DramaTech's Macbeth shines

What do you get when you combine five parts Shakespeare, two parts Kafka and one part Warhol? Answer: the recipe for DramaTech's production of Shakespeare's Macbeth. Directed by Eddie Maise, the vintage regicidal tragedy is fused with a shade of modernism.

Orthodox Shakespearean plays usually inspire thoughts of long soliloquies, lavish Kenneth Branagh set designs and thumb-biting. However, such expectations will not be met by DramaTech's production.

With highly stylized art directions, ensnaring sound effects and up-close sword plays, the production is simply dazzling.

Given the small set and sitting area of Drama Tech Theater, the play decides to incorporate this factor to its advantage by taking a minimalist approach to the set design. Decorated with simple yet versatile objects, the set can be easily molded into its according designs between scenes. The flexible set also provides a sense of Kafkaesque surroundings stressing the absurdity and supernatural elements of the play.

The small and well-acquainted set has also been utilized to involve the audience into the intensive atmosphere of the play. With actors entering and exiting from the passages between the seats and sword duels being conducted feet away from the audience, the patrons are no longer observers but living and breathing parts of the show themselves.

Sound effects and the musical composition are also brilliant integrated in as an inseparable part of the experiences, attributing to the extraordinary composer Klimchak. Much of the play is accompanied with primal percussion suites and melodies produced by a variety of eclectic instruments, each note as haunting as the play itself.

Aside from the modern tendencies of the direction, the abridged version of the play still retains the uncorrupted Shakespearean integrities and essential verses.

"It's like a sitcom, a story about love and fate. I like to present the Macbeth couple as characters everyone can relate to," Maise said.

As the plays revolves around the classic themes of identity, fate and love, its dated origin still appeals to audiences of today.

The caliber of the acting performances does not dwindle either, even with the heavy emphasis on directions. Leading actors Gene Hullender and Laura Czyzewski are slightly shy of a professional troupe; however, their deliveries are highly respectable.

The play premiered on Oct. 26, and received adulation from the crowd.

"Shakespeare wrote to entertain his time, [and] the director of this play did the same," said Robert McAllister, a third-year International Affairs major.

If you still think the theater is for your grandparents, then allow me to stress the sword fights. Get yourself pumped over the clinging sounds of clashing metals; go see the bloody skirmish over the sovereignty of Scotland under the colorful light filter. Prepare to be overwhelmed by the eloquent dialogue, action packed performances, the meticulously composed soundtrack and surreally arranged visuals.