Macbeth
at Northwood High School

Reviewed on October 13, 2016

Taylor Plett
Dana Hills High School (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Toil and Trouble Brew at Northwood

Witches and warriors pose danger in the world of the Shakespearian tragedy, but for some, the greatest villain is the evil inside.

Northwood's original take on "Macbeth" refashions this timeless tale into a gender-bent examination of female power and male compassion, speaking truths of greed's universal dangers amid a post-apocalyptic backdrop.

When the death of one of her superiors exposes a path to the Scottish crown for modern warrior like spirit Macbeth, her tormented hunger for power throttles the restraints of her conscience -- a murderess is born, hands bloody and fate looming at her back.

Chloe Boulard chills as Macbeth, her charging gait and stiff jaw forging an "unsexed" aggressor as she lunges and parries, sword outthrust. The murderess' ambition for the throne ensnares her psyche with each kill, demonstrated in Boulard's wild eyes and shaking hands as she reaches for the imagined apparition of a dagger.

Katherine Paladichuk magnifies the noble heart of Macbeth's charming sidekick, Banquo, her earnest voice and comic antics acting as the light in her surroundings' twisted depravity. But when Macbeth's paranoia forces the loyal companion to a harsh grave, Paladichuk's effervescence falls vapid, her ghost clutching Macbeth's haunted heart with unfeeling eyes.

As head witch, Hecate (Akash Seeramreddi) casts spells in a spine-tingling snarl, commanding both his coven and the stage with a menacing stance and clenched fists. The witches (Joshua Lee, Ian Gibson, Youssef Hegab, Kylia LaMure and Jerry Xu) add a consistent eeriness throughout the turbulent affairs of Macbeth's rise and fall, their twitchy contortions and malicious grins amplifying echoes of the supernatural.

Praise is due to Jerry Liu, Karry Lee, Khai Hoang and Christina Stone for a chilling and innovative set design; both hunters and hunted creep around soaring walls in states of urban wreckage, while graffiti reminiscent of gender symbols enforces the progressive messages at work amongst the dystopia. Props retain the play's classic elements and offer innovative updates, for while Macbeth and his henchman still fight with gleaming swords, a battered trash barrel serves as the witches' cauldron.

Northwood's "Macbeth" is both a poignant retelling of Shakespeare's terror-filled tragedy and an inspired variation effective in moving the age-old tale of humanity's forthcomings into the current era, proving that something wicked comes the way of those who serve their ambitions with blood.

Taylor Plett
Dana Hills High School (SOCSA)
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Toil and Trouble Brew at Northwood

Witches and warriors pose danger in the world of the Shakespearian tragedy, but for some, the greatest villain is the evil inside.

Northwood's original take on "Macbeth" refashions this timeless tale into a gender-bent examination of female power and male compassion, speaking truths of greed's universal dangers amid a post-apocalyptic backdrop.

When the death of one of her superiors exposes a path to the Scottish crown for modern warrior like spirit Macbeth, her tormented hunger for power throttles the restraints of her conscience -- a murderess is born, hands bloody and fate looming at her back.

Chloe Boulard chills as Macbeth, her charging gait and stiff jaw forging an "unsexed" aggressor as she lunges and parries, sword outthrust. The murderess' ambition for the throne ensnares her psyche with each kill, demonstrated in Boulard's wild eyes and shaking hands as she reaches for the imagined apparition of a dagger.

Katherine Paladichuk magnifies the noble heart of Macbeth's charming sidekick, Banquo, her earnest voice and comic antics acting as the light in her surroundings' twisted depravity. But when Macbeth's paranoia forces the loyal companion to a harsh grave, Paladichuk's effervescence falls vapid, her ghost clutching Macbeth's haunted heart with unfeeling eyes.

As head witch, Hecate (Akash Seeramreddi) casts spells in a spine-tingling snarl, commanding both his coven and the stage with a menacing stance and clenched fists. The witches (Joshua Lee, Ian Gibson, Youssef Hegab, Kylia LaMure and Jerry Xu) add a consistent eeriness throughout the turbulent affairs of Macbeth's rise and fall, their twitchy contortions and malicious grins amplifying echoes of the supernatural.

Praise is due to Jerry Liu, Karry Lee, Khai Hoang and Christina Stone for a chilling and innovative set design; both hunters and hunted creep around soaring walls in states of urban wreckage, while graffiti reminiscent of gender symbols enforces the progressive messages at work amongst the dystopia. Props retain the play's classic elements and offer innovative updates, for while Macbeth and his henchman still fight with gleaming swords, a battered trash barrel serves as the witches' cauldron.

Northwood's "Macbeth" is both a poignant retelling of Shakespeare's terror-filled tragedy and an inspired variation effective in moving the age-old tale of humanity's forthcomings into the current era, proving that something wicked comes the way of those who serve their ambitions with blood.

Alex Theologides-Rodriguez
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Northwood's "Macbeth" Creates a World of Warrior Women

A crash of thunder brings an epic mural of clashing blades and falling bodies to life. A dozen dark figures in black, olive, and white do battle with spears and swords, each of them defeated one by one, leaving only two girls with warpaint and blood-red vests. Breathing heavily, they look into the audience, raise their weapons, and roar in victory.

This opening could not be a better indicator of the spirit of the show; Northwood's "Macbeth" is a proud, edgy production that achieves something truly spectacular: bringing true originality to Shakespeare. The show tells the story of a post-apocalyptic power struggle in a society dominated by women, and all of the characters who are classically male are portrayed as strong women by female actors. In the play, military hero Macbeth is told that she will become queen, but her friend Banquo will establish the next lineage of queens. Macbeth rises to power by killing the current queen, and she does all she can to protect her new position, until she is killed by the very people she tried to control.

The set immediately establishes the post-apocalyptic setting of the show, with two pillars and three slanted metal walls in the background, covered in cracks and graffiti. The back half of the stage is on a raised platform, and the front half reaches into the audience slightly, giving the entire stage a huge sense of scope. The set is extremely effective at framing the actors, and the size of it makes it easy to keep track of what's going when there are many people onstage at once.

Chloe Boulard's Macbeth is a brutal, power-hungry war hero that fills the entire stage with her presence in every scene. Her wide stance and loud, unwavering voice are indicators of her sheer willpower, and that only changes when she encounters visions of a bloody dagger and the ghost of her old friend. Then, Boulard transforms into someone who is genuinely scared of the future, her lips quivering and her hands shaking.

Boulard's energy is matched by Katherine Paladichuk's performance as Banquo. Paladichuk transitions from living-Banquo's boisterous personality to ghost-Banquo's vengeful spite by changing her swaggering walk to one that makes her seem lighter than air.

Northwood's "Macbeth" takes unprecedented risks, and follows through with them to the end, creating an immersive and fully enjoyable experience.

Alex Theologides-Rodriguez
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Varsity Arts

Northwood's "Macbeth" Creates a World of Warrior Women

A crash of thunder brings an epic mural of clashing blades and falling bodies to life. A dozen dark figures in black, olive, and white do battle with spears and swords, each of them defeated one by one, leaving only two girls with warpaint and blood-red vests. Breathing heavily, they look into the audience, raise their weapons, and roar in victory.

This opening could not be a better indicator of the spirit of the show; Northwood's "Macbeth" is a proud, edgy production that achieves something truly spectacular: bringing true originality to Shakespeare. The show tells the story of a post-apocalyptic power struggle in a society dominated by women, and all of the characters who are classically male are portrayed as strong women by female actors. In the play, military hero Macbeth is told that she will become queen, but her friend Banquo will establish the next lineage of queens. Macbeth rises to power by killing the current queen, and she does all she can to protect her new position, until she is killed by the very people she tried to control.

The set immediately establishes the post-apocalyptic setting of the show, with two pillars and three slanted metal walls in the background, covered in cracks and graffiti. The back half of the stage is on a raised platform, and the front half reaches into the audience slightly, giving the entire stage a huge sense of scope. The set is extremely effective at framing the actors, and the size of it makes it easy to keep track of what's going when there are many people onstage at once.

Chloe Boulard's Macbeth is a brutal, power-hungry war hero that fills the entire stage with her presence in every scene. Her wide stance and loud, unwavering voice are indicators of her sheer willpower, and that only changes when she encounters visions of a bloody dagger and the ghost of her old friend. Then, Boulard transforms into someone who is genuinely scared of the future, her lips quivering and her hands shaking.

Boulard's energy is matched by Katherine Paladichuk's performance as Banquo. Paladichuk transitions from living-Banquo's boisterous personality to ghost-Banquo's vengeful spite by changing her swaggering walk to one that makes her seem lighter than air.

Northwood's "Macbeth" takes unprecedented risks, and follows through with them to the end, creating an immersive and fully enjoyable experience.

Rebecca Bogdanovic
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Vengeance and Desire Haunt Northwood's "Macbeth"

A brilliant flash of white light catches the edge of a gleaming sword, illuminating the dark silhouette of warriors, deep in a fierce battle. The opening scene of Northwood's "Macbeth" portrays the power-struggle among kings, princes, and lords, as each actor thrusts their sword with vigor, intent on piercing the heart of their opponent.

Set in a post-apocalyptic society, Northwood's gender-swapped production explores the relationship between ambition, greed, and retribution.

From the moment she takes center stage, Chloe Boulard perfectly embodies the multifaceted Macbeth. She stands tall, holding herself with dignified composure in one scene, and sprawls herself helplessly on the floor in the next- eyes blazing with paranoia. Each word spoken is brimming with emotion; she fills the stage with passionate denunciations, yet triggers goosebumps by eerily whispering other phrases.

Stepping into the role as the understudy, Aeryn Black gives a flawless performance as Lord Macbeth. Eyes wide with desire, Black uses a quiet, yet manipulative tone in order to impart the character's appetite for power.

As she chokes, gasps for air, and convulses on the floor, Katherine Paladichuk is captivating as the dying Banquo. Paladichuk brings Macbeth under her ghostly spell by utilizing bent, slinking posture, mesmerizing her terrified killer with each phrase she utters.

Ryan Moreno and Amala Neervannan portray the touching relationship between Lord Macduff and Young Macduff. The tender, loving exchange between father and daughter provides a stark contrast to their gruesome death only moments later.

With solemn, grim expressions and menacing glares, each of the witches brings a unique, dynamic presence to the stage. Whether they are providing disturbing prophesies or chanting sinister spells, they have an ominous, disquieting effect on scenes in which they are present.

Using rumbling thunder, shattering glass, and the intense beating of drums, sound design by Mihir Rajpal and Alice Chien evokes a sense of tension that slowly grows over the course of the production. Hair and makeup design by Ellie Cross employs intricate, tight braids to pull hair away from the face, in order to maximize strength and endurance in battle. Heavy, tribal-like war paint is drawn on characters' faces: some with thick, black lines and others with a few vibrant streaks, depending on societal rank.

With a fresh twist, the cast of Northwood's "Macbeth" brings emotion and fervor to the stage, proving the destructive relationship between grand aspirations, and the desire for power.

Rebecca Bogdanovic
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook Page

Vengeance and Desire Haunt Northwood's "Macbeth"

A brilliant flash of white light catches the edge of a gleaming sword, illuminating the dark silhouette of warriors, deep in a fierce battle. The opening scene of Northwood's "Macbeth" portrays the power-struggle among kings, princes, and lords, as each actor thrusts their sword with vigor, intent on piercing the heart of their opponent.

Set in a post-apocalyptic society, Northwood's gender-swapped production explores the relationship between ambition, greed, and retribution.

From the moment she takes center stage, Chloe Boulard perfectly embodies the multifaceted Macbeth. She stands tall, holding herself with dignified composure in one scene, and sprawls herself helplessly on the floor in the next- eyes blazing with paranoia. Each word spoken is brimming with emotion; she fills the stage with passionate denunciations, yet triggers goosebumps by eerily whispering other phrases.

Stepping into the role as the understudy, Aeryn Black gives a flawless performance as Lord Macbeth. Eyes wide with desire, Black uses a quiet, yet manipulative tone in order to impart the character's appetite for power.

As she chokes, gasps for air, and convulses on the floor, Katherine Paladichuk is captivating as the dying Banquo. Paladichuk brings Macbeth under her ghostly spell by utilizing bent, slinking posture, mesmerizing her terrified killer with each phrase she utters.

Ryan Moreno and Amala Neervannan portray the touching relationship between Lord Macduff and Young Macduff. The tender, loving exchange between father and daughter provides a stark contrast to their gruesome death only moments later.

With solemn, grim expressions and menacing glares, each of the witches brings a unique, dynamic presence to the stage. Whether they are providing disturbing prophesies or chanting sinister spells, they have an ominous, disquieting effect on scenes in which they are present.

Using rumbling thunder, shattering glass, and the intense beating of drums, sound design by Mihir Rajpal and Alice Chien evokes a sense of tension that slowly grows over the course of the production. Hair and makeup design by Ellie Cross employs intricate, tight braids to pull hair away from the face, in order to maximize strength and endurance in battle. Heavy, tribal-like war paint is drawn on characters' faces: some with thick, black lines and others with a few vibrant streaks, depending on societal rank.

With a fresh twist, the cast of Northwood's "Macbeth" brings emotion and fervor to the stage, proving the destructive relationship between grand aspirations, and the desire for power.