AN AURA of tragedy, mystery, murder and betrayal filled the Vivayadev Yogendra Auditorium on Friday and Saturday night as SOTE students took to the stage to entertain the audience with their re-enactment of Shakespeare's famous play, Macbeth.

The abridged version of the play portrayed Shakespeare's original language in a shortened 70-minute production.

For the past six weeks, nine of SOTE's talented acting students rehearsed religiously to deliver an outstanding performance to a responsive audience both nights.

The nine actors played various characters throughout this year's school musical production, keeping in true Shakespearian tradition of undertaking multiple roles.

Senior students Oliver Howson and Rita Bradshaw both study drama, music and art and were ecstatic to land the two leading roles as Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.

The opportunity to play such strong characters was a welcome challenge for both.

Oliver Howson said he had always had a passion for acting and may pursue a career in the industry after graduation.

"Playing the sinister character of Macbeth was great fun," he said.

"He is such a deep and meaningful character and you really feel like you are achieving something when you can relate to a character such as his."

"I really enjoyed being on stage and imagine that each scene is actually reality which allows me to become involved in my character and deliver a convincing performance."

The role of the cruel and ambitious Lady Macbeth, who would do anything to have her way, was beautifully executed by Rita Bradshaw as she graced the stage.

Rita Bradshaw said she was a bit nervous to be playing the lead.

"Even though I was a bit nervous, it was really cool to be in the limelight," she said.

"My favourite scene was when I had to I had to go crazy washing blood off my hands which wasn't really there."

The annual school production was once again a huge success and attended by many past and present students and their families, along with the general public.

Check out more photos from the SOTE musical on page 9.