‘Macbeth’ Picked As Shakespeare On The Sound’s 11th Anniversary Play

Rowayton — Macbeth, a bloody tale of ambition leading to murder and one of Shakespeare’s most profound studies of human nature, has been selected as Shakespeare on the Sound’s 11th annual production, to run June 15 to July 2.

The festival’s alfresco presentations on the grassy slope of Rowayton’s Pinkney Park affordably carry the essential truths of the great genius of English-language drama to an audience of picnickers drawn by the rich drama, the glorious setting, and the festive family conviviality.

Macbeth is considered Shakespeare’s darkest tragedy and probably one of The Bard’s most popular plays, an allegory of exceptional simplicity based loosely on historical events and the half-legendary history of Scotland. In a shifting drama of reality and illusion, Macbeth’s lust for power, corrupt ambition and betrayal of his friends ultimately consumes him and leads to his destruction.

Ezra Barnes, the festival’s founding artistic director, says he is “excited to be presenting this thrilling play for our Pinkney Park audience and introducing them to that memorable couple, the warrior Macbeth and his lady. The play is a timeless story of the corrupting nature of ambition and the irreparable physic damage of murder.”

“The setting – medieval Scotland torn apart by civil war – will be a great challenge to our design team. In our beautiful waterside setting, we will create the battlefields, blasted heaths and craggy castles of Scotland, conjuring up a world of witches and the supernatural, of mystery and darkness, night and nightmare,” he continued.

 “Our production,” added Mr Barnes, “will be dramatic and action-packed, a wonderful change of pace from the lyricism of our previous play, The Tempest.”

The festival funds an educational outreach that carries the Shakespeare’s infinitely rich, enthralling storytelling and his message of morality to schools and community centers in Connecticut and New York.

Over the past ten seasons the productions in the park, featuring a cast primarily composed of Actors Equity members, have drawn a cumulative audience surpassing 100,000, emerging as a community focus for Rowayton and a popular Connecticut cultural resource. The roles are generally cast after spring auditions and an open call.

While there is no admission charge, a donation of $20 at the gate, $10 for students, is suggested. Fundraising accounts for the difference between the $45-a-person it costs to mount a presentation and the $8 average donation collected on the grounds.

Performances run Tuesday through Sunday at 7:30 pm. The final performance, on Sunday, July 2, will be at 4 pm.

Please note that the seating area is divided into three areas for the clear view of the largest number of attendees. Those who bring blankets will be seated closest to the stage, the middle section is used for blankets and low lawn chairs, and the rear seating area is for higher folding chairs.

Additional information about Shakespeare on the Sound is available by calling 203-299-1300 or online at ShakespeareOnTheSound.org.