Shakespearian Macbeth meets Vietnam War Veteran Macbeth. That is the concept that director Eric Ting has attempted to carry out through his adaptation of William Shakespeare’s play “Macbeth.”
The unique plot of the adaptation draws a crowd to Long Wharf Theatre, however for Staples students there is another feature that makes the play relatable: talkbacks made by English teacher Dan Geraghty. Geraghty, a “Macbeth” expert and a veteran, was put in contact with Ting in order to be a mentor and to provide tangible experiences that would authenticate the war veteran experience. Additionally, Geraghty will have conversations with the audience after some shows.
Showcased at the Long Wharf Theatre in New Haven, “Macbeth 1969” premiered Jan. 18 and will continue until Feb 12. Ting’s adaptation gives the classic play read in freshman English a whole new makeover with Macbeth and fellow soldiers returning from war and dealing with the aftermath of the events that they had experienced and the injuries that have received from enemies in the war.
The pre-production process consisted of meeting with veterans, doctors, as well as Geraghty. “Ting humanizes Macbeth and brings light to the Post Tramatic Stress Disorder that affects veterans. PTSD begins to explain the supernatural that occurred in the original play, “ Geraghty said. Ting keeps a delicate balance between staying true to “Macbeth” while also using precise moments to help the audience understand the difficult experiences that veterans from every war endure.
Fellow Staples English teacher, Christine Radler, who has years of experience teaching “Macbeth” took her knowledge to Long Wharf Theatre to see “Macbeth 1969.” As a Shakespeare pro Radler could follow along with the plot, however, “the audience really had to know the play well in order to begin to understand the unique adaptation,” Radler said. The multiple character roles could confuse the audience and were a challenge even to a seasoned English teacher.
Intertwining history and English, “Macbeth 1969” stands as an adaption that provides a unique perspective on “Macbeth” and war veterans “The audience feels fear when they see tragedy and then ultimately become self reflective. The final question is how do we stop the cycle of violence and raise awareness for PTSD?” Geraghty said.
