Roving Pittsburgher Report, "Macbeth" The Power of Prophecy, Betrayal, Assassination, Guilt and Revenge

Macbeth

The Power of Prophecy

 Betrayal, Assassination, Guilt and Revenge

Directed by Alan Stanford

PICT Classic Theater

JoAnn R. Forrester, Review

Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s shortest and darkest plays was first

David Whalen as Macbeth

staged over five hundred years. It’s insights into the human character and the thirst and consequence of greed and power still ring true.

 

The play Macbeth depicts the tale of a brave Scottish General, Macbeth and his wife Lady Macbeth, who become consumed by a prophecy of glory and power based on the prediction of witches heard shortly shortly after a major victory and promotion.  This prophesy grabs him, twists him and turns into a murderous and paranoid man who retains his power by eliminating all those he  perceives as a threat. 

Lady Macbeth passion for power is ignited when she reads the witches prophesy in a letter from her husband.   She sees herself as Queen of Scotland and what is a little murder or two to get what has been prophesized.  She is his eager partner in the royal murder and cover up.  Unexpectedly her conscience raises it head.  Lady Macbeth is gripped in remorse and guilt, and is driven to commit suicide to escape her pain. 

The witches

Macbeth, the “Scottish Play” is a play that is a great challenge to those who embark on it.  It is the one that actors desire and dread.  David Whelan, as Macbeth, is masterful and he passes the actors test.   Lady Macbeth, played by Gayle Pazerski is accomplished as Lady Macbeth who quickly is gripped by the witch’s prophecy and moves to “incite” her husband to strike while it is the opportune time.  Remind me never to be the guest of anyone who has the name Macbeth.

Alan Stoppard is a great director and has that touch that brings the theater alive, whether it is drama, comedy or tragedy.  One of his unique touches was how the witches are portrayed.  They weave an eerie spell of magic with  sinuous movements and their multi layered costumes weave a spell of first they are there and then they are not.

 The Charity Randall Theater captured my imagination with its dark gray vaulted ceiling setting the scene as medieval Scottish castle.  The use of mist to portray the mysterious atmosphere worked well.  The costumes at first seemed drab to me and I wanted to see more color and splendor.  But it worked and forced me and I believe the actors to project their character.  The choreograph scenes of the battles and murders with mist, drums and lighting conveyed the dark murderous times.

I am fascinated by English, Scottish and Irish history.  I revel in reading about the time when the sword and the pike often settle the score and decided who will reign.   It is a bloody ruthless time that we in the US find difficult to understand.  After all, we believe in the “peaceful transfer of power” and fight our battles at the polls.  Of course, if we are honest, we would admit we now use character assassination to accomplish our drive and thirst for political power.  And unfortunately wars are still fought to gain and keep power today.  Regardless of the “reasons” we have wars today; it is still based on Shakespeare’s reading of the human character. 

As one of my British friends would exclaim, “Good show”   I suggest you make the time to see PICT’S Macbeth.  It is first rate theatre.  We are so fortunate to have this first rate Theatre Company with us. Go, enjoy and be immersed in murder and intrigue at its finest. 

Written By: JoAnn R. Forrester
Host of Empress of Biz
Anchor Internet Radio Show on PositivelyPittsburghLiveMagazine.com
JoAnn R. Forrester is co-host of the Empress of Biz Talkcast and co-founder, president and partner in S. I. Business Associates, Small Business Solutions, LLC and Celebrate and Share. She is an entrepreneur, writer, business growth specialist, teacher, columnist and award winning writer. JoAnn specializes in helping small businesses grow and prosper. She is the co-developer of the PRICE IT PERFECT™ cost management system for small business, and has secured over 40 million dollars in loans and investment for her clients.
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Viagara Falls, A Look at Life From Baby Boomer's Point of View

Viagara Falls

Review by Good News Reporter, JoAnn Forrester 

Viagara Falls IS A HOOT

written by Jackie Nicoll

VIAGARA FALLS is a hoot.  It was was fun to see and had some insightful comments on the life of the patrons of a particular

Delightful to see a play in a small room

coffee shop.  It is billed as a Dramedy and is written by Jackie Nicoll  a vivacious senior adult who has a winning way with the written word. 

While  there are characters of various ages the featured three main characters were over 50 and their various outlook and behavior was definitely of the baby boomer era.   Some of  their actions were funny, others sad and obnoxious.  Getting older does not mean you are getting wiser--just slowly down a bit.

 Viagra Falls was presented by Aurora Productions which is housed

The stars, Jackie Nichols and Paul Laughlin

in DAP Co-Op along with a dance studio and artist studio.

We were delighted by An Art Exhibition in the first floor Gallery and after the show had wine and pizza with the cast and staff.

Featured in the cast are Paul Laughlin, Charlene Dolfi, Gus Melis, Logan McCurdy, Jerry Wienand, Cindy Swanson, Jesse Warnick and Kathi Finch. Amazing to find two attorneys involved in the play, Paul Laughlin as the Professor and the Assistant Director is also an attorney.  Just goes to show you that attorneys do go for the dramatic.

We also got to experience Watercolors by Linda Galatti, Linda

Viagara Falls, the set

says watercolor art has always captivated her attention both as an admirer and collector, so it seems completely natural that she gravitated to and loves working as an artist in this medium.

What a great way to experience the theater and art in an up close and personal way and be able to socialize with the actors and crew later.

Reviewers note: In the audience was 82 year young, Saroj Gopal Kulkarni who is finishing her first book, "Saris and Soap Operas."  Great to see two octogenarians, she and Jackie both so involved in the arts.   

 

Playwright,Jackie Nicoll studied ad Carnegie Tech and performed and or was director for:  The Houston Alley Players, The Pittsburgh  Playhouse, The Odd Chair Playhouse, Civic Light Opera, The Pittsburgh Opera, Stage 62,  Little Lake Theater and South Park Conservatory Theater. Jackie is a member of SAG & Aftra, plus she has been a featured actress in many commercials and movies, one by famed horror Director George Romero with make up specialist Tom Sevini. 

She won " Best Play/ Best Director " for the 2005 New Work, held here in Pittsburgh every year. Viagra Falls is the last play she has written and this was the premier showing of it at her daughter's venue, The DAP Co-Op for Dance, Arts, & Photography, home to Southwest ballet, Slava Modern Bance, & EN Photography.

For future productions you may contact the Founder and Director of the Co-Op, Virginia Nicoll-(412)-403-7357

The D.A.P. Co-Op for Dance, Arts, & Photography

26, East Main St. Carnegie Pa. 15106 (412)-403-7357

www.dapcoop.com,

Roving Pittsburgher Good News Reporter, JoAnn Forrester is the Host of "Empress of Biz, Reinvent in Rugged Times," a business Talkcast syndicated on PPLMag, Pittsburgh's First Internet Radio and TV Network.  You can hear JoAnn and Business friends every Thursday at 9 AM on the TalkShoe network or archived later at:  http://pplmag.com  Jo Ann is also a regular business tip columinist at the Pittsburgh Business Times.