My name's Kraig Partridge. I'm 22, a student at Pacific Lutheran University graduating this May with a BFA in Theatre Tech/Design, and I'll be playing the role of Macbeth in PLU Theatre Dept.'s production of Macbeth by William Shakespeare. If you're reading this, than you are presumably connected to me or to PLU's theatre department in some way; and if you are, then you should definitely come see the show, which will be opening May 8th and will run for two weekends. And if you're not, you should STILL come see the show!
Here's a link for more information on the production, BAM:
http://www.plu.edu/communication-theatre/calendar/home.php
(Just scroll down and click 'Macbeth,' you're competent.)
We started rehearsing some two weeks ago, and so I'm already behind the times, but nonetheless, I've decided to start a blog chronicling my experience with the role. And what a role it is. As if graduating from University weren't daunting enough - more on that later - I'm playing a role that actors much more qualified than myself would LIT'RALLY kill for. Our director, Lori Lee Wallace, has told me stories of friends that "chase this role." And here I am, a student at 22, and I can't help but feel like it's just, kind of, fallen in my lap.
To be playing one of Shakespeare's most complex and intriguing roles; needless to say, I'm ecstatic. I'm honored. I'm humbled, I'm thankful, but, I'm also terrified. I mean, just LOOK at the list of Macbeth's past:
Ian McKellan
Patrick Stewart
Toshiro Mifune
Laurence Olivier
Peter O'Toole
Kenneth Branagh
Wouldn't you be scared, too, with names like that? Well, I can only hope to do the role justice. I'm hitting the script hard, and I'll be doing a lot of research in preparation of the role. I'll keep y'all posted with my findings, my breakthroughs, and my struggles. Who knows, maybe somebody out there will benefit from my story. It's 2:52 pm, I'm sitting in NPCC with a Hamm's tallboy, and I imagine there will be a lot more tallboys and a lot more hours spent in NPCC pouring and poring over the script. Come say hi if you get the chance. Until next time.
'Glamis, and Thane of Cawdor!
The greatest is behind.'
