Macbeth: From the Stage to the Screen

Our director, Bradford Cover ’81, had the idea to film the play as a movie, so that COVID restrictions could still be followed.  The filming took just over a week and scenes were shot in Central Park and the Church of the Heavenly Rest.  This production would not have been possible without the Church’s hospitality and we are very grateful. 

This year’s play was Macbeth, and the themes of greed, ambition, betrayal, and of course, murder, were only heightened by the excellent cinematography and editing.  The boys’ acting was convincing and the film is not for the faint of heart.  Mr. Cover assembled an incredible team that put together a professional quality movie while still protecting the charm of an 8th grade school play.  

Many thanks to the 8th grade parents for the costumes and helping the boys stick to a tight filming schedule.  The parents also organized an outdoor screening party on a rooftop in Brooklyn.  Watching the Shakespeare play on large screens with the Manhattan skyline in the background was certainly a new experience for St. Bernard’s!  One of the benefits of the film was that we were able to share it with more people than normally attend the production in the Miller Theatre.  As of the time of this article, almost 700 people have watched Macbeth online.

Congratulations to all who were involved in this year’s Shakespeare play.  Their determination to carry on this cherished tradition is to be commended.