Actors From The London Stage to Perform Macbeth at UW

Actors From The London Stage (AFTLS), a self-directed ensemble of five professional British actors, will appear in William Shakespeare’s tragedy, “Macbeth,” Saturday, March 7, at the University of Wyoming. The UW Department of Theatre and Dance sponsors the two productions.

“Macbeth” will be staged at 2 and 7:30 p.m. on the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts main stage. Tickets cost $14 for the public, $11 for seniors and $7 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts ticket office weekdays from 11 a.m.-4 p.m., by calling (307) 766-6666 or going online to www.uwyo.edu/finearts.

Other Wyoming performances, which are free and open to the public, include Central Wyoming College in Riverton, March 10 at 7:30 p.m.; Lander Valley High School, March 11 at 7:30 p.m.; and Jackson, Center for the Arts, March 12, 7 p.m.

These performances are part of a national tour with stops at Texas A&M University, Valparaiso University, Principia College, Vassar College and the University of North Carolina-Charlotte.

In “Macbeth,” Shakespeare’s famous witches plant an idea in the mind of a Scottish warrior and his power-hungry wife. Through blood and betrayal, the corrupted couple will uproot a nation and threaten the lives of thousands. Unless good men stand in the face of tyranny, “something wicked this way comes.” The infamous “Scottish play” is both a cautionary tale and a parable, even for today. “Macbeth” is quick, raw and relevant; parental discretion is advised.

Members of the “Macbeth” ensemble, who play multiple characters, include tour veterans Michael Palmer (Macbeth, English doctor, murderer) and Charles Armstrong (Duncan, King of Scotland; Macduff, Angus, second witch, murderer). Joining them will be Annie Aldington (Donalbain, Ross, Menteth, Fleance, Lady Macbeth, third witch), Joanna Bending (bloody soldier, old man, Malcolm, Cathness, Lady Macduff, first witch, murderer, gentlewoman) and Ben Warwick (Banquo, Lennox, Seyward, son of Macduff, Scottish doctor, Porter).

AFTLS is the national outreach program of Shakespeare at Notre Dame. Founded by Homer "Murph" Swander and world-renowned actor Sir Patrick Stewart, AFTLS celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. Both a unique educational program and an actor-driven tour de force, AFTLS actors hail from such prestigious companies as Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Theatre of Great Britain and the Royal Shakespeare Company.

During their weeklong residency at UW, AFTLS actors not only will perform a full-length Shakespearean play, but also will visit classrooms. Students and faculty have the chance to work with artists from some of the world’s leading theatre companies.

For more information about AFTLS, visit www.aftls.nd.edu.

For more information about the local production of “Macbeth,” contact Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160 or email kirsik@uwyo.edu.