How Shakespeare rocked the park
“What’s done cannot be undone,” but the actor did indeed return the chips after sampling a few during his dialog. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
One intense moment between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Shakespeare’s Macbeth comes to life at the Sanders County Fair Grounds. (Erin Jusseaume/Clark Fork Valley Press)
Actors protraying Macbeth and Lady Macbeth on stage. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
An epic sword battle took place and mesmerized the audience. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Fork Valley Press)
Locals enjoy a night under the Shakespearian stars. (Erin Jusseaume/ Clark Forkk Valley Press)
Shakespeare in the Park was of ‘Macbeth’ proportions for local Plains residents that attended.
The Montana Shakespeare in the Park Theatre Company graced the Sanders County Fair Grounds last Thursday night with the telling of a Scottish general who kills the King only to take the throne for himself.
It is estimated around 150 locals were set up in front of the stage while actors took to recount their interpretation of Macbeth.
What made this performance all the more enjoyable was how well the actors mixed their costumes with their own interpretations for the performance.
Though Macbeth has seen many recounts on stage, television, opera, film, and other mediums; it is no wonder that it undoubtedly a classic.
Of the many plays that are famous from the original playwright, Shakespeare’s Macbeth is the shortest of all his tragedies. It was also speculated that Macbeth most clearly reflected his relationship with his sovereign King James I.
From murder to deception, witches and prophecies, the story of Macbeth though relatively short, is one that holds a twist and turn at every corner. The play itself is only 5 Acts, but the interaction that Banquo has with the audience truly brings to life that Shakespearean love of story telling.
Don Tolley of North Idaho came down with his son and his family from Trout Creek for the night’s festivities. He said he encountered more than what he expected and was really enjoying the night in the park.
“The highlight was when one of the actors interacted with the crowd. He even grabbed my grandsons pack of chips in the front row,” he said with a laugh.
“My grandsons face was priceless, but it was a great way to get the audience interacted before the second half of the performance,” said Tolley.
The crowd it self saw many older locals in the audience, but there were the few with family there and you could see on some small faces that they really got engrossed in the performance.
“The actors are doing a great job, I don’t know how they’re doing it tonight on stage because the sun is very warm and they are performing directly into the sun with those costumes,” said Tolley.
He also mentioned that though he wasn’t read up on Macbeth, he was impressed that the theatre company had provided a synopsis of the play for those that didn’t now the story.
With a unique traveling stage and the actors delving into their roles; it was easy to see how precise the show and all elements have been put together.
For a travelling show, to have a summers night filled with mystery and intrigue was certainly seen as an August evening highlight Plains locals.
Photos on following page and on Page A7.