Sierra Rep Stages Shakespeare's MACBETH, Beginning Tonight

Sierra Rep will present Shakespeare's Macbeth tonight, August 21, through Sept. 13 at the East Sonora stage on Mono Way. Directed by Sierra Rep's producing director Dennis Jones, the play tells the story of a brave Scottish general who receives a prophecy that one day he will become king of Scotland. Consumed by ambition, and encouraged by Lady Macbeth, he embarks on a journey that leads to arrogance, guilt, madness and death.

"It has to do with how easy it is to fall down on the side of evil," Jones said. "And people can relate to that, whether it's the king that's falling or the CEO of a corporation."

Macbeth is set in a place much like medieval Scotland, with a world of ghosts, witches, prophecies and bloody battlefields. But despite its ancient feel, the play - Shakespeare's shortest - continues to appeal to audiences. It deals with concepts that are very much alive in the world today: power, ambition, getting ahead through unethical - even evil - means.

Charles Pasternernak plays the role of Macbeth. Co-founder and artistic director of a Los Angeles theatre specializing in Shakespeare's work, The Porters of Hellsgate Theatre Company, Pasternak is said he is excited to take the stage for the first time in Sonora. He's played Macbeth once before, and he can't wait to further dig into the role.

"There's always more to discover," Pasternak said. "Macbeth is about the inevitable and increasing corruption of power. With each terrible act, the next becomes easier, the conscience more remote."

Emelie O'Hara, another actor with several Shakespeare plays in her repertoire, plays Lady Macbeth in her first time performing at Sierra Rep. Among her credits: Hermia in Midsummer Night's Dream; Rosaline in Loves Labors Lost and Viola in Twelfth Night.

Technical elements also play starring roles in this production. Jones will use fog machines to help create a shadowy atmosphere that lends itself to the play's supernatural elements, including witches and ghosts. Scenic elements include an elaborate castle complete with arches and hidden compartments.

"There's a lot of texture and mood in this piece," said Ty Smith, SRT company actor and sound engineer. "It's not something the audience notices, but it really reinforces the story."

Smith and Jones selected sound effects together - strong gusts of winds, cracks of thunder, hoof beats of horses ready for battle. Smith even borrowed actors from Sierra Rep's production of Unnecessary Farce to record the eerie echoes of the play's three witches.

Shakespeare's original language will also contribute to the mood of the. It fits the period, but still moves the plot, said Jones, who edited the play, as most directors do. Jones considers Macbeth one of Shakespeare's most accessible works.

"You can follow the plot and understand the characters' motivations," he said. "That's what makes Shakespeare so fabulous. He had remarkable insight into the human character. He understood what motivated them, what they cared about."

"Have you ever stared at a politician or a businessman seemingly devoid of empathy and human compassion?" Pasternak said. "They make one small decision at a time until the cumulative effects of the decisions destroy them."

Macbeth runs August 21 through September 13 with performances Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.; Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m.; some Thursdays at 2 p.m. and some Thursdays at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $28 to $35, with senior and student discounts available. For general admission tickets and information, visit www.sierrarep.org or call the Box Office at 209-532-3120.

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