Shakespeare's Macbeth at ACT

“Macbeth” presented by the Teen Troupe of Arlington Children’s Theatre

            Something wicked this way comes May 20-22 at the Masonic Temple in Arlington as ACT’s teen troupe presents “Macbeth,” Shakespeare’s tale of one couple’s murderous lust for power.  The play recounts the tragedy of Macbeth, a Scottish general whose encounter with three witches leads him to believe he will one day be king.  Macbeth and Lady Macbeth conspire to make Macbeth king, but violence, guilt, and madness follow as the couple become snared by their own murderous actions.

            Belmont resident, Kate Miller, a junior and member of the Performing Arts Company at Belmont High School, will play the role of Lady Macbeth.  Actors from eight local towns are in the cast.

            “Macbeth has it all,” says director Matt Lundeen, who has directed ACT’s spring Shakespeare productions for the past four years. “The witches add an element of the supernatural, but ultimately Macbeth’s fate is in his own hands. The moment he ignores his conscience and chooses violence, he has determined his fate.” Lundeen notes that the young actors “quickly moved past the language difficulties to grapple with issues that remain with us today: ruthless leaders driven to desperate measures to hold onto their power.  Recent world events certainly reinforce the risks and necessity of fighting tyranny.”

Macbeth will be presented at 7:00 PM Friday May 20; 7:00 PM Saturday May 21; and 2:00 PM Sunday May 22 at the Masonic Temple at 19 Academy Street in Arlington.  Tickets are $10.00 and are available at the door or in advance at the ACT website http://act.arlington.ma.us.