The Stage

Macbeth

Published Tuesday 5 June 2007 at 10:55 by Mike Sell

The 2007 Chichester season has a strong Shakespeare theme, with this being the first of three productions. The setting for this Macbeth could be any modern state, but seems to be firmly in Eastern Europe or the Balkans, wherein war lords still have sway and the questions which faced 17th century rulers are not dissimilar from those of today. Indeed the design, in which battle fatigues, automatic weapons and military uniforms feature, merely underlines the fact that it is the technology which has changed, and not the problem of power.

Set in an empty space, apart from a sink with two taps, the production makes intriguing use of projection to underscore situations with modern examples most effectively. This allows director Rupert Goold to create a modern, and at times frightening, contemporary version of Macbeth, in which individuals and themes are developed in a logical and lively manner.

Patrick Stewart as Macbeth provides the tension, the inner doubt, the fear and the malice in a performance which is superbly spoken and acted. The assassination of Banquo, given a well-balanced performance by Martin Turner, and the way in which this increasingly haunts Macbeth when he temporarily enters Hell is totally destructive. Kate Fleetwood as Lady Macbeth was a splendid scheming foil to him and the dangerous one who, in many ways, is the stronger.

This, however, is a company production in which there is a unity of approach and commitment to the extent that the cast all provide important parts of the whole. The general level of delivery is extremely good, but the echo effect on the witches voices makes their words difficult to understand, which is a pity.

Not the same old Macbeth but one with a modern context, asking relevant questions of today’s world.