Do we control our fate, or does fate control us? That’s the question Saint Thomas Aquinas’ production of Macbeth begs us as we watch this tragedy unfurl.

Macbeth is a show that puts ambition at the forefront and shows what happens if it’s left unchecked. Written by William Shakespeare, this play starts out with a prophecy: Macbeth will rule over Scotland, but Banquo’s family will reign for many generations after. Due to these words, we discover how far man will go for power. Through this, we see humans embody characteristics that are seen as animalistic, causing a bloodbath for the things they desire. This production puts these qualities at the forefront, as this production is placed in the Everglades, filling the play with animalistic symbolism.

Played by Cody Straka and Juliana Bohm, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth truly brought out the ambitious qualities power begs, and the guilt that follows when it’s received. Their undeniable chemistry is of high esteem, truly bringing out the animalistic symbolism. Straka paints a gorgeous picture of deceit and uncertainty, bringing his crocodile qualities to the forefront of his character. Bohm’s use of manipulation is spectacularly demonstrated through her serpent demeanor and how she constantly wraps herself around Macbeth verbally and emotionally. Speaking of Lady Macbeth’s manipulation, the manner of which Dylan Saito played King Duncan is one of great esteem. His kindness and unfortunate naivety are at the center of his portrayal, bringing out his deer-like mannerisms.

The ensemble in this show was phenomenal. In each scene they displayed an incredible amount of chemistry, working hard to tell the story with even the smallest moments. Each gesture, reaction, and piece of dialogue shared cemented the message of the story beautifully. An ensemble that cannot go without mention are the Witches. Juliana Leith, Valentina Clemente, and Olivia Gonzalez told this story not just through their lines, but also through choreography and even aerial silks. Each move captured the essence of their other worldly nature, perfectly embodying the swamp bird.

Thanks to Avery Patterson’s makeup and hair direction, the animalistic qualities of all the characters were displayed outstandingly. Each character had unique, mesmerizing animal-like appearances that were flawlessly demonstrated by the makeup. The special effects done by Abigail Cavo, Drihanna Francois, Harper Kesselman, Mathias Hueck Moschiano, Victoria Patten, and Aurora Smith were truly out of this world. Macbeth’s head looked super realistic, really selling the death of his character. Also, the use of the “bowl of blood” was genius, creating lasting symbolism. Emma Sanchez’s direction of the marketing department led to a genius collaboration with the crochet club created adorable real-life manifestations of the leads in their animal form. Finally, the props created by Rebecca Hilbert, Erin Kavanaugh, Victoria “Bird” Patten, Bailee Seraphine, and Zachary Bohorquez were intricately detailed, encapsulating the overall Everglades environment.

Saint Thomas Aquinas’ production of Macbeth was a glorious overarching metaphor for how fate drives us into our animalistic qualities, making us question whether we have control over our own lives or not. Now, as dictated by Macbeth, “Out, out, brief candle!”

by Lily Bradford of North Broward Preparatory School