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Macbeth: Forrestfield SHS graduate learns how to wield sword for role in play

Lynn GriersonHills Avon Valley Gazette

FORRESTFIELD Senior High School graduate Sherryl Spencer learnt how to wield a sword for her role in one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies.

Macbeth – known as “the Scottish play” – is about a general who is told by a group of witches he will one day be king.

Spencer plays Seyton who, in this production, is an amalgamation of some smaller roles into one character.

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“We’ve had to negotiate the character, working on it in rehearsal, and it’s wonderful that Shakespeare’s scripts allow this freedom of interpretation,” she said.

“In a nutshell, I’d say I am Macbeth’s right hand. This is the first time I’ve been in a play where I’ve had to learn fight choreography.

“Ron, our stage combat instructor, is excellent – the plan is for no one to actually get injured.

“I’ve been glad that I’ve kept up my yoga, because you need strong arms and wrists to wield those swords, yes, they are as heavy as they look.”

Spencer has performed in several Shakespearean plays before and has had several brushes with Macbeth.

In 2013, she played Lady Macbeth in Project Macbeth at Garrick Theatre.

Spencer was also in a friend’s PhD project at Murdoch’s Nexus Theatre, looking at the changes made to Shakespeare’s scripts during the Restoration era, where she played two versions of Lady Macduff.

“I’ve worked with director Paul Treasure before in 2012 on Much Ado About Nothing,” she said.

“I really like his vision and the inclusive way he directs.

“He has an overall idea for how he wants the play to end up and an in-depth knowledge of the material, but allows each actor to bring their own interpretation and is excited to see what they come up with and how each little change alters the outcome.”

Macbeth plays at 8pm September 6, 8 and 9 at Roleystone Theatre.

For tickets, visit www.roleystonetheatre.com.au or call 6396 1557.

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