The second I walked into the Sol Theatre to take my seat for Macbeth: A Conjuration, it became immediately clear that this would be a production like no other. A greeter waited to usher me into this mystical, magical world, where a smoky fog clouded the stage and the iconic Three Witches circled ahead, huddling over their cauldron and sketching out spells on a chalkboard. A chill drifted down my spine, but it was largely one of anticipation—after all, I’d now be experiencing Macbeth like I had never experienced it before.
Shakespeare Troupe Incorporated (STI) and Reel Theatre Productions (RTP) have partnered up to bring a wide audience this unforgettable show. “The partnership of Shakespeare Troupe and Reel Theatre Productions will introduce Shakespeare to underserved audiences in a digital format, providing theatergoers with a culturally enriching, unique form of educative performance,” said Peter Galman, Founder and President of STI, and Executive Producer of Macbeth: A Conjuration. Galman is also playing King Duncan in the production, a role he described as equal parts “harbinger of doom” and “angelic force” within the play. “We aim to engage audiences in an immersive way that will transcend textbook learning,” Galman continued. Director Seth Trucks added, “We are reframing Shakespeare’s Macbeth as a ritual spell which will engage the audience in a totally unique way.”
To do so, STI and RTP have allowed audiences to see the show in three unique formats: live, onstage performances at Sol Theatre (taking place on December 5-7); live, onstage performances at Sol Theatre, filmed with a live studio audience (taking place on December 12-15); and a concurrent livestream allowing viewers to watch the show from the comfort of their own home (also taking place on December 12-15). Manny Zaldivar, who’s taking on multiple roles as the Cinematographer, Marketing Director, and Lighting Designer, explained just how groundbreaking this will be. “In this production, we’re stepping into uncharted territory by incorporating a camera,” he said. As the Cinematographer, Zaldivar is “ready to film the entire show in one continuous take.” And he just might be helping to break a world record in the process: “It’s an ambitious endeavor, and I’m excited to say that we might be on the brink of breaking a world record. The current longest single-take shot in film is 96 minutes, set by ‘Russian Ark,’ while our show runs between 90 and 95 minutes. It’s thrilling to think we’re pushing boundaries in this way.”
Sara Grant, who wows audiences as the ambitious, ruthless Lady Macbeth, while also serving as the RTP Producer and working on Lighting Design, echoed similar sentiments. “To quote Lady Macbeth, ‘What’s done cannot be undone,’” she said. “We are doing something new and innovative, something that I believe can be the future of storytelling.” She also emphasized the excitement of telling a well-known tale in an entirely fresh way. “Audience members will leave this production with an understanding of how a classic story can be told in a new and unique way,” Grant remarked. According to Zaldivar, “This isn’t just a performance; it’s a live film, a true hybrid of theatre and cinema.” To STI and RTP’s knowledge, they are the only ones in Florida attempting something quite like this.
Macbeth: A Conjuration’s unique approach extends to every aspect of the production, from staging to storytelling and everything in between. In his work as Lighting Designer, Zaldivar gets a front-row seat to this innovative journey. “You can’t light a film the same way you light a stage for a play,” he explained. “Some techniques for one have to bend to the rules of the other. You will see that most of the show is lit from the top down. We had to go that route because in this small space, any front light will cast shadows on the actors and will be seen on screen.” In the play, these lighting choices only add to the level of immersiveness audience members and viewers experience, especially in a relatively small space (Sol Theatre hosts a 70-seat capacity).
Another special aspect of the show is its endeavor to educate audiences and help students see Shakespeare, and theater in general, in a new light. While the key audience is cited as a wide age range of 13-65 years old, students in particular are a crucial group that can certainly benefit from seeing this adaptation of Macbeth. Christine Chavers, Education Director of STI, plays an instrumental role in connecting South Florida’s educational community with its Shakespearean one. Macbeth: A Conjuration plans to have several schools attend their performances, and Chavers is also working on educational material to supplement the students’ experience. “For Macbeth, I have been developing the study guide for teachers to use in connection with the play,” she said of her duties. She also spoke to the show’s mission to get students engaged with Shakespeare’s works, explaining that in addition to hosting students at live performances, the live-streamed option will also give those who are unable to attend in person a chance to see the show. “Since the COVID pandemic, schools have been reluctant to have performers come into the schools, [and have restricted] field trips to performances. This approach to the production of Macbeth is a new way to bring the work of the 16th Century Bard to the students of Florida. Shakespeare’s work is still relevant, but this production team has come up with a way to reach out and overcome the obstacles,” Chavers said.
In mentioning further highlights of Macbeth: A Conjuration, I’d be remiss not to mention the sheer talent and versatility of its cast, described by Peter Galman as “superb” and “well-rounded,” sentiments I’d absolutely agree with. The main cast is relatively small, made up of eight actors: Macbeth (Jordon Armstrong), Lady Macbeth (Sara Grant), Witch/Lady (Nicole Hulett), Macduff (Todd Bruno), Lady Macduff (Cary Brianna Hart), Satyn (Seth Trucks), King Duncan (Peter Galman), and Banquo (Brandon Campbell). Many of these fantastic performers also lend their voices to the various voice-overs that take place during the show, as do Zoe Garnett, Cindy Thagard (who is also the RTP Producer and the Company Manager), Adara Thagard, and Manny Zaldivar. What’s more, several actors go beyond their work on the cast and also take on roles behind the scenes. Trucks, Grant, and Galman are three such examples, as previously described; Armstrong also goes beyond his leading role as the brave yet self-doubting Macbeth to work as a Lighting Engineer on the production, and Garnett and Hulett work as Production/Stage Manager and Costume Designer respectively. The entire cast and crew all do an incredible job of bringing this memorable production to life!
