About 20 students in Years 9 to 11 from Kildare Catholic College will be performing Macbeth in six performances over the next two weeks. 

Year 11 student Samuel Butt, 16, will be leading the cast as Macbeth and said he has been practising non-stop in the lead up. 

“We’ve been rehearsing after school hours, but I’ve also been at school on the weekends to run through lines and I’ve been pretty much been practising everyday for almost two weeks,” Samuel said. 

“I’ve really enjoyed being around a group of people who are committed and have taken this play seriously. 

“I’ve been a part of productions, cabarets and musicals throughout my schooling and it’s really helped my confidence and public speaking.

“I feel comfortable on the stage, you wouldn’t get that from geography,” he said. 

Playing Lady Macbeth is 17-year-old Nelly Shephard, who is looking forward to the opening night. 

“It’s been great to be around like-minded people who are interested in having a go,” she said. 

“I’m definitely interested in doing something around the world of drama.” 

Kildare’s drama teacher Michael Mack said the key themes of Shakespeare’s shortest play have been explored during rehearsals. 

“Normally we do Shakespeare in comedies, but this is a darker play,” Mr Mack said. 

“We talk about what is driving good people to make bad choices and the human condition which is a great topic to explore. 

“The biggest challenge for kids is managing the rhythm of the language as it’s quite challenging and difficult, but we’re getting there.” 

The cast will perform six shows over the course of two weeks and will be performed at the school’s drama room, accessible at the Edmondson Street entrance. 

“The reality with Shakespeare is that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea, but it’s ours,” Mr Mack said.