The University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) opens its 2014-15 Mainstage Series with William Shakespeares dark and twisted tragedy
Macbeth
. Under the direction of
Brant Russell
, Assistant Professor of Drama,
Macbeth
will make its CCM debut Oct. 2 through 5 in CCMs Patricia Corbett Theater, with a preview performance at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1.
Russells unique take on this classic features third-year female drama student Laura McCarthy in the title role.
Macbeth is the tale of a man, hungry to claim the throne and fulfill a prophesy that named him king. Cajoled by his wife, he achieves his ambitions through treachery and murder, only to find that victory isnt as sweet as it seemed. I wanted to explore transgendered identity and how it translates into masculinity, and in turn how that would be a part of the character dynamic, says Russell on his decision to cast a woman as Macbeth. In addition, there are several other traditionally male roles that will be played by women, including Banquo, Angus and Cathness.
McCarthy has been preparing for the role of Macbeth since she was cast last spring. Shes given up her vegetarian diet and taken up a weight-training regimen. Im more conscious of when Im being feminine or when Im being masculine, says McCarthy.
To complete the transformation, McCarthy decided to shave her head. In addition to rehearsing the substantial Shakespearian material, she talks about the personal aspects of her metamorphosis: The CCM community has been very vocal in their support, which has been very important to me. I pass people in the hallway and they will say you look great or something to that effect. It has given me the confidence that I need in an otherwise vulnerable position.
Overall, though, McCarthy describes the general publics interactions with her now as cautious. It is as if
[the people around me] are trying to place me but cant and therefore are on edge. It is the lack of identifiable gender that sets them off I think. I live in the unknown grey area now.
McCarthy explains that Russell is the perfect conduit for this performance. He gives just the right amount of freedom to all the artists involved to make it their own
Through conversation and exploration he humbly lights our way to finding our own interpretation of the text. This powerful directorial style lends an important gravity to each individuals personal performance. Audiences can expect a genuine experience, profound in its honesty.
Despite being Shakespeares most popular play,
Macbeth is making its first appearance on the CCM stage with this production. In addition, this drama marks Russells inaugural Mainstage production. Russells transition to the Mainstage is a natural progression, considering his success last year directing
Boeing Boeing, a collaboration with the Carnegies Theatre Series in Covington. Russell also received critical acclaim this summer for his production and direction of the
Worlds Fair Play Festival at the Queens Theater in the Park, which received a coveted
New York Times Critics Pick. Read more about Russells Queens Theater success by visiting
NYTimes.com.
About Brant Russell
Brant Russell is a graduate of Kenyon College (BA, political science) and Northwestern University (MFA, stage direction). He is a member of the Lincoln Center Directors Lab, an associate member of SDC and has worked on the staffs of Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Steppenwolf. He has worked as a producer and/or director for Theater Seven, Steep Theater, Steppenwolf, Collaboraction, MoonPie Productions, Next Theater, Victory Gardens, the Side Project and Around the Coyote, among others. Collaboraction and American Blues Theater have produced his short plays. Russell has appeared onstage in productions and readings for Next, Theater-Hikes, Steep / Naked Angels and Strawdog Theater. He has taught at Northwestern University, Kenyon College and Steppenwolf.
In January 2015, Russell will direct the American premiere of Brett Neveus RED BUD at Signal Ensemble in Chicago. He will also direct a CCM Studio Series production in the spring entitled Youre Welcome (A Cycle of Bad Plays) and produce the 2015 installment of the popular TRANSMIGRATION Festival. At CCM, he teaches Artist in Society, Script Analysis, History of Directing and graduate courses including Intro to Dramaturgy and Collaboration Techniques. He has taught independent studies in Absurdist Theater, Politics in Drama and Performance Art.
Performance Times
- 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 1 (preview)
- 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2
- 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3
- 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4
- 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5
Location
Patricia Corbett Theater, CCM Village
University of Cincinnati
Purchasing Tickets
Tickets to Macbeth are $27-31 for adults, $17-20 for non-UC students and $15-18 UC students with a valid ID, with $12-$15 student rush tickets available for the Saturday matinee beginning at 1 p.m. on Oct. 4. Tickets to the Oct. 1 preview performance are just $12.
Customizable subscription packages are also available.
Parking and Directions
Parking is available in the CCM Garage (located at the base of Corry Boulevard off Jefferson Avenue) and additional garages throughout the UC campus. Please visit
uc.edu/parking for more information on parking rates.
For detailed maps and directions, please visit
uc.edu/visitors. Additional parking is available off-campus at the new U Square complex on Calhoun Street and other neighboring lots.
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CCM Season Presenting Sponsor and Musical Theatre Program Sponsor: The Otto M. Budig Family Foundation
Mainstage Season Production Sponsor: Macys
Community Partner: ArtsWave