College of DuPage College Theater to stage Shakespeare's 'Macbeth' Nov. 14-24

College of DuPage College Theater presents one of Shakespeare's most revered works, "Macbeth," on Thursdays to Sundays, Nov. 14-24.

Performances are 8 p.m. Thursdays to Saturdays in the McAninch Arts Center's Playhouse Theatre on the Glen Ellyn campus, 425 Fawell Blvd. Additionally, there are two matinee performances at 3 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 17 and 24.

At first glance, Macbeth is a brave and loyal Thane to King Duncan. However, after hearing a prophecy from three witches that he will become king himself, Macbeth is overcome by ambition and greed.

Bolstered by the prophecy and his wife's encouragement, he kills King Duncan and takes the throne. Yet, Macbeth's guilt, fear, and paranoia lead him to commit even more murders to secure his power. This timeless tale of fate vs. free will leave you on the edge of your seat.

For director and theater department chair Connie Canaday Howard, as much as the script is a warning against irrationality and violence, she said it's also a tribute to the courage of doing what is right, even when the cost can be nearly unbearable.

"Nearly all of the characters in 'Macbeth' attempt to save their country and those they love, until they finally prevail," she said. "As much as this script serves as a warning to all of us to stay calm, think through our actions and remain noble, it also urges us to speak out and take action against injustice. Even when it is hard to tell whom to trust, we must follow our hearts."

Tickets are $16 or $14 for students and seniors. Please note there are mature themes and language.

Support is made possible by a generous gift from the College of DuPage Foundation's Dr. Donald and Helen (Gum) Westlake Fund for Student Productions.

For more information, call the MAC Box Office at (630) 942-4000 or visit www.atthemac.org.

Learn more about College Theater at College of DuPage at www.atthemac.org/college-theater/.