Macbeth — QLD Youth Shake Fest

Overview

Every year, the next generation of theatre talent comes together to strut their stuff — and to pay tribute to the man who wrote the words that so many actors bring to life. Think of the QLD Youth Shakespeare Festival as Christmas for aspiring thespians, directors and other stage-obsessed creatives.

That's the first part of the proceedings. Following the annual get-together of up-and-comers, a handful are hand-picked to put on a show with Shake & Stir Theatre Co. Last year, they brought A Midsummer Night's Dream to life at the Judith Wright Centre of Contemporary Arts. In 2017, they're going all double, double toil and trouble by taking on the Scottish play, aka Macbeth.

Catch 35 of the state's best and brightest actors, dancers and musicians as they ponder the cost of power, plus the price one scheming man and his ambitious wife will pay to get it. Sure, you've probably seen one of the many great movie versions, including the excellent 2015 effort directed by Australia's own Justin Kurzel and starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard; but there's nothing like seeing the battles, betrayal, pain and drama performed right before your eyes, live and up close.