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Toil and trouble: Theatre Roanoke College debuts production of reimagined “Mac Beth”

April 19, 2023

Two actors wearing crowns stand regally while others kneel before them

William Shakespeare’s tragic tale of the bloody pursuit of power is recast against a new backdrop in Erica Schmidt’s adaptation “Mac Beth” — that of the dark inner world of teenage girls. 

The modernized account, featuring a play-within-a-play, uses an all-female cast to tell a story that has been described by critics as wicked, raucous and psychologically intriguing. The production can be seen onstage now at Olin Hall Theater where students will be putting on nightly performances from April 19-22. 

Scroll through the gallery below to learn more about the students behind the play, their favorite memories of the production and their song recommendations to get yourself in the “Mac Beth” mindset.   

“Mac Beth,” directed by Fine Arts Assistant Professor Nelson Barre, is a production of Theatre Roanoke College presented through special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service. The show will be performed at 7:30 p.m. April 19-22 at Olin Hall Theater. Admission is free to people with a Roanoke College ID, $7 for general admission or $5 for senior citizens. For more information about tickets, go online to Eventbrite, call 540-375-2333 or email boxoffice@roanoke.edu. 

"What bloody (wo)man is that?"

Actors dressed in school uniforms and vivid cloaks raise their arms skyward on stage

To channel the mood of "Mac Beth," Emy Hampton ’24 (Lady Macbeth) recommends queuing up Taylor Swift’s “It’s Nice To Have A Friend.” 
Two actors, one looking proud and the other uncertain, stand at attention with their hands over their heart

Natalie Arnold ’26 (Witch 2, pictured left) said audiences are in for a rollercoaster ride with the production. “It’s fun to watch the characters’ descents into madness,” she promised.  
An actor in a crown clasps her hands and speaks with a proud posture

The language of the bard made for some unforgettable bloopers behind the scenes. Erin Frost ’24 (Witch 3, pictured center) said her favorite rehearsal memory was: "All the times we horribly ad-libbed Shakespeare.” 
Actors playing the Three Witches of Macbeth kneel on the floor in a circle

Matt Scott '26 (stage manager, not pictured) said the recontextualized script called for a unique stage design. His recommendation for the audience soundtrack: "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun." 
Two actors, one clutching a sword, look out into the distance

Hannah Pluim ’24 (Banquo, pictured left) said director Nelson Barre wasn’t afraid to use his background as an expert in Irish theatre during the production. Her favorite rehearsal memory? "Nelson switching into an Irish accent to motivate the cast.”
An actor with a necktie wrapped around her head and a bottle of alcohol in her hand lumbers drunkenly across the stage as other cast members look on

Mary Langan ’26 (Witch 1, pictured center) said the show offers Shakespeare fans a chance to see his work with a new, modernized twist. "Mac Beth" has been described as an examination of the ferocity of teenage rebellion that is equal parts giggly and grisly. 
Close-up photo of an actor playing Macbeth speaking while clothed in a vivid cloak

Kennedy Swineford '26 (Macbeth) said she relished the chance to tackle fight chorography in the production. Her song recommendation for pre-show preparation: Florence and The Machine’s cover of “Just A Girl.” 
Two actors attack another actor. swinging their arms toward her, in a fight scene

Fight calls were another favorite of Hunter Gall ’26 (Macduff, not pictured). The hard work put in by everyone is all building up to a “super cool” experience for audiences, she said. 
An actor holds a blade in the air and gazes at it with an ominous expression

And the single best reason to make sure you catch this semester’s show? In the ominous words of one cast member: To see who makes it out alive.