No, that’s not a spelling error. Nor is it Shakespeare’s famed tragedy Macbeth. On Nov. 20 through 22, Drama Club opened its Fall Show, a production of Mac Beth by Erica Schimdt. The 2018 play is centered around a group of high school girls who decide to put on their own production of the classic play. However, things get complicated as the line between fiction and reality blurs and the girls are left to face the consequences of their actions. The process was a culmination of efforts by the cast, crew and directing team, who all had to face unique challenges that came with this certain production. 

Assistant Director Sarah Stirlen emphasized that the show demonstrates the harmful effects of violence on the innocent. 

“Something that is really special about this show is that it’s an all female cast,” Stirlen said. 

She also said that the show focuses on breaking stereotypes and perceived gender roles. Also a senior, Stirlen is a veteran of the Drama Club, having performed and served as an assistant director for multiple shows. 

“I’ve found my love for directing,” Stirlen said. 

English teacher Christopher Kostro directed the show, who Stirlen says she has learned a lot from. 

Cast member Jaida Arain, junior, explained some specific obstacles pertaining to the show, particularly when it came to learning stage combat.

“Everyone has been very proactive about safety,” Arain said. 

Arain said this is a bit of a problem since the show features many fight sequences, but described how they learned to fall safely and fight using prop weapons. 

Another challenge they faced, Arain said, is how much time actors spend on-stage during the performance and how that contributes to the challenge of staying in character.

“We don’t go off the stage at all, so we have to make really big character choices,” Arain said. “But once we got into line interpretation, especially with Shakespeare, it really came to life. You could see your fellow actors fully in their power and going all out.”

Fellow castmate Helena Ault-Zimmerman, who played Lady Macbeth in the show, echoed Arain’s sentiments, affirming that the energy between the cast was really special. 

“Since it is a smaller cast, I feel we have all been able to really work on our teamwork,” Ault-Zimmerman said. “Little things like helping each other out with lines or playing warm up games have helped us to be more comfortable with each other.” 

She also said that an additional challenge for her was to portray the duality of her character, as she portrays a teenager who is simultaneously playing a role of her own. 

“It is unique that there is more than one character to focus and try to display to the viewer especially during extreme emotional moments,” Ault-Zimmerman said.