Macbeth vs. Macbeth

by Jessa Cunningham, dramaturg

William Shakespeare based the titular character of his--some might say spookiest-- play on an actual figure from Scottish history. However, he took some creative license in his portrayal of the king, changing some facts and traits to make the story more compelling to his audience. Let's take a look at some of the similarities and differences between Mac Bethad mac Findlaich (the real Macbeth) and Shakespeare's character:

King Macbeth	Shakespeare’s Macbeth
Becomes king after defeating King Duncan I in battle	Murders to become king
Must protect his kingdom from outside attacks	Murders more to protect his throne
Well-liked king who promoted Christianity and had peace for many years	Dangerous, impulsive leader
Killed in battle by Malcolm III	Killed in battle by Macduff
No evidence of witchcraft in his rule	Consulted witches multiple times to secure throne

As you can see, Shakespeare went for more of a dramatic effect when writing this character, rather than aiming for accuracy. Other than for entertainment purposes, why do you think he did that? What do you learn from his Macbeth that you might not from the real one? When you see the show, what else do you notice about Macbeth? Do you think he mirrors his historical counterpart well, or no?

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by Janine Sobeck, dramaturg Tech week is one of the most exciting moments in any show. It's the time when we get to leave our rehearsal room, move onto stage, and add all of the production elements. To help the actors adapt to all the changes we usually make a gradual transition. Pre-tech: While still in the rehearsal room, actors are given certain rehearsal props and costumes to help them in the creation of their characters. In the case of Princess Academy, all the girls were given rehearsal skirts and all the characters were given rehearsal books and and other items (such as the miri flower). We also added all of the instruments used in the show. Tech day 1: The first day of tech included adding the set and sound. One of the biggest changes for our actors is the ramps on our stage. They finally had the opportunity to climb the mountain! Tech day 2: It's time to add the props! In order to support Director Megan Sanborn Jones' vision of the show, prop designer Scott Jackson made all of the props out of paper, letters, and books. Tech days 3-4: This is what we call an "All Tech." The final elements of the show (lights, costumes, and make-up) are added into the mix. Day 3 is spent working through all the cues in act 1 and day 4 is spent working through act 2. Tech days 5-7: The time has come to run the show! These are our dress rehearsals, where the goal is to do the show exactly as if it was a real performance. This means starting at our normal curtain time and trying to never stop. The director, playwright, dramaturgs, and designers sit in the audience making notes about what is working and what still needs to change. At the end of the nights, the actors and designers are given feedback and we rehearse any moments that need some extra attention. Tech day 8: Which is today! Tonight is the time when we finally get to add the final element of the show: the audience! Our final day of tech is known as the "preview performance." Friends, families, and students are invited to see the show before we officially open. While we always reserve the right to stop the show if necessary (it is, after all, still a rehearsal), we hope that everything will go smoothly!

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Macbeth vs. Macbeth

King Macbeth

Shakespeare’s Macbeth

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