A thrilling and famous tragedy comes to visceral, imaginative life onstage as Orlando Shakespeare Theater in Partnership with UCF presents William Shakespeare’s Macbeth. The play, which runs April 2 through April 27 at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, officially opens on Friday, April 4th with a traditional opening-night dinner preceding the production.

Macbeth begins with three witches, presented through Japanese Butoh (”dance of darkness”) movement, ominously prophesizing Macbeth’s rise to the Scottish throne. Spurred on by his dubiously ambitious wife, he pursues power at any cost and plunges his country into war, destruction, intrigue, and murder. This high-concept production mixes Medieval, Butoh, and contemporary elements in its portrayal of Scotland as the battleground between good versus evil, dark versus light. For the first time, the Margeson Theater will be converted into a theater in the round for an exciting and unique experience.

Macbeth will be directed by Orlando Shakes artistic director, Jim Helsinger with a talented cast that includes Ian Bedford as Macbeth, Jean Tafler as Lady Macbeth, with Eric Zivot as MacDuff and featuring Orlando Shakes veterans Anne Hering, Tim Williams, and Steven Patterson. Scenic designer Bob Phillips has created an evocative set, mixing elements of pagan and medieval influences.

Performances are Wednesday and Thursday evenings at 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $20-$37. Group rates are available. To buy tickets, call 407-447-1700 or visit www.orlandoshakes.org.

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