After not being able to have large casts or a packed audience for the past year and a half due to COVID-19 restrictions, the theatre program’s upcoming play is “Macbeth” by William Shakespeare. 

The cast will be divided into two groups for the different nights, the first cast as “Mac” and the second cast as “Beth” with two leads for each show. The leads of “Mac” are Rayan Oghabian as Macbeth and Melia Lambert as Lady Macbeth. For the second cast “Beth” will be Armaan Sharma for Macbeth alongside Morgan Kazel for Lady Macbeth. 

“Shakespeare isn’t normally done at a high school, and it’s really cool that we have the opportunity to perform something as famous and brilliant as Macbeth. To bring these really mature and beautifully written characters to life is an amazing opportunity,” Kazel said. 

Theatre teacher Mr. Joshua Ansley chose the play based on his knowledge of the play and the theatre program’s skill.

“[Macbeth is] probably my favorite Shakespeare play. I used to teach it in some other English classes, so I know it really well and can help students who are struggling through it. I’ve wanted to do it for a while and now felt like the right time. Our program is strong enough and we have enough people I love to work with that are involved and passionate about it,” Ansley said. 

While picking a part and adjusting to their role can be difficult depending on the person, the leads already felt a connection with their characters. 

“I researched the play before, and I just knew Lady Macbeth was a strong female character that I wanted to portray, especially here at Whitney. She’s a [kind of] character I’ve never [played] before, she has a twisted mind, knows what she wants and gets what she wants,” Lambert said. 

Oghabian relates to “Macbeth” in a similar way, but for a slightly different reason.

“I relate to [Macbeth] in the way that he is a good person at first, but goes through trials that change him,” Oghabian said. 

The leads encourage anyone, whether educated about theatre or not, to exercise the arts, whether that be seeing, watching or performing them yourselves.

“Even if theatrical arts aren’t your thing, it’s still great because it helps build your confidence, public speaking and lets you step out of your comfort zone. It’s hard every single time you do it, but it just gets easier and easier [as time goes on],” Sharma said. 

Though some may be intimidated by the play being by Shakespeare due to the complexity and agedness of his work, the cast encourages everyone to watch the show, as it may be more relatable than they think. The shows will take place Oct. 21 through Oct. 30, with closing night scheduled for Oct. 31. 

Sharma said, “The story and the themes are universal and still apply today. It is a timeless story and if you come with an open mind, you are going to really enjoy [the play] and what we put together.”

by KAYLEIGH BUTLER, KAITLYN EL-SAYEGH & REESE MORACCO