Fall Play 2020 Program | Shakespeare's Macbeth

The Cast AHRON SPRINGER JENNIFER LEVINE AMIRAH THOMAS

THE THREE WITCHES

MAYA MARTINEZ

HECATE

Their Leader

DUNCAN

AHMED DIALLO

MALCOM

MILA PIASECKI

King of Scotland Duncan’s Eldest Son

SHAYAAN SIDDIQUE

DONALBAIN

Duncan’s Youngest Son The Thanes of Scotland

LENNOX ROSS MENTIETH MACBETH

Thane of Glamis

LADY MACBETH

PLUM LUARD VARUN CHALLA IVORY WANG CALVIN WARE SAMARA FRIEDMAN

BANQUO

ELLA ISGAR

FLEANCE

ESME HAYMES

A Commander Banquo’s Son

MACDUFF

BRYSON BRUNSON

Thane of Fife

LADY MACDUFF

NINA BELCOVE

The Cast MACDUFF’S SON

NOAH COOPER

SEYTON

ALIZAY HUSSAIN

SIWARD

BEN LEVINE

An Officer A General

YOUNG SIWARD A SERGEANT A MESSENGER A LORD A DOCTOR A GENTLEWOMAN A PORTER THE THREE MURDERERS

SOPHIA MORRISON CALEB CHOE EVE SAFER-BAKAL ABBY TUSK JORDAN GREENBERG ELINOR HERSHKOWITZ ZACH DILL OSCAR HERSHKOWITZ LILA SAFER-BAKAL BEN LEVINE

The Production Team DIRECTOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR & STAGE MANAGER SCENIC DESIGNER COSTUME DESIGNERS EFFECTS AND ANIMATION SOUND DESIGNERS

STEVE BOROWKA KYRA TANTAO TONY DIBERNARDO KATRINA NEWMAN ASHLEY TIMM ALEX TALBOT STEVE BOROWKA KYRA TANTAO TONY DIBERNARDO

ORIGINAL MUSIC

SPENCER LUTVAK

PROPS MANAGER

MARGIE GILLAND

FILM EDITORS

POSTER DESIGN & PROGRAM LAYOUT

TONY DIBERNARDO ALEX TALBOT STEVE BOROWKA CALVIN WARE

A Director’s Note From Steve Two years ago this weekend, as we were sitting in the theater getting ready to perform Twelfth Night, a few students asked if I would consider directing Macbeth for our next Shakespeare production. Without much hesitation I told them it was a great idea and that Iʼd think more about it. I imagined staging the epic fight scenes, blocking the hauntings of the ghosts and witches, and placing Lady Macbeth in the audience as she begs for the strength to murder.

Although none of that happened that way I hoped, something equally magical appeared. We did what many chose not to do. We moved forward with our production knowing that it would be easier not to. We got creative. We found solutions.

Maybe those students were predicting the future by selecting this show. Here we are doing a play that traditionally is ‘cursedʼ and, as superstition dictates, often brings about strange and unexplainable events AND itʼs a play that centers around a tyrant whose greed, need for power, and lack of sympathy ultimately causes his downfall...

Theater has always been about shared experiences through storytelling and although we can’t be in a theater together, we can still share this moment. I am so proud of the work and the performances of these students. I am grateful for their flexibility and humor and perseverance.

“Come what come may, time and the hour run through the roughest day.”

Special Thanks Kate Reynolds, Will Hopkins, Bryan Hogan & the Communications Department, Denman Tuzo, Sisi Kamal, Alyson Evans, Leah Johnson, Alex Moquist, Ryan Howard, Beko Lecaj, Roberto Cintron, Arlind Lecaj and the maintenance crew, Shayna Strype, Kristin Marchilena, Simon Freidman and to the parents and teachers of the cast members.

AND A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU TO THE TISCH FAMILY FUND FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Nina Belcove (Lady Macduff) Nina is a sophomore and has loved the Friends theater program since Middle School. Some of her favorite past roles include Titania in the 5th-grade production of A Midsummer Night’s Midterm, ensemble member and soldier-who-slapsJustin in Here Be Dragons, ensemble member and radio interviewer in Little Shop of Horrors, and most recently, both Frau Bergmann and Frau Gabor in Spring Awakening. The musical most commonly stuck in her head is Hamilton, but Spring Awakening did make an appearance on her Spotify 2020 Recap.

Bryson Brunson (Macduff) This is Bryson Brunson’s (12th grade) third fall play at Friends. He spends most of his time wistfully looking out the window wondering when Wayne Brady will return, but when he’s not doing that, he’s singing about the ways he can change the world with his troupe Developing Artists and eating his feelings away. His main quotes include, but are not limited to: “in this economy?!”, “time is money and I’m very expensive”, and “come see my show.” Enjoy his performance as Macduff in Twelfth Night.....I mean Hamlet!

Varun Challa (Ross) This is Varun’s first show at Friends Seminary. He has done acting classes (mainly for film) outside of school for the past 2 years. This is Varun’s second time doing Macbeth, his first time was in 4th grade at school. Varun’s favorite plays are The Lion King, Oedipus, Antigone, and A Midsummer’s Night Dream. Varun is in 11th grade, likes to play tennis and soccer, and loves to scuba/free dive.

Caleb Choe (Sergeant) Caleb Choe started his theatrical career rather late starting in seventh grade.

His first three productions were The Imaginary Cuckold, Honk!, and The Art of Course Acting. Caleb Choe thanks his drama teacher from middle school for showing him the wonderful world of theatre and his teacher who taught him Shakespeare since second grade.

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Noah Cooper (Macduff’s Son) Noah is a freshman at Friends Seminary. This is his first show at Friends, but certainly not his first experience with Shakespeare. He has starred in Hamlet, As You Like It, Twelfth Night, Romeo and Juliet, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, as well as many other non-Shakespearean plays over the years. He lives in Brooklyn with his parents and brother and enjoys playing guitar, watching basketball, and yelling about politics with his family. His favorite Shakespeare play is Hamlet, though it changes a lot. His favorite show of all time is West Side Story. He is very excited to be in Macbeth and is excited to do many more plays down the line.

Ahmed Diallo (Duncan) This is the fourth Shakespearean play Ahmed has performed in, the other three being Julius Caesar, The Winter’s Tale, and Henry IV. Ahmed has also performed in ‘My Shot’ from Hamilton. Since he started theater in 7th grade, Ahmed has fostered a strong passion for the performing arts and is looking to grow as an actor throughout his next two years of high school.

Zach Dill (A Porter) This is Zach Dill’s 3rd show and 2nd year at friends. Zach is The Porter and is very glad that he can be the comedic character in this dark play as he thinks it somewhat mirrors his personality. Also he is happy to be showing off his acting and filming prowess (even though he’s an amature at filming). Finally, Zach would like to thank his cats for being his emotional support throughout the filming process and walking in front of the camera... a lot.

Samara Friedman (Lady Macbeth) This is Samara’s fourth show at Friends Seminary. She loves the performing arts and has been playing piano for over 12 years. She loves journalism and is the junior editor of the school’s newspaper. She wants to thank her parents and brother for putting up with her while she endlessly rehearsed lines. She also wants to thank her grandmother, Gloria, for introducing her to the world of theater and always supporting her.

Jordan Greenberg (A Doctor) This is Jordan’s 4th show at Friends, their first one being Little Shop of Horrors in 2019. Jordan wants to give a shoutout to Jules and Milo let them know that bowties are cool.

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Esme Haymes (Fleance) This is Esme’s second show at Friends, but she has done a handful of other plays and Shakespear shows outside of school. Esme plays Fleance, Banquo’s son, and this is her first high school show, but she is excited to continue auditioning for plays. Esme loves reading and watching Doctor Who. She would like to give a big thank you to her dogs, Kiki and Penny, for being very supportive throughout this process.

Elinor Hershkowitz (A Gentlewoman) Elinor is in 9th grade and has been doing theater at Friends since she got here in fifth grade. Her favorite roles have been Gladys from The Skin of our Teeth in 7th grade, A from Metamorphoses in 8th grade, Ophelia from Hamlet in 5th grade, and Christian from Fun Home two summers ago at summer camp.

Oscar Hershkowitz (A Murderer) Oscar is a freshman who enjoys acting and drawing. Other than Macbeth, he has been in three shows at friends; The Skin of our Teeth, Metamorphoses, and Spring Awakening. He lives in the East Village and is undoubtedly a cat person, but also likes dogs in a sense. His favorite recording artists are Taylor Swift, Lorde, Lana Del Rey, and Troye Sivan. Special shoutout to Kermit, because, Kermit.

Alizay Hussain (Seyton) Alizay is a freshman and new to the Friends community. One of her favorite roles in a play was the evil witch in Snow White. Alizay enjoys reading and spending time with friends and family.

Ella Isgar (Banquo) Ella has done 6 shows at Friends Seminary, making Macbeth her 7th. She loves crispy galettes fresh out of a microwave, running through the rain with Gene Kelly, and l’embuscade avec mes filles. While in quarantine, her two fluffy (evil) cats have taken over her bed and relegated her to the couch.

Ben Levine (Siward, A Murderer) Ben (Buzzie) Levine had a great time participating in the fall play this year. He is in 10th grade, and this the second fall play he has participated in at Friends after playing the Whale and the Drummer in The Art of Coarse Acting last year. Buzzie enjoys Debate and Model UN and likes to bike in his free time.

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Jennifer Levine (A Witch) Jenny is a freshman at Friends. Some of her favorite roles to play were Juliet (and later Romeo) in Romeo and Juliet, Mrs. Antrobus from The Skin of Our Teeth, and Time in The Winter’s Tale. This is her first high school production! Jenny would like to thank her brother, Ben, who gave her the firsthand experience with (alleged) murder to allow her to play the full truth of this play.

Plum Luard (Lennox) This is Plum’s 7th show at Friends. Plum’s first show ever was Friends’ 4th grade production of Macbeth where she played the roles of Ross and Witch #3– Macbeth has been her favorite Shakespeare play ever since. Her favorite role was as Nanny the sheep in Animal Farm where she dazzled the audience with her infamous sheep impression.

Maya Martinez (Hecate) This is Maya’s fifth Friends play. Some of her favorite roles include Mrs. Antrobus from The Skin of Our Teeth, the Nurse in Romeo and Juliet, and Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Besides acting, Maya loves to read, play tennis, bake, and listen to rock.

Sophia Morrison (Young Siward) Sophia is in 9th grade and is so excited to be in Macbeth. Sophia’s favorite roles she has played are Sheila in Cool Kids Wear Black Lipstick, Gladys in The Skin of our Teeth, and Juliet in Romeo and Juliet. She would like to give a special shoutout to her friend, Jenny Levine, who has great aries energy.

Mila Piasecki (Malcom) Mila has performed in six shows at Friends. From Dire Straits to Cesaria Evora, she’s always listening to music, loves watching films, and playing guitar and singing.

Eve Safer-Bakal (A Messenger) This is Eve’s 6th show at friends. She is in 9th grade. Some characters from other shows that she has enjoyed playing is Ceyx in Metamorphoses, Suzanna in The Cool Kids Wear Black Lipstick, Mrs. Antrobus in The Skin of our Teeth, and Tybalt in Romeo and Juliet. Eve would like to give a shoutout to Nate.

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Lila Safer-Bakal (A Murderer) Lila Safer-Bakal is in ninth grade. Lila has previously performed in Much Ado About Nothing, The Skin of Our Teeth, Little Shop of Horrors, Shakespeare in Love, and Metamorphoses. In her free time, she enjoys baking. She would like to give a shoutout to her twin, Eve. Shayaan Siddique (Donalbain) Macbeth is Shayaan’s second show, both of which were at Friends Seminary. He especially enjoyed his role as Narrator 3 in Friends Seminary’s Brothers Grimm Spectaculathon. Outside of School, he is interested in swimming and track.

Ahron Springer (A Witch) This was Ahron’s fourth theater production here at Friends. Ahron is in 10th grade and has been going to Friends for 11 years. Ahron enjoys playing basketball and running.

Amirah Thomas (A Witch) Amirah Thomas is a sophomore at Friends Seminary. This is Amirah’s first show at Friends and she has had an amazing experience thus far. Although this is her first show at Friends, she has participated in multiple shows in the past at her previous Middle School. Those include: 9 to 5 and Hairspray. Her other interests outside of theatre include drawing, painting, and pottery.

Abby Tusk (A Lord) Abby is a freshman at friends and this is her 3rd play at friends. The last two were the 7th and 8th grade plays over the past two years: The Skin of Our Teeth and Metamorphoses. Other than acting, abby really likes art and reading.

Ivory Wang (Menteith) Ivory Wang is a sophomore who has been at Friends for a year and counting. She enjoys learning STEM subjects and the visual arts. However, this year she decided to immerse herself in the performing arts and this is her first time participating in a play at Friends. While Zoom rehearsals have been a new experience, Ivory has had great fun playing her character.

Who’s Who? Meet the Cast!

Calvin Ware (Macbeth) Calvin is currently a junior, and this is the 11th show he’s been a part of at Friends.

Previous roles include Napoleon in Animal Farm, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and Major Thompson in The Art of Coarse Acting. He loves performing on stage but is so excited to have been a part of this virtual production. Calvin loves digital art and graphic design, and he is the editor of the school’s yearbook. When he’s not acting, he’s probably binge-watching The Crown and Downton Abbey, among any and all other British period dramas.

Who’s Who? Meet the Production Team!

Steve Borowka (Director) Steve is in his 8th year at Friends Seminary where he teaches drama, playwriting, directing, and public speaking. He is grateful for the student’s hard work and dedication to this production and is forever thankful for the designers’ innovation, creativity, and magic. His first on stage role was “little goat” in his 3rd grade production of The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Tony DiBernardo (Scenic Designer, Film Editor) Tony has 7+ years of professional design experience working on Broadway, film, and T.V., and theatre around the world. His goal is to never bunt, but to instead swing for the fences. This often gives his work a bold and exciting quality. Tony is also the visual directior and founder of the At Home Artists Protect LLC., an arts company creating spaces in which to collaborate and produce performances virtually, across the globe. Lastly, her believes that design is meant to be fun!

Margie Gilland (Props Manager) Margie is a New York based professional theater artist and performer. Over the past several years, she has had the joy of working on several Friends Seminary shows in various roles such as stage manager, choreographer, and props master.

She approaches her work as an artist with compassion, curiosity, and an open heart, and she loves getting work at Friends alongside the next generation of theater-makers.

Spencer Lutvak (Original Music) Spencer is a classically-trained guitarist and multi-instrumentalist. In addition to four years of working at Friends Seminary, he teaches guitar to children and adults of all ages and skill levels. Graduate of Connecticut College (Theater, Dance, and Mathematics). Check out Ghostlight Theater Camp @ghostlight_theater_camp

Who’s Who? Meet the Production Team!

Katrina Newman (Costume Designer) Katrina is a theater lover and dancer turned costumer for television and Broadway.

She’s designed costumes for “America’s Got Talent” and several Broadway Cares/ Equity Fights AIDS events, and has been on the wardrobe team for 7 Broadway shows, most recently Disney’s Frozen. The Broadway shut-down has given Katrina the time to appreciate a good sunset, have weekly dance parties with friends over Zoom, bike to every corner of the city, enjoy her family, find nearby hiking trails, and make a ton of masks.

Alex Talbot (Video Editor, Effects and Animation) Alex is a stream engineer, lighting designer, and video editor and based in Boston, Massachusetts. Alex is passionate about developing new workflows for virtual and online theatrical performance, and has found a niche building virtual shows since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Most recently, he served as the lighting designer for Carnegie Mellon’s 2020 production of Into the Woods and as Full Flood’s lighting assistant for the 62nd Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. He also serves as the stream engineer for the online theatre company At Home Artists Project. Apart from theatre, Alex enjoys hiking and mountain biking in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Kyra Tantao (Assistant Director, Stage Manager) Kyra is a queer & Latina actor, musician, playwright, and graphic designer currently residing in Brooklyn, NY. She earned her BFA in Theatre Arts at Boston University in May 2018. When she isn’t stage managing, you can find her shredding on her guitar with her band, Monica Bang. www.kyratantao.com Ashley Timm (Costume Designer) Ashley is honored to have been a part of a production like this; innovative and creative, even in uncharted territory. A proud member of IATSE Local 764 Theatrical Wardrobe Union, she has been a dresser on several Broadway musicals and plays, including Angels in America, The King & I, and Head Over Heels, just to name a few! This marks her first production as a Costume Designer - it was an experience she’ll never forget. Many congratulations to Steve Borowka, the students, and the creative team who worked so hard to bring this production to life.

Join Us!

For information about upcoming performing arts events, please visit: www.friendsseminary.org/student-life/performing-arts

Later This Season

The 7th / 8th Grade Play: The Little Prince February 2021 The School Musical: TBA April 2021 The 5th / 6th Grade Play: TBA May 2021 The Student Written and Directed One Act Festival June 2021