It’s that time of year again when the University of North Alabama’s Norton Auditorium transforms into Florence’s version of London’s Globe Theater.

More than 400 years after Shakespeare is believed to have written his first play, the Aquila Theater company breathes new life into “Macbeth” on Friday.

According to the company’s website, Aquila’s mission is to offer a bold reinterpretation of Shakespeare. The company, founded in 1991 in London and based out of New York, has performed at UNA each year since 2001.

Aquila’s performances at UNA have been well received by students, faculty and the community. Whereas some may think of Shakespeare as pretentious and intimidating, Aquila succeeds in making Shakespeare’s plays entertaining for a modern crowd.

The group of traveling professional actors rely on presentation, props and an original music score with minimal scenery as part of their Shakespeare

experience.

“These performers are classically trained,” said UNA events coordinator Jayne Jackson. “They know the material so well and that comes across to the audience. Many may be afraid they won’t understand Shakespeare, but Aquila engages the audience in a way that overcomes that hurdle in the first minutes. It’s Shakespeare for the MTV generation.”

UNA English professor Lesley Peterson said Aquila makes Shakespeare accessible.

“Their slogan is ‘the greatest plays for the greatest numbers,’ and they present Shakespeare in an understandable way without dumbing it down,” she said. “They are highly trained actors — they understand the language and the characters and that breaks down any barriers with the audience. These are high-energy, lively performances. There is no standing around on stage. The audience gets it, they like it and they want more.”

Peterson said after attending Aquila’s productions she sees each play in a different light.

“I love going,” she said. It’s a very satisfying

experience.”

“Macbeth” is somewhat different from what UNA audiences have seen in the past, as Aquila has mostly performed Shakespeare’s comedies on the stage.

“When they performed ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ they drew straws before the show to determine which role they would play. The actors know the material that well,” said Jackson.

“We’re always excited, but I can’t wait to see what they do with a darker piece like ‘Macbeth.’ ”

Larry Adams, UNA English department chairman, said Shakespeare remains relevant and entertaining because he wrote about the human condition. The stories appeal to audiences today just as they did in the 16th century. Aquila succeeds in presenting the relationships and actions as modern.

“What I like is he deals with the human condition,” said Adams. “When we think of Shakespeare, we may think of uptight or rigid stage productions, but that’s not at all what it was meant to be.”

Peterson compares Shakespeare’s plays to Hollywood blockbusters.

“Shakespeare wrote for the common people as well as the court. He gives you blood, violence, suspense and action. They would be Hollywood blockbusters now,” she said.

“I’ve seen Shakespeare performed in the Globe Theater and Aquila is a world-class group. They find a way to make Shakespeare relevant.”

The annual Shakespeare production is made possible by the Albert S. Johnston Endowment through UNA’s English Department. Johnston left the endowment to the department earmarked to fund one Shakespeare production per year.

“We are so grateful to Dr. Johnston for this gift. It’s a gift to have a professional New York company such as Aquila performing. They are consummate professionals,” said Adams. “We have been pleased on all levels (with Aquila Theater company); it’s why we keep inviting them back.”

Contact Monica Collier at 256-740-5725 or monica.collier@Timesdaily.com.