A group of talented HS actors is presenting one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays, “The Tragedy of Macbeth,” which will be available for everyone to watch on the 8th, 9th and 10th of November.

The production this year is a recontextualized Shakespearian classic and features cast and crew of over 50 high school students, said Kristen O Twynam-Perkins.

Macbeth is a tragedy written by William Shakespeare between 1599 and 1606. The plot follows Macbeth, who receives a prophecy from a trio of witches who state that he is going to become a king. The ambition and power corrupt their mindset, which makes Macbeth and his wife live out that prophecy in a very ambitious and violent way.

The play will be presented in the style of early 20th century plays. The make-up, props, and sets are based on the 20th century in order to express the mood of that time period.

“The mood and atmosphere that we’re going for is kind of like a creepy freak show carnival,” Twynam-Perkins said.

Traditional Shakespearean language will be used, as well as 1920s and 1930s style costumes.

“We’ve changed the context of the play, so rather than it being 15th century Scotland, we’ve actually made it to so that is more like a depression era traveling carnival,” Twynam-Perkins said.

Multiple violent scenes are included in the play as well.

“The colors of the play will be dull in order to make the blood stand out more; a lot of blood and stabbing scenes will be shown,” said Miriam Recca, a Grade 9 student and actor.

“The mood will be really dark and gloomy. It can also be a little bit creepy, as multiple stabbing scenes appear. So if you are interested in those types, then the show is for you,” said Grade 9 student and lighting team member Mai An Nguyen.

The actors have shown great commitment to try a tragedy specifically. This is the first time that UNIS has ever put on a tragedy. “Originally I was thinking of doing a comedy, but some of the students wanted the challenge of doing a tragedy,” Twynam-Perkins said.

Rehearsal takes place twice a week for two hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. A lot of student engagement and dedication has been put into this play, such as composing music and preparing the props.

When we walk into the theatre and watch the play, we are only seeing the final product of their efforts.

“The students have all been working extremely hard over the last few months to bring this story of ambition, supernatural control, manipulation, and murder to the UNIS stage and we would love to see everyone come along to support their hard work and dedication,”  Twynam-Perkins said.

Tickets are on sale in front of the UNIS canteen during lunch time for 100k each.