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Macbeth

Macbeth

Written by William Shakespeare
Directed by Jeff Zayer

Season: 18 May-9 June

As a director I first had to ask myself, “What is ‘Macbeth’ really about?” In order to truthfully answer that question I first had to avoid the temptation to modernise the play. Over the past decade or so, it has become almost obligatory to contemporise Shakespeare’s plays to address current issues or in an attempt to make them more relevant and accessible. The problem with this is that one risks glossing over the true message and meaning of the play.

Therefore I decided to set this production of ‘Macbeth’ in its actual historical time, in the Scotland of 1040 – 1057.

Free of the distraction of overlaid settings or issues, the true message of ‘Macbeth’ becomes clear - ambition and the evil that can come from the pursuit of that which we desire, regardless of the cost, where any means justifies the end.
It is an interesting paradox that the apparently evil witches never once tell, or even suggest to Macbeth that he should commit murder to become King. The decision to go down the evil path, to pursue the prophesy of Kingship at any price was made entirely by the Macbeths. They themselves became the authors of their own destruction.

So, ‘Macbeth’ is about evil but it is an evil that comes from the actions of ambitious people. It could be said that evil is like a car without a driver – it is nothing unless we ourselves drive it.

Cast & Crew

Jeff Zayer

Director

Jane Cameron

Assistant Director

Vivienne Abitia

Lennox, Seyton, Costumes

Danielle Baloux

Costumes

Jane Cameron

Bardon, Rosse, Doctor

Philip Carney

Lighting Design

Nancy Cox-Millner

Stage Manager

Tegan Devine

Witch, Daughter of MacDuff

Sarah Fowkes

Lighting & Sound Operator

Matt Gaffney

Banquo

Kalven Heffernan

Seward, Donalbane, 2nd Murderer

Robert Henderson

Poster & Programme Design

Lucas Hickey

Macbeth

Katherine Hunt

Lady MacBeth

Yvonne Malykke

1st Wirch, Gentlewoman, Castle Messenger

Harry Millner

Stage Manager, Set

Casey Moon-Watton

Sound Design

Leon Moore

Angus, 1st Murderer

James O’Dowd

King Duncan, Old Man, Old Seward

Cathy Sheargold

Lady MacDuff

Belinda Small

3rd Witch, Wounded Soldier

Trent Spears

Malcolm, Porter, 3rd Murderer

Carolyn Wagner

Witch, Fleance

Rhys Ward

MacDuff

Ian White

Lighting & Sound Operator

Special Thanks