ENID, OK - The Gaslight Theatre takes on an exciting new interpretation of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy, Macbeth, for the 2022 Shakespeare in the Park. For the first time in Oklahoma history, an all-female cast spins the tale of darkness and desire.
Shakespeare in the Park is free and open to the public. The play has performances at 8 p.m. Sept. 9, 10 and 11 at Government Springs Park North. Chisholm Broadband will provide hotdogs and snow cones.
“In the 1500s, women were not allowed to take the stage alongside their male counterparts,” said director April Morrow. “Men and younger boys played the women roles. When I was conceptualizing the show, I thought why not flip the table? Shakespeare is rich with strong and brilliant male roles that women rarely get to play with, and I wanted to change that and showcase the talent of the community.”
Using modern movement and sword play, the circle spins around the three witches. Representing the darkness in all of us, the witches slither in and out of the scenes, manipulating the characters like puppets.
“The true villain of this interpretation is not Macbeth or his lady, but rather what we hide in the shadows,” Morrow said. “Is ambition a hindrance or a forward movement? Does Macbeth have autonomy of his wants and direction, or is his destiny already written? We explore this musing throughout this fresh interpretation. The audience gets to decide their take on the narrative.”
Gaslight Theatre graciously accepts donations during the show. This year, Gaslight will also provide the opportunity to donate items needed for families supported by the YWCA.
“With a female-centric production, it made sense to give back to the strong women the YWCA cultivates,” Morrow said. “We’ve provided the opportunity for women to perform the great works of the Bard in a new way, and we wanted to extend that freedom further to the real stars of the community.”
