San Antonio College’s Theatre Department will present a Narcos-inspired production of Shakespeare’s “The Tragedy of Macbeth” at the San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater, beginning Friday.
SAC Theatre Program Coordinator Laura T. Garza, who directed the play, said she wanted to make the English classic more relatable for students by reimagining the play in an urban-Chicano setting.
“I was just thinking about our student demographic and how we are a Hispanic-serving institution,” said Garza. “I felt that this particular concept would help bring Shakespeare to a more relevant time period for our students to be able to connect with and hopefully understand what the universal theme really is all about.”
The play chronicles the rise and fall of Macbeth, a nobleman who is driven by prophecy and encouraged by his wife, Lady Macbeth, to murder the king and take his throne. The timeless story has resonated with audiences for centuries with its raw depictions of human nature.
“Blood is the price of power,” Garza said, regarding the play’s theme. “From day one, I let my cast and crew know that ‘blood is the price of power’ is our heart of the play.”
Shakespeare’s writing can be challenging for actors of all skill levels, and some cast members said preparing for Macbeth was like “ learning a brand new language.”
“It’s definitely been a journey,” Isaiah Flores, who plays Macbeth, said. “It’s very challenging, but it’s also very rewarding.”
“You expand your variety in the language of Shakespeare,” Kane Lopez, who plays Lady Macbeth, told the Sundial. “I feel like it also expands my emotional depth when it comes to characters. Being a part of a (Shakespeare) show makes me feel 10 times more comfortable when taking on a regular role.”
The Theatre department had to move production to the San Pedro Playhouse while McCreless Hall, the department’s regular home, is being renovated.
“It’s a lot more interesting,” Stage Manager Angel Avila said. “We don’t have our space, so getting to learn a new space is actually really cool.”
“The Tragedy of Macbeth” opens Friday at 7 p.m. at the San Pedro Playhouse Cellar Theater. Additional performances run Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Closing weekend performances are set for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at 7 p.m. and a final matinee on Nov 2. At 2 p.m. Tickets are available on SAC’s website.
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