Macbeth Explores Shakespeare's Dark Side

Kaitlyn Cook as Macbeth shares her throne with Lady Macbeth, played by Katrina Bosse, in the Walters State production of “Macbeth.”

Show Opens April 9

Toil and trouble are coming to the theatre of the Judge William H. Inman Humanities Complex on Walters State’s Morristown Campus. The Division of Humanities will present “Macbeth” on April 9-12, with the witches playing a much bigger role. 

“We are putting more of a focus on the witches than the standard production does,” said Wes Downing, technical director for the production. “Normally, the witches only appear in two or three scenes. We have involved the witches in every scene. They are visible, at work, manipulating Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.”

Downing is a veteran of the East Tennessee theatre scene, and he knows quite a bit about the dark side of Shakespeare. In 2022, Walters State produced his “Cry Havoc,” an original play tying together favorite fight scenes featured in the Bard’s work. In his production of “Macbeth,” Downing focused on the dark side of this classic, showing what happens when two people choose to pursue their ambitions at an unspeakable price paid in blood.

Tyler McDaniel serves as an assistant director and has created a soundtrack, including an original song by YouTube influencer Beth Crowley.

“Many people think music is only important in musicals,” Downing said. “Sound is just as important in drama. Tyler has created some great sound effects and lined up great music for this production.”

The cast, comprised of both familiar and new faces, has been preparing since January.

“This is one of the most talented casts that I have ever worked with,” Downing said. Thirty people make up the cast, including a budding star of only 11. The vast majority of the cast is female, as most people who auditioned were female. For example, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth are both portrayed by women. 

Dr. Brock Fisher, vice president of academic affairs, is directing the play and has designed the costumes. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. April 9-11and 2 p.m. on April 12. Tickets are $10. Reservations may be made by calling the Division of Humanities at (423) 585-6922. The box office opens an hour before each show.