Everything Nac

Nearly 410 years after it was written, William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” presented by the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre, brings its story to Turner Auditorium in a way that will entertain and educate audiences in a big way.

Dr. Rick Jones, director of this production and professor in the School of Theatre, says that this is a play “with often beautiful language and psychologically complex characters, and a good story, with intrigue, sensuality, armed combat and a supernatural element,” which is sure to inspire audiences with themes of fate and leadership.

“Macbeth” is arguably Shakespeare’s most famous tragedy, and it is also a personal favorite of Jones. So, why do this show now?

Although some students may consider Shakespeare to be boring and out-of-date, this could not be less true for this production, Jones explained. In fact, this play could almost never be more applicable than now.

“This is a play about political machination as we head into primary season for the next presidential election,” Jones said. “It’s a play that speaks to the belief that we all have from time to time – that we’re not really in control of our own fates.”

That is a belief with which many students can sympathize. This production will also be an educational opportunity, as “Macbeth” holds some important historical significance that many may not recognize, Jones explained.

“It’s one of the most significant of Shakespeare’s plays in historical terms because it so clearly demonstrates Shakespeare’s transition from plays designed to appeal to Queen Elizabeth to those designed to appeal to King James,” he said.

This production of “Macbeth” employs a two-world concept, where the witch characters exist in a modern 21st century world, manipulating the events of the play, while the mortal characters exist in a pre-Norman Britain, which is the time of the real historical Macbeth, several hundred years before Shakespeare’s time, according to Jones.

This production is a true collaboration between SFA School of Theatre faculty and students, featuring faculty designers Tara Houston (scenery), CC Conn (sound), Angela Bacarisse (costumes), and faculty fight choreographer Slade Billew, along with student designers Troy Carrico (lights), Kate Shirley (choreographer), Shelby Gilliland (dramaturg) and Taylor Dobbs (properties).

The School of Theatre will present “Macbeth” at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, Nov. 17 through 21, as well as a matinee performance at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 19, in W.M. Turner Auditorium on the SFA campus. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $7.50 for students. For tickets or more information, call the SFA Fine Arts Box Office at (936) 468-6407 or visit theatre.sfasu.edu.

The Mainstage Series is sponsored in part by Tipton Ford Lincoln.

Stephen F. Austin State University’s annual Homecoming celebration will be Friday, Oct. 30, through Sunday, Nov. 1, in Nacogdoches.

The “Haunted Homecoming” weekend festivities will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, with the SFA Alumni Association Golf Tournament at the Piney Woods Country Club, followed by the Back in Nac Social from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at the Liberty Bell Restaurant and Bar in downtown Nacogdoches.

The Homecoming Torchlight Parade will begin at 8:30 p.m. at the SFA “Surfin Steve” statue and end at the Intramural Fields for the bonfire, pep rally, fireworks show and Bart Crow Band concert.

Homecoming will resume at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, with the Flap“Jack” Breakfast at Nacogdoches’ City Hall. The fifth annual Lumberjack Homecoming Certified 5K will be held in conjunction with the breakfast, also beginning at 8 a.m. in the parking lot behind SFA’s Schlief Tennis Complex.

This year’s Homecoming Parade will begin at 10 a.m. in downtown Nacogdoches. Following the conclusion of the parade, all Homecoming festivities will move to Alumni Corner, located on the corner of Raguet and Hayter Streets, in front of the Janice A. Pattillo Early Childhood Research Center. Tailgating will begin at noon, and attendees also can partake in the 24th annual Duck Dash at the SFA Ag Pond. The race will begin at noon, and Ducks may be sponsored until Thursday, Oct. 29.

A special event at Homecoming this year will be the family-friendly Jack-O-Ween fall festival from noon to 2:30 p.m. also at the corner of Raguet and Hayter Streets. The Halloween-inspired event will include bounce houses, face painting, balloon animals, magic, games, giveaways, and much more. Children are encouraged to wear their Halloween costumes.

Homecoming also will feature the fourth annual Homecoming Online Auction that will run through Sunday, Nov. 1, as well as the annual football game. The SFA Lumberjacks are scheduled to play the University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, at Homer Bryce Stadium.

To purchase event tickets, benefit tickets and/or Duck Dash sponsorships, visit www.sfaalumni.com or the Tracie D. Pearman Alumni Center on SFA’s campus from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about Homecoming events, contact the SFA Alumni Association at (936) 468-3407 or visit www.sfaalumni.com.