Macbeth

By Rukhsana Yasmin

William Shakespeare's short, savage tragedy about a military hero who is spurred on by his ambitious wife and dangerously fascinated with witchcraft is staged at the Arcola Theatre this September by Out of Joint Productions.

The action unfolds in an African state torn apart by war, and includes promenade elements. Director, Max Stafford-Clark says of his decision to stage the play in this way, "it's possible to watch, say, King Lear, see Gloucester's eyes cut out and then go to the bar, order a gin and tonic and say 'how moving, how very affecting,' but you're not necessarily involved. A promenade or site-specific production dislocates the usual relationship between actors and audience and moves both parties out of the comfort zone."

It may be this push to "move both parties out of the comfort zone" that has resulted in Max's Macbeth being presented within mills, factories, backstage areas, fringe theatres and earlier this year at Wilton's Music Hall in London's East End.

2004 saw the tenth year anniversary of this production of Macbeth and it returns again to give a much anticipated 11th year. This had been a sell-out at every venue in 2004 and received wide critical acclaim including The Times which said, "director Max Stafford-Clark brilliantly has reimagined Shakespeare's Scottish tale of murder and magic in modern Africa, without sacrificing textual complexity or resorting to cheap gimmickry."

Danny Sapani returns in the title role and is joined by most members of the original cast; Lady Macbeth is played by Raquel Cassidy of Channel 4's Teachers fame and Patrick Robinson, recently seen in Festen at the Almeida plays Banquo.

Macbeth can be seen at the Arcola Theatre from 1-10 September.
Arcola Theatre
27 Arcola Street
London E8
www.arcolatheatre.com
020 7503 1646