Macbeth Theatre Analysis

This performance had no curtains and scenes did not change in darkness, in that it was presentational performance. The scenes were continued without intermission. The door was present. In the beginning the audience came through the door and later the same door was used for the show.

The lights were designed by Amy C. Harper. The lightning was broadening throughout for the most part, but sometimes white shadows appeared.

The media was also used for this production. For example, there was a moment when Macbeth was hunted by the ghost, so, the projection with electronic sounds was used. That was unusual because they combined classic language with contemporary sounds. But it was interesting.

The costumes were designed Megane George. I thought that the costumes were suggestive for some characters. For example, in the beginning when we meet with Macbeth and Lady Macbeth they are dressed very simply. Lady Macbeth wears long brown dress and Macbeth wears pants and a long short. Later on when they become king and queen they wear the same dresses with a crown. I like the costumes of Weyward Sisters. They were wearing the overall stockings with green leaves.

Macbeth played by George Spencer. The volume of his voice suited the space of the church. He was projecting with voice toward the audience. His voice was not lost in the space. His pitch was both high and low. At the end of the statement or command his pitch went down. When he was repeating the same word over and over again, like, "tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow" his pitch was getting higher and higher and higher. Sometimes, before the changes occurred in the pitch he paused. The rate of his speech was fast for me to understand the meaning of each word. But he spoke slower than other characters. However every word was heard.

As much as he had a great resonant voice he also moved well. When he was in rage he used the space so well. He and some other characters were moving behind the audience. He moved and talked at the same time. For the most part when he was on the stage alone he spoke to the audience, looked into people's eyes, and moved from one person to another.

Next, I would like to describe Lady Macbeth played by C. Amanda Maud.

The volume of her voice was a bit quieter then Macbeth's voice but still for this space her voice was heard well. Sometimes she spoke stronger and louder to emphasize the words which convey added meaning in some situations. For example, when she spoke to her husband Macbeth, she did not raise her voice. But when she spoke to Macbeth in the presence of others she raised her voice. When she was talking to the audience she spoke loud. So, it shows that she spoke louder or quieter depending on the situation. . The pitch of her voice was not monotonous. In the beginning when she was addressing her speech to audience, her pitch was high because she emotional. At the end of the thought her pitch lowered. The rate of her speech was fast. I think she spoke faster then Macbeth. But every word, like Macbeth, was understood.

Lady Macbeth, also moved well. When Lady Macbeth thought out loud she looked directly to the audience. In the beginning when she came out she looked at me for a long time while she was speaking. I think that C. Amanda Maud did a wonderful job with her role as Lady Macbeth.

Though, with other characters I was not satisfied with. For example, Weyward Sisters performed by three actors did not do a good job because while they were standing next to me they were not in their characters. They were talking about hair. They spent a long time in front of the audience, they reminded me of narrators because they knew what will happen to Macbeth. However, I did like fighting choreography, the way they moved and how they used their swords-that was a real performance. That made the show extra vital.

Overall, I liked the play Macbeth. All of the actors articulated and moved well. This was conventional performance but with many elements of reader's theatre. It was interesting to see how director interpreted Macbeth for contemporary audience .