Macbeth

with David Tennant as performed at the National Theatre.

This was screened at the local Cinema. I love the accessibility. I’d missed out on physical tickets so jumped at a chance to see this ‘live’.

The day before I had a long train journey so took the time to acquaint myself with the play. I can’t say whether I enjoy Shakespeare as I’ve not had a great deal of exposure to it. However, reading a synopsis and grounding myself in the story was the way to go.

The performance was mesmerising. I had no issues with the language or the characters as the diction was clear. The acting? Superb. I could immerse myself visiting the castles of Scotland and participate in the feasts. Even the drudge across the moors surrounded by witches was captivating.

All this held within a simple white plinth, approximately 15m x 10m. The only addition a raised platform at the back screened by gauze. This facilitated splits in time and place. It allowed for the spirit of Duncan to connect with Macbeth. The screen provided the perfect container for the killing of Duncan’s wife and children, many miles from Cawdor.

But what if the witches…. Sound. They were presented using multi speaker directional sound that traversed the stage, circling and flying around the theatre. Multilayered voices. Very effective.

As for costumes, simple body hugging long sleeved shirts and kilted black or white skirts.

So now I know the play at least in passing. I’m pleased I saw it in the version as its simplicity avoided confusion and overly complicated set design.

going forwards I now want to look at Joel Cohens version to make comparisons. Especially as I enjoyed the portrayal of witches as physically active characters.