As the production begins, Macbeth’s and Lady Macbeth’s entrance is very grand because he has just been crowned, so it is a ‘State Occasion.’ The actors in this version are younger and very different to what you would normally expect. The young man, playing the leading character portrays Macbeth very well. Before seeing the production I imagined Lady Macbeth as an old, wicked looking woman. Thus, I was very surprised when she appeared as a young and gentle looking woman. The costumes of Macbeth and Lady Macbeths were very different to what I had expected as well. Macbeth entered wearing a tuxedo with tails, while Lady Macbeth was adorned in a modern evening dress complete with sparkling earrings. The other actors were also very smartly dressed. The scenery too changed the whole concept. Whilst still set in a castle, the banquet itself was in a grand ball room lit by chandeliers, with hangings on the walls and tables dressed with candles and sparkling silver ware. Soft and peaceful lighting completed the set, accompanied by soothing music.
How ever not all was peaceful, because Macbeth knew that the murderers whom he had ordered to kill Banquo would be doing the dreadful deed now! As the meal gets under way one of these men enter; Macbeth arises and goes to his side. As this assassin enters the first thing that is noticeable is, he is coloured and wearing military uniform. In thriller films to day they wear military uniforms and are generally coloured people so this is a good way of keeping it in a modern sense. 16th century England was mainly a white population; unlike present times. It is important that Shakespeare is portrayed this way because his plays were not just for England and white people but they were for the whole world to read and enjoy. The murderer brings bad news to Macbeth, which he does not take well. Macbeths first words are,
‘There’s blood upon thy face’
This is symbolism being used to show that murder has been committed. Shakespeare uses this type of writing to get the message across clearly. Symbolism is one thing that stands for another (usually an object.) Symbols are usually connected to imaginary things this is why blood is used, because it is connected to death. The murderer says,
‘My lord, his throat is cut that I did for him.’
However he then goes on to say,
‘Most royal sir, Fleance ‘scaped’
The change in mood suddenly alters as the murderer tells Macbeth that although Banquo was dead, Fleance had escaped! You can tell from Macbeth’s facial expressions and tone of voice that he is distraught and deeply worried. As soon as he receives this news he turns away and speaks to him self in short, sharp sentences in a frightened manner, thus portraying how worried and angry he is. The director has told the actor to do this so as to invoke more drama and thrill. This is known as a soliloquy. A soliloquy is when an actor speaks their thoughts aloud. They may be alone on stage or beside another character that would appear not to hear the words. Shakespeare uses this technique to allow us access to their innermost thoughts in their minds. The murderer leaves and Macbeth returns to the table. He continues to pretend and tries to forget the circumstances and makes a toast to Banquo who could not be with them. Suddenly, at the other end of the table, Banquos ghost appears! Macbeth is startled and breaks his glass, cutting his hand deeply. Macbeth exclaims,
‘Which of you have done this?’
Macbeth’s words suggest he is blaming his guest for sending the ghost, even though no one else can see it. Macbeth’s language tells that he so frightened by the appearance of the ghost, he says to the ghost,
‘…Never shake thy gory locks at me.’
This is also very frightening for Macbeth’s guests and Lady Macbeth because they cannot see the ghost. Macbeth also says,
‘…blood will have blood.’
This is as if he thinks the ghost has come back for him. The part that moved me most was when Macbeth rubbed his blood onto a woman’s face. This impressed on me that Macbeth had turned more wicked and dangerous. This also action startled Lady Macbeth showing her that her husband was not as weak as she thought. Lady Macbeth excuses her husband by saying that he does this on a regular basis and to continue with their meal. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth go aside to talk. Lady Macbeth tells him to get his act together and be a man. She says,
‘What! Quite unmanned in folly…’
Both of their tones are direct and meaningful.
They return to the table and Macbeth excuses himself and continues to eat. By this time you can tell that Lady Macbeth is realising that her husband is getting out of control and if not stopped will blow their cover of the death of Duncan. As both Macbeth and Lady Macbeth return to the table and as are about to eat the ghost reappears again. Macbeth cannot handle this a second time and starts shouting at it. He shouts with anger in his voice; this gets the point across! He shouts,
‘Avaunt!’
This means go away! Shakespeare uses this to add more drama. Soon after this the ghost disappears. Macbeth is relieved; we know this because he says,
‘…I am a man again.’
Lady Macbeth is worried at this point about her husband and draws the banquet to a close. Even though Macbeth has calmed down a fraction he is still shocked at the appearance of Banquo’s ghost. Lady Macbeth is greatly annoyed at Macbeth for acting the way he did in front of their noble friends, she says,
‘You lack the season of all natures…’
This simply means she did not think Macbeth was much of a man! At this, the scene draws to a close as Macbeth and his wife go off to rest.
Shakespeare’s language may seem difficult to understand but it was written in Elizabethan 16th century English that did use words that have long since fallen out of fashion. Examples of this are,
‘avaunt’
this meaning go away, and,
‘prythee’
meaning I pray thee. This use of language is sometimes hard to comprehend but it wouldn’t be Shakespeare’s work without it. ‘Macbeth’ is one of Shakespeare’s later plays, written when he had developed a mature style. In the scene that I am studying Shakespeare uses ‘blank verses.’ A blank verse is any line in a play that does not necessarily rhyme.
‘…I am a man again.’
This is the use of a blank verse. He also uses ‘rhyming couplets.’ This is when two lines rhyme, usually at the end of a scene. An example of this is,
‘…I dare, approach thou like a Russian bear…’
‘Asides’ are also widely used by Shakespeare; meaning when an actor is only speaking to one person. When Macbeth is talking to the murderer, is an example of asides being used.
If I were asked to make my own production of ‘Macbeth’ I would set it in more modern times (20th century.) It would be set in an old medieval castle with a grand hall way where Macbeth and Lady Macbeth would meet their guests. In the hall way there would be a butler and maids to open doors and take coats, also a grand staircase would be central in the hall as you enter. When guests have all arrived they would be escorted to the ballroom where they would be seated at a grand, finely furnished table. Musicians in the corner playing soft and calming music would perfect the ambience of the occasion. Lighting, a very important factor in any setting, would have to be provided by large crystal chandeliers hanging from the centre of the room. Maids would to and fro with luxurious delicacies.
To precede the entrance of the murderer, Macbeth would receive a telephone call causing him to leave for a short period of time. Macbeth would then meet the murderer outside, where he would get the bad news of Fleance’s escape! When the murderer would tell him of this escape I would have Macbeth scream aloud. His voice and scream would be sharp and angry so that it is obvious that he is extremely mad. This would be enough for the audience to know there’s something very wrong. It is also a way of using a blank verse because it will not be rhymed.
Macbeth would then re-enter but at once Lady Macbeth would see the change in mood, even though he tries to portray all is well.
The appearance of the ghost before Macbeth would be seen by the audience with Macbeth being startled and pushing every thing off the table, sending drinks and food crashing to the ground! The camera angle at this point would be spinning around above Macbeth making it seem as if time had stopped and that we are in another world. Everyone would then leave out of fear and even Lady Macbeth would be frightened of him because it seems as if he is losing his mind. Macbeth will still be shouting with anger and wickedness in his voice. Lady Macbeth finally calming him down; by using the soft and gentle approach with a soothing voice. Then the camera zooms out, the lights dim bringing the scene to a close.
The main part of this scene was when the ghost of Banquo appeared unto Macbeth. This was really the ‘turning point’ of the play. It is known as this because another murder has been committed, a ghost has appeared, and Lady Macbeth is no longer in control. Throughout this scene I have realised how different people react to changing circumstances. At the start Lady Macbeth seems to be in control but as the play progress Macbeth becomes more and more ambitious for power and will literally do any thing to get it. People say Macbeth is outdated and not relevant today, but I disagree because people to day will do any thing to get what they want, just like Macbeth. Human nature has not changed. The only real difference is the language. In Shakespeare’s time they used Old English, which is possibly harder to understand in this time and age. We must remember this is how people spoke in Shakespeare’s time so for them it was normal, and I’m sure if they were to hear some of to-day’s slang used they certainly would not understand it.
Throughout the study of ‘Macbeth’ I have learnt how position and power have a great changing effect on certain people. Like alcohol or drugs it becomes like an addiction and those involved, especially if they are weak in character, e.g. Macbeth will sacrifice all principles and scruples and will do anything to achieve what they want… even murder!
