The Tragedy of Macbeth is one of William Shakespeare’s most powerful and complex works. But how do you bring a 11th-century Scottish tragedy to life for Middle Schoolers? That’s the challenge students at Aspen Country Day School tackled in their Creative Arts theater class this winter. Answer: add modern narration and rock music, all while preserving the integrity of Shakespeare’s original language.
“The students and I talked a lot about how modern songs can reflect the very human elements of Shakespeare,” said longtime ACDS teacher Annie Garrett, who adapted the play and directed the production. “The story is ostensibly so distant from us, but when we looked at the timeless themes — ambition, corruption, betrayal, and regret — it was easy for the kids to find music that captured that essence.”
As with all Aspen Country Day School arts courses, the emphasis is on process, rather than production values. Nevertheless, the January performances of Macbeth were five-star hits (video below). Though the script was thoughtfully abridged for clarity and pacing, the text itself remained unchanged. Students therefore faced the dual challenge of understanding Shakespeare’s dense and often unfamiliar language while delivering it with confidence, precision, and emotional depth. “My hope was to rehearse the script so much that the poetry was in their bones. Then with inflection and emotion, the actors could communicate this complex language in a way that even children could glean the meaning,” Miss Annie said.
“The story is ostensibly so distant from us, but when we looked at the timeless themes: ambition, corruption, betrayal, and regret, it was easy for the kids to find music that captured that essence.”
Annie Garrett, Aspen Country Day Middle School Performing Arts Teacher
Through a combination of small-group and full-cast rehearsals, students refined essential performance skills including character development, vocal projection, intonation, poise, and physical expression. “I loved the whole entire experience. It was basically magical. The best experience of my year,” said Sixth Grader Rowan T. Rehearsal extended beyond scheduled class time, with students dedicating lunch and recess periods to perfecting musical numbers and choreography. These sessions strengthened coordination, grace, and vocal technique while reinforcing the collaborative spirit of the ensemble.
Miss Annie and cast in rehearsal
The musical elements drew inspiration from a wide range of classic and contemporary artists, including The Rolling Stones, Radiohead, Leonard Cohen, Billie Eilish, and Demi Lovato. These selections created a dynamic bridge between Shakespeare’s themes and modern emotional expression, adding energy and immediacy to the storytelling.
At its core, the ACDS Middle School Performing Arts course is designed to cultivate creativity, collaboration, and self-confidence while fostering a meaningful appreciation for Shakespeare and the performing arts. Through this innovative production, students not only strengthened their technical abilities but also discovered the enduring relevance of classic literature when viewed through a contemporary lens.
