It’s been two decades since the Central Coast Shakespeare Festival produced the Bard’s darkest tragedy, where ambition and prophecy collide with devastating consequences.
Macbeth comes to the Filipponi Ranch beginning this Saturday, September 26, under the glow of the Harvest Moon. The show runs for six evenings only over three weekends .
All performances are Pay-What-You-Can, with donations taken online and at the door.
Contributing writer Chiara La Mark talked with directors Zoe Saba and Michael Hofacre about their directing process, the actors, and what makes their production unique. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Why did you want to do Macbeth this year, and what about it may be unique to your directing choices?
There’s no one thing that guides our selection of shows—what seems to bubble up in our consciousness for whatever reason, suggestions from company members, what seems like it might just plain be fun to do. It’s been 20 years since we last produced Macbeth—and that was in a different venue—2006 in Avila Beach. Macbeth is such a terrific play—so theatrical and visceral and as all of Shakespeare’s works, so human. Plus, we had two terrific actors to take on the leads, Tyler Lopez and Heather MacLeod, beloved Shakespeare Fest veterans who you’ve seen play many different parts throughout the years.
What does your rehearsal process look like?
We typically begin about six weeks before opening, rehearsing four evenings a week and Sunday afternoons. The Shakespeare Festival is an all-volunteer organization. Everyone who works to make it happen does it in addition to their “day” jobs. It’s a true labor of love, as the time commitment is substantial. We rent space from the city of SLO for rehearsals until two weeks before opening. Then we must translate the work we’ve done indoors into the beautiful outdoor venue the Filipponi ranch provides.
Do you often use the same actors for different productions?
We have a group of actors that have been with the Shakespeare Festival for many seasons. Once you’ve done a show with us, we consider you a company member. Most seasons we hold auditions to find new talent, and sometimes, like this year, we’ll cast the shows from within the company.
What do you hope audiences see or feel that might be different from other productions of Macbeth?
Shakespeare provides such an unbeatable starting point for actors. This play in particular is a wild ride, and once it begins it moves like a freight train all the way to the end. We want to do justice to the story and the characters. That’s always our focus for any production. And even amidst the murder, the blood, and the madness, a bit of comedy as well. Our costume designer Roger Upton has fashioned a unique look for the world.
Is there anything new you’ve discovered about the characters?
One of the facets of the production that we’ve been exploring is how intimately connected Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are—he refers to her as his “dearest partner of greatness.” They have an intense love for one another, a passionate love, and are equally drawn into the bloody business. How that relationship changes as the plot thickens is fascinating to explore and Tyler and Heather are finding such rich and layered interpretations of the roles.
How are you imagining the witches and the role they play?
We’ve been exploring what the witches can be sans cackling and hunching and oversized hooked noses. We’ve got three incredibly talented actors in the roles—Sophie Rhiannon, Ashley Moses, and Isabel Skene. We’ve been exploring what their presence and influence is throughout the play, and how they manifest that influence.
Is there a specific scene or moment you are particularly excited for audiences to witness?
We’re just thrilled to bring this entertaining play, with an amazing company of actors all bringing their A game every night to our community. And to have you join us for the unique opportunity live theatre provides for a shared experience, especially outdoors, under the stars.
What has it been like to co-direct?
We’ve worked together on various festival productions for nearly 30 years. Sometimes as co-directors, sometimes as director and producer, and sometimes as a trusted friend/advisor/colleague. So, we’ve got a shorthand, a shared vocabulary and trust that’s been built over the years.
Do you rehearse outdoors?
The bulk of rehearsals take place indoors, in rented space until we move out to the ranch a couple weeks before opening. The Filipponi Ranch is a raw and beautiful space. Its natural amphitheater provides a stunning backdrop. Our unit set, designed by Al Schnupp and constructed by volunteers under Tim Hutchison’s guidance, serves as our own “Globe Theatre.” Live theatre is always unpredictable and unrepeatable from night to night. Add performing outdoors just adds to the excitement. The owls, the hawks, the moon in all its various stages, these are scenic elements that organically become part of the show. It’s pretty magical.