By Najla Moussa

Tourists and Bostonians received a historical lesson in the Shakespearean arts in an unlikely arena. Over 200 people gathered at the Parkman Bandstand at the Boston Common for Shakespeare on the Common on a Thursday evening. Beach chairs and blankets were on the list of preferred seating and picnic baskets lined the lawns. People ate their home-prepared meals and socialized as they waited for the production to begin.

Just as dusk set in on the vast park area at 8 p.m., the audience traveled back in time nearly 500 years.

“Macbeth,” a Shakespearean tragedy, evolves around Macbeth, a nobleman who becomes the king of Scotland, played by Jay O. Sanders. Driven by ambition and his wife, Macbeth goes on a murdering spree, killing those that threaten his position.

In the first scene, the three witches, played by Georgia Hatzis, Mara Sidmore and Christina Bynoe, captivate the audience. Their makeup and costumes emphasized their eerie side and made them a sight to behold.

Lady Macbeth, played by Jennie Israel, spoke loudly, her voice ringing with passion, making her character quite convincing. The confrontation between Macbeth (Sanders) and Macduff, who was played by Robert Walsh, was intense, as seen through the actors’ expressions and gestures.

For almost three hours the crowd took in the creative magic that the production created. Professional actors, directors, designers and crew all helped in making the play believable through acting, costume and stage designs.

Founded by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company in partnership with the Wang Center for the Performing Arts, “Macbeth” is one of the Shakespeare plays that the Company has presented to Bostonians and tourists alike for years. The production, which take place every summer, has become a tradition in Boston.

Performances will run through August 10 starting at 8 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and 7 p.m. on Sundays.