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"Macbeth" by William Shakespeare

August 3 through August 20 at New Bern Civic Theatre

The Carolinian Shakespeare Festival, in cooperation with the New Bern Civic Theatre, and through the support of Presenting Sponsor: The Epiphany School, presented William Shakespeare's "Macbeth," August 3 through August 20 at its new "home" at the historic Pollock Street theatre.

"Since I first started the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival back in 1998, I've hoped we could one day perform at the New Bern Civic Theatre. It's full of history and atmosphere and so anchored in the community as the place to see, and perform, theatre," said Mary McGinley, the Festival's Producing Artistic Director. "We've had a wonderful season and hope to come back next year."

New Bern Civic Theatre's Managing Director, Tom Landen, was equally enthusiastic. "We feel that the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival is vitally important to the community and we are honored to support this aspect of theatre -- as well as regional culture -- at the Civic Theatre. I see it as a win-win for everyone."

McGinley waited until this upcoming eighth season to direct what she calls "one of Shakespeare's best-known, most popular, and certainly most challenging plays." In a nutshell, she describes "Macbeth" as "a thrilling, and riveting drama of fatal passion and wills unchecked." Intensity is paramount in this stunning tale based on historic fact. Once the audience understands that Macbeth is Scotland's superhero, his and his ambitious wife's downward spiral is all the more complicated and compelling, and the presence of the three witches adds an intriguing ingredient to the hellish brew.

Anthony Holsten, a professional actor from Greenville, was cast in the role of the maniacal general, Macbeth. Those who were there for his reading of Richard III at the Bank of the Arts in 2005 have not forgotten Holsten's commanding presence and he certainly lived up to the high expectations for his demanding role this season.

His conniving spouse, Lady Macbeth, was played by NYC actress Wendy Peace, who charmed audiences, two seasons ago, with her portrayal of Adriana in "Comedy of Errors." A graduate of the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, Peace is a founding member of the Mint Theatre in New York City.

Returning for his second consecutive season to the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival stage, Derrick LeMont Sanders, who trained at the Circle in the Square Theatre School, played the role of Banquo in "Macbeth." He earned raves as Sebastian, the brother of the King of Naples, in 2005's production of "The Tempest."

New to the Carolinian Shakespeare Festival stage was Christopher Salazar who earned his B.A. in Dramatic Arts from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. With a wide range of Shakespearean stage experience, Salazar made his CSF debut as MacDuff, the Scottish nobleman who has the final word.

As she has in past years, McGinley once again brought together talented local actors to perform alongside professional actors from across the country to provide an outstanding and unique mix which has worked so successfully for eight seasons.

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"Love's Labour Lost" by William Shakespeare

August 9 and August 13 at Craven Arts Council and Gallery.

Our third offering in the "Shakespeare Unplugged Series," this was a concert reading of the Bard's delightfully sophisticated battle of the sexes. This event was presented by the professional company plus several guest artists. Presented with the cooperation of Craven County Arts Council and Gallery.

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"Festival Fringe" - An Evening of One-Acts

August 16 and August 20 at Craven Arts Council and Gallery, show time: 7:30 p.m.

"Manchild Machismo" by A.B. Lugo

An exciting new spoken-word art piece written and performed by A. B. Lugo, featured Hip Hop poetry and dramatic monologues as it explored the journey of a boy becoming a man in today's urban culture.

"Fountain of Youth" by Noemi de la Puente

Back by popular demand, Ms. de la Puente presented her newest version of her one-woman show. This fast-moving comedy, in the guise of a mystery, asks the question: What would you be willing to give for eternal youth?

Presented with the cooperation of Craven County Arts Council and Gallery.

This performance was funded in part by a grant from the Southern Arts Federation in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts and the North Carolina Arts Agency.