TJ Drama Director, Michael Palmieri, puts a 21st Century spin on a classic Shakespearean play.
TJ's Drama Department's new version of Macbeth is being geared up to hit the Spartan Stage. Photo by Tori Wallace
For the TJ Fall Play, Director and Teacher Michael Palmieri has created his own rendition of the tragic play Macbeth.
“Last year I was with my wife at a Shakespeare play, and she pointed out to me that we were the youngest couple in the theater. I then realized that Shakespeare did not connect with younger people,” said Palmieri. “I understand that this is the digital generation, and the theater should be the popular medium,” said Palmieri who looks to entertain TJ attendees by using the Green Day Broadway and the Book of Eli soundtrack to modernize the classic. According to Palmieri, “It occurred to me that these songs would be an appropriate soundtrack for my version of Macbeth.”
Palimeri has also rewritten the play of Macbeth with a more modern plot, without changing the message of the work. The original play is the story of a 10th century Lord who is able to save Scotland, but wants to take over the crown. So, he kills the King and takes the power himself. In TJ’s drama department’s version, the main character is Jimmy Lucent, who is a US Senator and is the golden boy. Yet, he has a dark side and has a ruthless climb to the top with disastrous results. “It’s the same great theme that Shakespeare presented and it is the same basic storyline. I certainly don’t think I’m a better writer than Shakespeare,” said Palmieri, who believes this construction of Macbeth provides a medium that will captivate today’s audience for a Shakespearean play.
In a form of reiteration, Palimeri said, “TJ theater is doing Shakespeare like never before. It’s not your Momma’s Shakespeare.” The crew is very experienced and seems to be working well together on the fall play. “We have eight veterans and three rookies. Obviously, the veterans are very well established and the rookies add something new to our stage,” said Palmieri, who is exuding confidence about the play. “I want everyone to come and see it at least once. We got the best actors and tech crew going. If someone sees it on Thursday or Friday they will want to come back on the weekend. It’s that good.”
Palimeri is a director of big ideals and big expectations, and he hopes to show this on the stage to the TJ community.
The play will be presented in the Harry Shanker Auditorium on November 14, 15, 16, and 17. Click here to order your tickets online, or see the Treasurer, Palmieri, or any drama student to purchase tickets in person.
