A Clayton State University student with Hinesville ties took the stage recently as the title character in William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”

Darius Booker, a 2009 graduate of Bradwell Institute, played the power-seeking warrior-turned-king in the play, known to thespians only as “The Scottish Play.”

The production, packed with witches’ spells, hand-to-hand combat and a cast from Atlanta, Conyers, Morrow, Stockbridge and Fayetteville, had performances Nov. 9 and 10 and Nov. 15 and 16.

Although Booker is a veteran actor, having played several roles in the spring 2012 Clayton State Theatre production of “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” this is his first time playing a dominant role in a Shakespearean play.

“To perform Macbeth is almost a dream come true,” Booker said. “Originally, I wanted to be something ghostly, maybe one of the witches, representing an omen. To get Macbeth was unexpected. It was a great opportunity.”

The junior theater arts major and Hinesville native said the role was a bit daunting at first.

“I’ve had to do method acting, I had to go outside the box more than usual,” he explained. “I got a little afraid at first. I was seeing Macbeth everywhere in my everyday life. It was a scary part … partly due to the superstitious nature of the play. I wanted to put all of myself into it, to become Macbeth.

“I’ve been creating Macbeth with my own heart, in my own way. I want to do more Shakespeare plays. It’s been a blast.”

“Darius is in nearly every scene and has played a real leadership role in the production,” play director and assistant professor of theater Patricia Henritze said. “Also, this part gives him a chance to show his range and skill as an actor. He's been a joy to work with.”

Booker’s proud mother, Debra Booker, added that he has experience with local group Love-It Productions and in 2009 received local scholarships from several groups, including: Sistahs With Visionz, Delta Sigma Theta Hinesville Alumnae Chapter, Liberty County Emancipation Proclamation and the Liberty County Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship.

After graduation, Booker plans to continue his theater career in three areas: becoming a stage combat choreographer, become a professional actor, and getting into set design.