Poway High stages modern take on ‘Macbeth’

Shakespeare is getting a modern twist in Poway High School’s production of the tragedy “Macbeth.”

The high school’s Theatre Guild production will perform at 7 p.m. tonight (Friday) and Saturday, Nov. 14, and a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, Nov. 15 at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts, 15498 Espola Road.

Tickets are $11 general admission, $9 for children 12 and under, students and seniors. Tickets are available online at www.powaycenter.com and at the door.

The high school is shaking up Shakespeare’s classic tragedy by setting it in the present day.

“We set it in the present day because it’s more appealing to high school students,” said Sharon Wezelman, the new drama teacher at Poway High School following the retirement of longtime drama instructor Rollin Swan.

The students will wear clothing with a punk-and-Gothic flair, and the music will be “very dark” as well, said Wezelman.

The production will also feature a heavier witch presence, with 15 witches instead of the traditional three. “‘Macbeth’ is one of my favorite plays, and I love how much control the witches have over things,” said Wezelman.

Now, the three witches from “Macbeth” have minion witches to do their bidding, and are much more heavily involved in the story. “They’re like ninja witches, dressed in black and unseen by mortals,” said Wezelman. “I wanted to highlight the witches more.”

Another big aspect to the show is the use of video projection, which will be used to show pre-recorded scenes of prophecy during the play. “I’ve wanted to use video production for a long time,” said Wezelman. “I’ve wanted to do ‘Macbeth’ for a long time, but I wouldn’t do it without using video production. This is the first opportunity I’ve had (thanks to the Poway Center for the Performing Arts).”

The show also makes a few dialogue changes and adds some clarifications, such as to the fate of Lady Macbeth. Some scenes have been cut for time, which should put the show’s run-time at under 90 minutes, said Wezelman.

“I wonder what the English teachers will think, because it’s not exactly what you read. We’ve re-purposed and shifted a few lines,” Wezelman said.

The show has 46 cast members, including seniors Michaela Griffin and Megan Earwicker and junior Erin Brunansky as the lead witches, senior Juliana Riley as Lady Macbeth and junior Ryan Jordan as Macbeth.

“It’s been really fun,” said Earwicker. “I’ve really liked being a creepy witch. It’s fun to explore that different aspect of yourself.”

Griffin agreed, saying it had been a unique experience. “It’s been really cool. In the text, the witches don’t get to do much. It’s been really fun to play an evil character and mess things up for everybody.”

Brunansky said the choreography she and her fellow witches had to learn for a choreographed dance scene was her favorite part of the play. “It’s a big opening sequence with creepy witch dancing,” said Brunansky.

Riley, who has appeared in other productions for Poway High, said she appreciated the chance to play a character from the more comedic roles she has played in the past. “Playing Lady Macbeth has given me the chance to take on a new character I’ve never done before. I’m usually a funny character, so this is the chance to do something serious,” said Riley.

“The best part (about playing the role of Macbeth) is taking a role that so many people have done and making it your own,” said Ryan.