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For over 30 years, Shakespeare in the Ruins (SIR) has captivated Winnipeg audiences with immersive, bold theater, transforming the historic ruins of the Trappist Monastery into a one-of-a-kind stage. On Tuesday, March 11, SIR unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 season, which promises to explore the theme of Destiny through two iconic plays that have resonated with audiences for decades. These two productions, Macbeth by William Shakespeare and Waiting for Godot by Samuel Beckett, feel more relevant than ever in today’s world.
Both productions will run concurrently, Macbeth running from June 5 to July 5 and Waiting for Godot, running from June 13 to July 7, offering a unique and thought-provoking double feature that explores ambition, power, the absurdity of existence, and the search for meaning.
Rodrigo Beilfuss, Artistic Director of SIR, shared his vision for the season, stating that it delves into the push and pull between free will and fate. "Classic theater has never been more powerful or relevant," he said. Beilfuss, who is directing Waiting for Godot, discussed how both plays have gained renewed significance in today's world. "There’s something in the air about this idea of all the promises of the post-COVID world that we were breaking," he reflected. "We were waiting for this massive wave of hope to kick in, but things weren’t really changing."
When asked about the connection between the two plays, Beilfuss explained, "One is about inertia, about the absurdity of being alive. The other is about applying ruthless power to achieve one’s desires." He pointed out that Macbeth is fast-paced and full of intrigue, while Waiting for Godot is slower and focused on the futility of existence, making the two plays a compelling juxtaposition of action and inertia.
Macbeth
Macbeth, which hasn’t been staged by SIR in nearly 30 years, will be directed by Emma Welham, an ambitious young director currently training at the National Theatre School. Beilfuss shared his excitement about working with Welham, praising her ability to bring a fresh, female perspective to this traditionally male-dominated play. "She’s a brilliant combination for this production," he said. "She’s hungry to take on a play full of muscle and guts, and to apply a female gaze on it."
The production of Macbeth will feature dynamic movement throughout the ruins, with the audience shifting between scenes, "It’s going to be an immersive experience," says Beilfuss.
Waiting for Godot
As for Waiting for Godot, Beilfuss expressed his fascination with the play’s mystery. "The more I read and think about it, the more I’m like, I don’t know what it’s about. It’s about everything and nothing," he said. "It’s a play where nothing happens twice, yet everything happens." The production will star Arne McPherson and Cory Wojcik as Vladimir and Estragon, respectively, with Liam McDonald playing Lucky, the clown, and Tom Keenan as Pozzo, the slave owner.
Reflecting on the state of the world today, Beilfuss noted the eerie relevance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, with its exploration of political instability. "It’s terrifying that the instability of Shakespeare’s world from four centuries ago is so familiar to us now," he said. Waiting for Godot, too, explores themes of life’s meaning and purpose.
Beilfuss expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, despite the logistical challenges of preparing for another summer of theater in the ruins. "It’s a lot of admin work right now, but we’re looking forward to being out there again," he said, referencing the hope for drier weather this spring compared to last spring.
Ultimately, Beilfuss hopes that audiences will experience the thrill of live theater and immerse themselves fully in the performances. "Put your devices away and come into nature to witness two of the greatest plays ever written," he urged.
With a thought-provoking combination of Macbeth and Waiting for Godot, Shakespeare in the Ruins' 2025 season promises to be an unforgettable exploration of destiny, ambition, and the human condition.
For more details on SIR's 2025 season click here.