Copyright Chicago Tribune
Hinsdale Central High School’s drama department’s production of “Mac Beth,” an adaptation of the famous tragedy “Macbeth,” by William Shakespeare, is scheduled for performances at 7 p.m. Nov. 20-21 and 5 p.m. Nov. 22 in the school’s auditorium. “Mac Beth” is the creation of Erica Schmidt, who uses the play as a performance within a performance in which seven girls act out “Macbeth” in an abandoned lot. Schmidt’s version explores the line between reality and fantasy, female violence, and the way teenagers navigate power and ambition. The play at Hinsdale Central is directed by theater director Chris Kostro. “I chose it because it is a cool adaptation of ‘Macbeth’ that features an all female cast,” Kostro saiid. “It was produced off Broadway in 2018/2019 and is a spooky rendition of the play that draws parallels between the play and our own culture.” Sophomore Natalie Zhenyan Jiang, who already has three school productions on her resume, is assistant director and an understudy. “I wanted to be a part of this production, partially because of just the fact that it is a rendition of a Shakespeare play, which I have always wanted to be a part of, and partially because of the way that this show was adapted,” she said. “School violence is such a real and relevant issue in the world, and the chance to use theater as a way to address it was an opportunity I could not pass up.” Jiang said being an assistant director offers a unique perspective on acting that she had never before experienced. “When that opportunity came up, I knew I had to say yes,” she said. “This play, being a story within a story, makes it very different than the other plays I’ve been in. The actresses all have to act like themselves and their characters, all at the same time, and the way that the stage is set up, makes this show very unique.” Senior Annika Zilliox has appeared in other school plays, including last year’s production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” The enjoyment of participating in that Shakespeare production is what prompted Zillion to audition for “Mac Beth.” “I was excited to audition for another one of his shows,” she said. “I also found the premise of teenage girls putting on ‘Macbeth’ very intriguing. “I’ve always really liked ‘Macbeth,’ but I really like that Erica Schmidt’s interpretation highlights the themes of violence, power, and ambition in the context of teenage girls because it’s fascinating and unique. It also helps me connect with the story and the characters by identifying them with my experiences now.” Being onstage at Central isn’t new for Zilliox, but “Mac Beth” has offered a different experience, she said. “This play has a lot of fighting, which I’ve never done before, so that’s been really fun to do,” Zilliox said. “We had a fight choreographer come in and work with us, so we got to learn a lot about how to safely fight with our castmates, so that we don’t accidentally actually hurt each other. Zilliox said she enjoys the challenge of playing Macbeth, which is a predominantly male role. “It’s nice that there’s a rich history of interpretations to lean back on, but my interpretation is inherently unique — not many teenage girls have played Macbeth,” she said. “It’s fun to have the opportunity to bring a feminine perspective, but certain aspects of the character, like his inherent power and confidence, are harder to play.” Sophomore Ashley Pionke returns to the stage for “Mac Beth,” after participating last year year in school shows as an actor and as an assistant director. “I have always tried to be involved with as many productions as possible, either onstage or backstage,” she said. “I wasn’t onstage as much as I would’ve liked my freshman year because I was getting acclimated to the new surroundings of high school, so when I saw an opportunity to be in the fall show this year, I took it.” Playing a villainous role in “Mac Beth” is a new experience for Pionke. “In previous shows, I performed as soft, genuine, and sweet characters,” she said. “This character has made me find an entire new side of my acting abilities that perceive supernatural and creepy.” Chuck Fieldman is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press. The cast of “Mac Beth” at Hinsdale Central High School Macbeth, Annika Zilliox Banquo, Isabella Andalcio Lady Macbeth, Helena Ault-Zimmerman Macduff, Kendall Krause Witch 1, Ashley Pionke Witch 2, Isla Chow Witch 3, Jaida Arain Assistant Director/Understudy, Natalie Jiang Assistant Director/Understudy, Sarah Stirlen Assistant Director, Raji Atluri Tickets for performances of “Mac Beth” can be purchased online at www.ticketpeak.co/hcdrama/events.
