Studio 301 Productions, UC Davis’ independent, student-run theater company, is presenting Macbeth with a modern twist in a modern venue: the “Deathstar,” otherwise known as the Social Sciences and Humanities Building.

Specifically, Shakespeare’s tragedy is being staged in the building’s sunken interior courtyard, with the audience taking seats on the ultrawide staircase. Thus, the courtyard becomes a modern amphitheater — and Macbeth becomes the first play to be staged there.

The Deathstar itself serves as Macbeth’s castle, while the production company also uses the building’s complex structure and unconventional layout to parallel Macbeth’s psychological journey.

“Everyone sees the Deathstar in a different light,” said co-director Gia Battista, a third-year English major. “Studio 301 is the first group to ever perform in this unconventional space, stretching the boundaries of conventional live theater.”

Co-director Steph Hankinson, who graduated from UC Davis in 2009 with a degree in English, said she sees the production “as an opportunity to bring both the student community and Davis community together in an artistic performance that has never been done before.”

The costumes have a contemporary urban look, the witches are inspired by a Japanese movement style called butoh. However, the directors have remained true to Shakespeare’s text and overall themes.

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Alison Stevenson, a third-year English major, and Michael Lutheran, a second-year student with a double major in history and dramatic arts, are handling publicity for Studio 301’s Macbeth. In addition, Lutheran plays the role of Macduff, the play’s antagonist. Gabbi Battista, who took one of the photos that accompany this article, is a first-year theater major at San Francisco State University.

Studio 301 is open to the entire campus community—students of all majors, plus
alumni, faculty and staff. More information: studio301productions.googlepages.com.

AT A GLANCE

WHAT: William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, presented by Studio 301 Productions

WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 11 (preview), Nov. 12-14 and 18-21; and 6 p.m. Nov. 15 and 22

WHERE: Amphitheater, in the center of the Social Sciences and Humanities Building. (If you are standing at the Memorial Union’s ATM machines, turn around and you will be facing the 100 SSHB lecture hall. Go around the lecture hall to the right, and you will see the staircase where the Macbeth audience will be seated.) Studio 301 reminds playgoers: “As this is an outdoor performance, in a rather unconventional space, it is advised to dress comfortably and prepare for the cold weather. Perhaps bring a cushion or towel to sit on, and a blanket.”

TICKETS: $9 donation for students, $10 donation for adults, payable at showtime. There are no reserved seats; however, you can guarantee admission by making reservations up until 11:59 p.m. the day before any performance. To arrange reservations, send an e-mail to macbethreservations09@gmail.com with your name, phone number and the number of seats you want. Because seating is on a first-come, first-served basis, people are advised to arrive at least 15 minutes early — even if you have reservations.