Macbeth or

htebcaM ?
Sydney Theatre Co. - Billy Gleeson
Redlands
Shakespeare
Festival
Sure to delight!
Belvoir
Disaster.
Hedda Gabler
The talent and experience of the actors in this production is palpable. Macbeth
(Hugo Weaving) and his ambitious counterpart Lady Macbeth (Melita Jurisic) leave
the audience gripped and captivated. However, Jurisics acting choices as Lady
Macbeth have sparked controversy amongst theatre veterans, including thespian
Lachlan Kent and Home and Away star Tess Haubrich. Both claimed her overacting
detracted from the reality of the performance. However, I regard her choices as
brilliant, totally encompassing the role and thus creating a tense atmosphere
throughout her performance.
The directors choice to incorporate character transformations into the performance was questionable.
Consequently, it proved difficult at times to remember which characters were which, and didnt allow for proper
characterisation. However, one unequivocal aspect of this performance was the depth of knowledge and intention
possessed by the actors. There was never a moment of misunderstanding in the actor audience relationship, with
clear purpose and dramatic meaning with every line, especially Weavings, whos performance outshone all other
actors. Such acting was imperative given the lack of costume design, with all characters draped in neutral,
undistinguishing and contemporary clothing.
Given Williams clear aim of deconstructing this elaborate play, some of the technical aspects of the performance
are questionable. Elaborate use of strobe lights, blinding fog, and shimmering rain added dynamics to the
performance, complementing the sparsely outfitted set. One may interpret these technical choices as simply
alienating and emphasising key themes and ideas within the play, including confusion and death. However given
the cut-down of set, costume and actors, the use of these effects contrasted other directing choices. Whether it
was the witches Tupperware cauldron having bubbles blown in it, or cups of blood spilt on actors symbolizing their
death, Williams made little effort to create the illusion of theatre. However these decisions were successful,
emphasising the importance of language and acting in conveying the story. The most innovative and original
decision in the whole design concept was to reverse the logistics of conventional theatre. Positioning the audience
on the stage, gazing into the vacuity of the cavernous auditorium works perfectly in this production. In particular,
when characters travel to England (the dress circle), the unprecedented use of space turns the illusion to reality.
Sound was used scarcely within the production, and only then to raise the stakes and tension within the respective
scenes. Not that it was necessary, given the exceptional acting and intention behind the language.
All in all, Sydney Theatre Companys memorable production of Macbeth successfully questions conventional
features of theatre. Together, the innovative effects and talented acting make this contemporary deconstruction a
standout in the 2014 season.












Macbeth or
htebcaM?
Sydney Theatre co.s contemporary
deconstruction of the Shakespearean
tragedy is sure to keep you on the edge of
your seat. Billy Gleeson
Ushered in through the Sydney Theatre Co. stage door and seated in the cramped yet sizable stage, Kip Williams
deconstruction of the Shakespearian tragedy shines as one of STCs most abstract productions. Before the production
begins, there is a disconcerting feeling amongst the audience, understandable given the lack of interval and the 800
odd seats shadowing the practically empty stage.
The production starts relatively slowly, with little effort made to create a supernatural illusion or characterise the iconic
three witches. However from then on, the audience is mesmerized and grasped by the innovative effects and flawless
acting.


Weaving and Jurisic in a powerful moment of vulnerability.
Season 26 Jul - 27 Sep
2014
Adult $87
Concession $65

Macbeth and the three witches
Season 26 Jul - 27 Sep 2014
Adult $87 Concession $65