Wallbyrd Theatre Company is thrilled to present John Webster's macabre revenge tragedy The Duchess Of Malfi October 15th-24th at the MuCCC Theater in Rochester. This visually stunning production will cast Webster's classic tragedy in a new light as the show comes to life against the backdrop of the sweeping, war torn landscape of the American Civil War. Defying the wishes of her two brothers, the newly widowed Duchess of Malfi is quick to secretly marry her true love and steward, Antonio. When their illicit union is finally brought to light, it will unleash a reign of terror, cruelty, madness, and murder that will tear country and kin to the ground. First performed by Shakespeare's own company, the King's Men in 1614, this Jacobean classic has been heralded among the most grotesque, whirlwind thrillers of the English theater, composed with a poetic elegance and nuance to rival the bard himself. In keeping with the company's mission to explore "living classics," this production has been re-imagined, combining Webster's expressive and eloquent verse with the raw, war ravaged setting of the 1860's antebellum south. In doing so, this production will explore how race, class, gender, and culture defined and defied a tumultuous period in American history. Due to the complexity and sheer scale of this work, this is a rare chance to see one of Webster's most acclaimed masterpieces embodied on the American stage.

[source: MuCCC website, 2015-Oct-12]