
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, February 4, 1995                   TAG: 9502070010
SECTION: EXTRA                    PAGE: B-7   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: ABINGDON                                 LENGTH: Medium

BARTER'S FIRST LIGHT TAKES SHAKESPEARE TO COLLEGE

Barter's First Light Theatre will give its first performance at 8 p.m. Tuesday of a touring production of Shakespeare's ``Macbeth'' at Virginia Highlands Community College.

Taking productions of plays by Shakespeare on tour to schools, colleges and community groups is something new for the First Light Theatre. It will tour with ``Macbeth'' this spring and ``A Midsummer Night's Dream'' in the fall.

``Macbeth'' will be performed by six actors who make up Barter's First Light Company, with each playing multiple roles.

``It's been a challenge doing Shakespeare with such a small company,'' said John Hardy, director of the First Light Theatre, ``but we've taken that disadvantage and turned it into one of the reasons this production is special.''

He referred to it as ``theatrical gymnastics.''

``I think we're probably the only theater company in America that would attempt to do this play with only six actors,'' he said. ``It's very challenging for the actors but, more than that, it's interesting and exciting for the audience.''

Shakespeare's play is condensed into one 90-minute act. Hardy will play Macbeth; Susanne Boulle, Lady Macbeth; Nicholas Piper, Macduff; Jeremy Van Meter, Malcolm; Robert Anglin, Banquo; Jennifer Terrell, Lady Macduff, and each actor also plays several smaller roles.

Further information about Virginia Highlands Community College's Arts Array series, of which the Barter production is part, is available by calling Pat Sauve at 628-6094. Further information on Barter's First Light Theatre is available by calling 628-2281, extension 327.

by CNB