Something wicked this way comes. Well, not really this way. It’s actually up north, in Wilmington’s Rockwood Park, to be exact.
The Delaware Shakespeare Festival’s “Macbeth” will take the stage under the stars for 11 performances in the coming weeks, bringing the Bard’s tragedy to life after focusing mainly on his comedies and histories for the past seven seasons.
“This is really the first time the festival has taken on one of the major tragedies,” said Nancy B. Lynch, board of directors’ president. “Our audiences have been coming out for the non-comedies, so it was the year to try it.”
Lynch said in her experience, audiences don’t change depending on what play is staged.
“Shakespeare lovers and theater lovers love to see Shakespeare in any form,” she said.
Neophytes need not be scared away by the language or material of the play. The actors don’t try Scottish accents and a pre-show tutorial will help people follow along once the play starts. As for the setting, it’s a very casual atmosphere, with most people bringing a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic.
“If you don’t feel like you’re up to Shakespeare, you shouldn’t feel that way,” Lynch said. “Bring your supper and just enjoy it,” Lynch said.
First-timers might want to know the following before trotting up to Wilmington.
1 Pre-show education and fun
Approximately 50 minutes before the play starts, there will be a short orientation about the show from two of its actors, who also will answer audience questions. After that, the Festival Fools lead the audience in a 20-minute humorous look at the show.
2 Kids’ activities
Sundays are the official family days at the festival, although kids are always welcome. Sundays will hold special appeal, though, with an arts and crafts station for kids and a broadsword fighting demonstration at 5:25 p.m.
3 ‘Macbeth’
When a trio of witches tell Macbeth, a general, he will become king of Scotland, it turns Macbeth and his power-hungry wife Lady Macbeth mad with ambition. The tyrannical couple takes fate into their own bloody hands to ascertain the kingship, but what will they be willing to do to keep him there?
4 What to bring, what to leave
Take items for a picnic, including food and drinks. Alcohol is allowed for those 21 and older, although it isn’t sold at the event. Food is, though, so there will be limited refreshments if you forget to pack something.
