1) How does this version of Macbeth challenge the traditional versions of Macbeth? The play of Macbeth is originally a tragedy, but our class changed it into a comedy and a form of theatre. We looked at a different company version of it (splendid theatre company style). We added music to certain scenes, and also used a ukulele a few times. We used the humor to break tension within the crowd and make the audience laugh. Often making a joke, and then following it with a serious statement or an event like death (Tickle and Slap). An example of when we did this was in the Lady Macbeth song, when at the start Sam ‘hit’ me with the ukulele at the start of the song, and then the knocking started close to the end, creating tension suddenly. Some way the original version was challenged was the minimal use of props and how we didn’t have costumes (most of us).
2) How do you think they have attempted to engage an audience, given that this is a schools touring production in the UK? They have attempted to do this through the staging form (in the round). This is because there is no front stage, making all the performers face all direction giving the audience different point of views. The fourth wall was broken many times, when putting the crown on audiences head and talking to them. Using the tickle and slap method multiple times. At a few points during the show characters would go up to audience members and get them to say things. An example: “welcome lady Macbeth”.
3) What are some of the artistic choices you like? Some artistic choices I liked was the sound effects made by the cast, in the scene and out of the scene. An example of this was in the sword fight, Kanin and Ollie where making sword clashing noises, from the audience, while Astrid & Christian where having the fight. I liked the idea of the ‘big cheer’ and ‘clap’ sign, and Connor lifting it up. It bought humor and made the audience feel more included. A good choice that was loved by both me, and my parents who came and watched was the use of unison throughout the show. 2 examples being in the Banquo song with Kanin, Ollie and Kyle. And in Jacob R, Jacob C, Michael and Alexanders scene (I’m fine, were fine, this is fine!). Some strategies that I think were very effective for the audience was the use object transformation. Some examples, are when we turned the ukulele into a ‘sword’. And when we turned the red scarf from a tyrant shoulder scarf to blood in one of the fight songs.
4) What are some of the artistic choices you do not like? I think different characters could have little accessories or small costume pieces to show who they are, or add to their characteristics and make it clear on gender, status etc. Another artistic choice we could improve is change the music as it didn’t always match the scene. Maybe have quieter or softer audio in calm scenes, and during the fight scene make it stronger but quieter so it dosnt over power the characters.
5) Write a 100-200 word review of this production: This production was a style of theatre that I have not done much, and it was a good experience to experiment with the different styles and strategies within the splendid theatre style. During the start of the rehearsal process, I was absent a lot and became quite behind. But I caught up and me, Jess and Sam put together a great scene. I really enjoyed performing in the round as I felt I had more freedom with my movement and dialogue. My main positives where: The use humour, music and tickle and slap. A negative for me was not being featured a lot and only really being in a song, with not much dialogue. But Shakespeare, and this style of acting isn’t really my thing, so my motivation was not as high. Overall, I would definitely love to work in the round again and feel like I now have more experience and more knowledge on different acting styles.
