Modern MacBeth in November

By Caileena Lind

The classic story of MacBeth, by William Shakespeare, is being adapted into a modern piece at Metropolitan State University. Camille D’Ambrose will direct the play, which Gail Smogard, theater department director for Metropolitan State, said will be, “a modern Macbeth with a lot of surprises.”

D’Ambrose, a theater arts faculty member, has a career of acting, directing and writing for the stage across the country. She has performed in the Twin Cities area at the Guthrie, Chanhassen Dinner Theater and the Jungle Theater.

D’Ambrose says that she has rearranged scenes and put together a shorter version of Macbeth. The production will be two scenes, compared to the usual five, with one intermission.

“My main goal with this play,” says D’Ambrose, “is to provide my students with an opportunity to approach Shakespeare without ‘fear.’ So many young actors find the language difficult and strange. Our production will be set in the present…I believe that this application will give the actors—and the audience—access to the language and themes of the play.”

D’Ambrose also hopes that the set, lights, costumes and sound will also add to the accessibility.

The play is free to students. Macbeth will run on Nov. 12, 13, 14, 20 and 31 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 14 and 21 at 1 p.m. Call (612) 659-7222 for reservations.