Ladies' MacBeth

Maya Ferchaw

The raven himself is hoarse that croaks the fatal (and exhilarating!) entrance of the Acting Conservatory’s upcoming production of “Mac Beth”. Not to be confused with the traditional Macbeth as staged by Shakespeare, Mac Beth is an interpretation of this work created by Erica Schmidt, featuring a modern, all-female contextual twist on one of history’s most gruesome plays. 

Directed by the Acting Conservatory’s Stephanie Dorian, OCSA’s Mac Beth features a multi-grade level all-female cast, and a fresh look on Shakespeare’s text. Split between the 4 principle roles of Macbeth, Banquo, Lady Macbeth and MacDuff (in order of appearance) the three witches and the ensemble, the diverse cast acts as schoolgirls putting on a play that takes a dark turn. The interpretation originates from the 2014 Slenderman stabbing, an instance of young girls committing an act of violence when they lose themselves to fiction, a trope reflected within Mac Beth.

Dorian, known as a beloved teacher and director within the Acting Conservatory, has been working at OCSA for 16 years, and is now entering her final year at the school. Known for her astounding projects at OCSA such as “The Lord of the Flies” and “The Wolves”, Dorian’s breathtaking productions are always very sought after by the auditioning Acting Conservatory student. Dorian explained how she doesn't just ‘direct to direct’: “I have to be very passionate about the material.” Her past shows have always left a lasting impact on anyone who watches them, and it’s clear that Mac Beth will be no different. With its ensemble format, intensity of content and range of emotions, Mac Beth will certainly make for another resounding production.

 While Mac Beth makes for an intriguing story by itself, the production also offers a unique opportunity for many of the female Acting Conservatory students, and passesalong a vital message on the power of young girls. Dorian described how she wants girls to be able to “find their power” through this show. She expressed interest in theater with a purpose: “I’m very interested in social commentary and theater for social justice, theater with a message, and theater for a change.” By giving girls the opportunity to play powerful roles that are typically inaccessible, through the story of Mac Beth, Dorian and her cast are sure to create a powerful piece, communicating the strength of femininity and the devotion of a young girl’s imagination, an important perspective relevant to many of the students here at OCSA.