Merced Shakespearefest set to perform ‘Macbeth’

The story of a Scottish nobleman’s prophecy-driven quest for political power, and his subsequent fall, will be retold this weekend when Merced Shakespearefest’s “Macbeth” premieres at the Merced Theatre.

The Bard’s play takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, and at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 20, at the theater, 301 W. Main St.

Written in 1606, the tragedy most likely was first performed at the royal court in front of the Scottish king who became King James I after Queen Elizabeth’s death, said director Heike Hambley.

The king traced his lineage back to a historical figure known as Banquo, and had an interest in witchcraft, Hambley said. Shakespeare used those facts and historic sources about King Macbeth to write a study about ambition, power and the dark side of human nature, she said.

Three witches and a character named Banquo are elements of the script.

“Macbeth” is one of Shakespeare’s shortest plays, Hambley said, but it is also a “big play with big themes.” The 24 cast members, who come from Merced, Modesto, Turlock and Fresno, play 33 roles.

Colton Dennis and Traci Sprague have the lead roles of the titular character and his wife.

For its 15th season, Shakespearefest plans three productions for the first time, one more than a typical year. The company offered “Julius Caesar” in January, and Shakespeare in the Park is set to present “Love’s Labour’s Lost” later in the year.

This story was originally published March 17, 2016 at 3:35 PM with the headline "Merced Shakespearefest set to perform ‘Macbeth’."