In this conversation, Darnelle Radford interviews artistic director Alex Burns about Quintessence Theater Group's love and war season, with a focus on the production of Macbeth. The conversation covers various topics, including the themes of love and war in the season, the exploration of villain stories, the expectations of theater, and the approach to an all-male production of Macbeth. Burns discusses the use of artifice in theater and the transformative power of storytelling. In this conversation, Alexander Burns discusses the production of Macbeth at Quintessence Theatre Group. He emphasizes the power of theater artists to transcend identity and become anyone on stage. Burns also talks about his role as both director and designer for the production, balancing minimalism with the stagecraft required for Macbeth. He highlights the integration of sound design and electronic music to enhance the experience. The conversation explores the bridging of traditional and contemporary elements in the production, including costume design and mask-making. Burns shares his hopes for the audience to be exhilarated and emotionally moved by the performance. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by the theater community and the importance of supporting and promoting the arts.

TAKEAWAYS

Quintessence Theater Group's love and war season explores the themes of love and conflict in various plays.

The production of Macbeth aims to highlight the blood and violence in the play, as well as the dynamic and bawdy nature of the witches.

The conversation touches on the popularity of villain stories in television and the role of theater in providing moral guidance.

The all-male production of Macbeth sparks a conversation about gender in theater and the power of artifice in creating transformative experiences. 

Theater artists have the power to transcend identity and become anyone on stage, offering a unique and transformative experience for both performers and audiences.

Balancing minimalism with the stagecraft required for certain productions, such as Macbeth, allows for a focus on the text and story while still creating visually stunning and immersive experiences.

Integrating sound design, including electronic music, can enhance the energy and drive of a production, drawing inspiration from the historical use of drums and trumpets in Shakespearean plays.

Bridging traditional and contemporary elements in theater, such as costume design and mask-making, can create a sense of fantasy and engage the audience's imagination.

The power of language in theater is unparalleled, and film adaptations often struggle to capture the full impact of Shakespeare's poetry and the audience's participation in the live experience.

Supporting and promoting the arts community is crucial for the well-being and livelihood of artists, and it requires changing perspectives and convincing foundations to invest in the arts.

Arts coverage plays a vital role in promoting and spotlighting the excellence of theater in a city, and the lack of media coverage can hinder the growth and visibility of the artistic community.

Joining the conversation about theater involves attending live performances, supporting local theaters, and engaging with the work being produced.