As the sweaty, dusty actors writhe around in clay and red wine, chanting and stomping to the sound of thunderous drums, it occurs to me that Flabbergast Theatre’s production of Macbeth, Shakespeare’s most tragic of tragedies is easily the most passionate, committed and visceral performances I have seen for a long time. Love it or loathe it, you will have a strong opinion on this one.
The eight-strong cast all wear earthy, grey costumes that put the setting outside of any particular historical moment and contributes to the appropriately murky, primeval atmosphere – a fitting one in which to convey the story of the Macbeth couple’s ambitious yet catastrophic life-choices and consequently, their descent into madness.
Simon Gleave in the titular role gives every ounce of himself as the successful soldier who is subsequently racked with guilt and madness. His wife, played by Vyte Garriga, puts in an equally possessed performance as she supports, teases and chides her husband.
it’s the way that the whole cast moves together that is possibly the show stealer in this production
However, it’s the way that the whole cast moves together that is possibly the show stealer in this production. Take the infamous three witches who foretell Macbeth’s rise and fall, clinging together to create an eerie six-armed beast, or Banquo’s ghost appearing and disappearing, and at one point demonically piggybacking Macbeth – which are just two of many choreographed highlights – take a bow ‘Movement Director’ Matej Matejka.
The ‘sound and fury’ of this production wouldn’t have the same oomph if it weren’t for the contrasting quieter moments. These occur particularly in the later acts when Lady Macbeth, having lost her sanity, sleepwalks around the stage with a lit candle to the gentle chimes of bells, or when her husband resignedly prepares for his fate. So too, there is the poignant, pin-drop moment when Macduff hears that his entire family has been slaughtered.
The sights, the sounds and even the smells stay with you long after the last of the witches’ prophesies has come to pass
This uncompromising production of Macbeth at the small, but perfectly formed, North Wall in Oxford demands your attention and is at times an all-out assault on the senses. The sights, the sounds and even the smells (that clay and red wine) stay with you long after the last of the witches’ prophesies has come to pass.
Edward Bliss
Macbeth ends tonight Feb 25 at Oxford’s North Wall. https://www.thenorthwall.com/whats-on/macbeth/
