DIRECTOR'S NOTE
What English teacher doesn’t love Shakespeare? More importantly, what Director wouldn’t love directing a Shakespearean play? I’ve always been enamored with William Shakespeare and his works, particularly the tragedies. They have the ability to transcend time and place, adapting to any and all societies in which they are enjoyed throughout the world. As the Theatre Arts Director at Redlands High School, I knew I had to seize the opportunity while I had it to perform a Shakespearean tragedy, and thus—Macbeth was created. Macbeth has always been a favorite play of mine, and I believe the story is so tangible for audiences. As human beings, we are strong-willed, ambitious, driven—we have an innate sense of personal and professional achievement. These are positive motivational forces; however, what Macbeth does is explore what happens when unchecked ambition, greed, and absolute power corrupts that motivation, thereby exposing this positive force to the darker side of human nature and ability.
I chose to keep the Shakespearean language the same, but modernized the play’s setting by placing Macbeth and his counterparts in the modern day corporate world of Downtown Los Angeles. Growing up in L.A. County, I visited Downtown Los Angeles frequently, and I was always awe-stricken by the lavish buildings, surroundings, and people who inhabited the metropolis. However, I also witnessed the darker underbelly of this exquisite façade both in person and in news reports. The extravagant backdrop of posh Downtown L.A. serves as the perfect setting for these iconic characters to play out their story for our modern audience.
Each production I complete with the RHS Theatre Arts Company (TACo) is better than the last, and Macbeth beyond lives up to this truth. These students have worked since June of last year on perfecting their lines, characterization, and acting chops as a whole in order to bring my vision of a modern-day Macbeth to life. We never once allowed the curse of “The Scottish Play” affect us, and they deserve every bit of adoration and applause they receive tonight. The technical crews are better than any I could have asked for. Without them, the visual and technical aesthetics of this play would remain words on a page. The bar was set high for them, and they not only achieved it: they skyrocketed to new heights that will be difficult to top in future productions.
The addition of Steve Simons as our Technical Director this year has been a blessing. He brings not only a worthy resume of professional industry experience, but he also knows how to run Clock Auditorium! I could not have asked for a better TD to fulfill what goals and aspirations this program has for the current year. He is dedicated, insightful, and has one of the most positive, outgoing attitudes of anywhere I've encountered during my time in Clock. If there was an item we needed, he got it; if there was a problem we had, he helped solve it; if there was a technical question, he had the answer. I am forever indebted to him and all he has done in such a short time. I'm looking forward to whatever else we create together.
On behalf of the entire production staff, crew, and actors, I want to personally thank each and every one of you for your attendance today. Your support of the Redlands High School Theatre Arts Company is paramount to our success, and without fabulous audience members such as you all, we would not be who we are. We hope you enjoy the show, and remember not to say “Macbeth” aloud in our theatre, otherwise: ”something wicked this way comes…”
Jason Walker
