“Is that a dagger I see before me?” -
The play
follows the story of Macbeth (Joseph Millson) after he is informed by three
witches that his fate is to occupy the Crown of Scotland. Thus, he and his wife
(Lady Macbeth, portrayed by Samantha Spiro) murder King Duncan, their obstacle
to the throne of Scotland. Nevertheless, Macbeth must maintain his position by
continuing to kill – initially Banquo, Macbeth’s former comrade – in – arms, and
then anyone who is considered a menace to his crown as his paranoia is enhanced.
Along with
enthralling monologues that stimulated the mind and left the Globe in silence, Eve
Best, the director, audaciously incorporated an element of comedy and irony
that juxtaposed with the tragic nature of the play. The performance was not
without its music either, featuring pipe – and – drum music to mark the
beginning of the performance, and ends with one of the witches playing a
Scottish lament on the fiddle.
Employing
authentic and quintessentially Renaissance costumes and staging, the Telegraph
stated “Eve Best’s directorial debut is a cracking – at times, terrifying –
production of Macbeth”. For anyone who watches this, it promises to be an
illuminating and unique interpretation of one of Shakespeare’s most famous
works.
Jenny Brown, year 12
