Friday, June 21 at 6:30 p.m. —BARNARD—BarnArts brings Shakespeare outdoors once again with “Macbeth,” directed by Killian White. This classic tragedy will be performed in the orchard of Fable Farm June 21-22, 26, 28-29 at 6:30 p.m. and June 23 & 30 at 4 p.m. Picnicking is encouraged, though outside alcohol is prohibited. Fable Farm’s bar will be available pre-show through intermission with cider, wine, beer, and NA drinks. BarnArts will have snacks available for purchase. Tickets are $15-$20 and available online at barnarts.org.
“Macbeth” is set in the midst of turbulent times of war in Scotland. A seemingly random interaction with a trio of witches spouting prophecies inspires drastic measures from a power-hungry and devoted couple. Choices are made, the slippery-slope of betrayal begins, and consequences promptly follow. Adhering tightly to Shakespeare’s script, the BarnArts production fully depicts the violence and psychological drama of the medieval tale.
Love of Shakespeare’s intricate and compelling language, paired with the unique opportunities provided by the Macbeth script, created a strong local cast. Leading the way is Fergus Ryan as the ambitious and doomed Macbeth and Kyle Huck as the zealous and tormented Lady Macbeth. Ryan lives in East Montpelier and has a deep history performing Shakespeare. Huck grew up in Woodstock as a leading YOH Theater player and has been a strong local community theater participant in the last few years, including playing Gwendolyn in BarnArts Winter production of “The Importance of Being Earnest.”
Ryan remared that he’s continually surprised at the layers within each of Macbeth’s lines. “Killian’s direction has been especially helpful in finding key moments of vulnerability,” he says. Huck highlighted Killian and Fergus’ help in building the rapport of this infamous couple. ”It’s been an exciting journey to dive deep into the relationship of the Macbeths and how the fierce loyalty they have for each other drives them to do things others wouldn’t ever consider,” noted Huck.
Courtesy of BarnArts
Director Killian White feels the play is “deeply personal and psychological at times, and those parts were very important to me to get right and show all of the nuance, but it is also thrilling, action-packed, and even occasionally funny.”
White initially joked about staging “Macbeth” outdoors to accommodate the Birnam Woods plot point, but the of BarnArts outdoor stage at Fable Farm adds magic and opportunities that only enhance the medieval setting of Macbeth.
Rehearsing on site since early May, the cast of 21 has watched the apple trees go from empty to full of life, building an intimate and elemental relationship with the land. Performing outdoors, particularly in Vermont in June, requires a keen eye-to-the-sky paired with care and camaraderie. Each rehearsal involves cast members sharing snacks, picnic blankets, bug spray, and sunscreen as they work together to create a “Macbeth” performance audiences won’t soon forget.
For more information on this production and BarnArts, contact info@barnarts.org, leave a message at 802-234-1645, or go to barnarts.org.
