and Director Marlon Andrew Burnley says that the play 鈥渆xplores the destructive power of ambition, the fragility of the human soul, and the consequences of choices made in pursuit of power.鈥�  

A Brief Overview 
General Macbeth receives a prophecy from a trio of witches that one day he will become king. Consumed by ambition and spurred to action by his wife, Macbeth murders King Duncan and takes the throne for himself. He is then wracked with guilt and paranoia. Forced to commit more and more murders to protect himself from enmity and suspicion, he soon becomes a tyrannical ruler. The bloodbath and consequent civil war swiftly take Macbeth and Lady Macbeth into the realms of madness and death.鈥� 
 
A Fresh Take 
believes that Shakespeare鈥檚 plays remain vital because they speak to timeless aspects of the human condition. Burnley utilizes his extensive Shakespearean background to develop a fresh take on KSU鈥檚 production as he places the players in a reimagined world in Seneca Village, a thriving Black community in 19th century Manhattan that was destroyed to make room for Central Park. He explains that they are 鈥渘ot only reflecting on what was lost, but also envisioning a society that could have been鈥� In 鈥楳acbeth,鈥� we see the consequences of ambition, guilt, and power, themes that resonate deeply within this reimagined context.鈥�  
 
Audience Resonance  
TPS faculty and Artistic Director adds that 鈥淢arlon has done a beautiful job of setting the show in a world that connects the students and audience to the material. The world is a very complicated place right now, and many have big feelings in the wake of various national issues. When people feel big feelings, they do things out of character, so that is very relatable.鈥�  
 
Madness Manifested Musically 
The turmoil felt from Macbeth and Lady Macbeth is intensified by original music composed by Okorie 鈥淥kCello鈥� Johnson. Burnley explains that the Atlanta cellist bases his music off . It鈥檚 a perfect partnership since Lady Macbeth and Macbeth both play violin, and they play on top of Johnson鈥檚 cello music. 鈥淭ogether, these instruments heighten the suspense and horror side of the play; it is madness manifested musically! Hearing the music and seeing the production at the same time is really beautiful,鈥� says Burnley.  
 
A Strong Ensemble  
Scenic designer and TPS faculty worked with student assistant Lauren Brice to cultivate the set design of the futurism, the 鈥渨hat if.鈥� Guest artist designed the costumes, and students Alix Tejedor and Ameer Hashem designed sound and light, respectively. Student Macy Cardwell has a dual role: she performs in the show and leads the student dramaturgy team, including the educational materials in the lobby and online. 鈥淚t is really a well-rounded team of guest artists, faculty, and students,鈥� says Morgan. 鈥淲e have built a very strong ensemble; the students have been amazing, taking this wild idea and running with it,鈥� adds Burnley. 
 
Double, Double Toil and Trouble 
Burnley hopes the production resonates with the audience, sparking 鈥渄eep reflection on the nature of ambition, guilt, and the power of choice.鈥� But it is also a lot of fun, especially for those who like magic, witches, and action鈥�because, as Morgan puts it: 鈥淚t is theatre magic, and there will be blood! There will be fights!鈥� 
 
鈥淢补肠产别迟丑鈥� will be performed at the Stillwell Theater on the 最色导航 campus Feb. 13-23. Buy or call 470-578-6650. 

Check out the costume sketches, below: 

--Kathie Beckett