8 to 22 March 2003

in the Studio Theatre

Macbeth

by William Shakespeare

directed by Mark Wilson

Contrary to what the Victorians would have us believe, Shakespeare wrote this play (1605) at a time of intense political, social and religious upheaval. The world view was changing from a feudal one in which people were defined by their status within an ancient and rigid order — Duncan, to one in which they were defined by what they could achieve — Macbeth.

Rather than embarking opon the well-worn search for an historical time-set within which to place a familiar rendition of the play, this production reflects the chaotic feel of the times in which it was written — a time in which people dared to affect change through the intensity of their own beliefs and energies, a time of action.

Review