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Features Talent of senior theater students showcased in ‘Macbeth’
Talent of senior theater students showcased in ‘Macbeth’
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Trea Taylor, Logan Pedrow, Alan Arnson and Shawn Trimble are appearing in the adaptation of “Macbeth” opening tonight through Saturday in McKenzie Theatre in Loso Hall. The four students are participating in the show for their senior projects and their talent will be showcased in different aspects of the production. While performance is the main focus for the actors, they are also contributing through costume design, choreography and technical consulting. Pedrow, who is majoring in performance and portrays Lady Macbeth, was attracted to the play because she knew the director, Ken Bush, would do something unique with the story. Bush, an associate professor of theatre at EOU, is using “Macbeth” to deliver a modern and realistic portrayal of the horrors of war. The character of Lady Macbeth was also appealing to Pedrow because the role is that of the woman left behind during war. “Lady Macbeth becomes a harsh woman and the challenge is to make her human,” Pedrow said. “She has to deal with the constant danger of rape and murder in a war-torn country and she builds herself up to commit a heinous act that affects her later on.” Taylor, who portrays the first of three witches in the story, is contributing to the show with her flair for choreography and a double emphasis in performance and costume design. “I’m a physical actor and my character also wears a mask, so the challenge is to tell the story with the body instead of the face and depict a mood through choreography and poses,” Taylor said. Trimble, who portrays the lead, is graduating from EOU with an acting concentration. He is using the character Macbeth as his capstone project.
 EOU Theater/KENN WHEELER Arnson, who portrays Macduff, is also a consultant for some of the technical aspects of the show. An active member of the local National Guard unit, Arnson believes his experience as a soldier lends itself to the realism of the performance. “This show is the perfect opportunity for me to use all aspects of my experience,” said Arnson, who is majoring in performance and is also a musician and sound designer. “I hope the audience comes away with a good story of ‘Macbeth’ and also a story of human nature. There is a lot of beauty in the world, but there is also a lot of ugliness.” “Macbeth” opens at 8 each evening with a 2 p.m. matinee Saturday. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for EOU students and senior citizens. To reserve tickets, call the EOU Box Office at (541) 962-3757 or stop by the ticket window in Loso Hall where reservation forms are available. Due to graphic violence this show is not recommended for children younger than the age of 12. |
