2016 is the 400th anniversary of William Shakespeare’s death. Is that why I chose to do Macbeth? No. I chose it because it is a jolly good tale, NOT told by an idiot! What other excuse does one need to put on a show in this fantastic space?
The story of Macbeth:
Once upon a time, there were some bored witches. They wanted someone to play with, and they picked….Macbeth. There he was, innocently laying waste to the invading Norwegians for King Duncan, next minute he is standing in front of the witches as they foretell that he will be upgraded to Thane, and then promoted to King. They also prophesy that Macbeth's companion Banquo will father a line of Scottish kings, though never be King himself. Macbeth is no idler – he doesn’t take the witches words for granted, especially when King Duncan announces that should anything happen to him, his son Malcolm is to be the next ruler. No, instead he goes home and tells his Lady all about it, knowing that she, being the kind of person she is, won’t let it rest until it happens – even when he himself starts to think better of it. After a small seed of doubt is effectively squashed by the lady wife, King Duncan is murdered by Macbeth and the death blamed on his 2 sons, who wisely choose to get out of the country. Macbeth becomes King. Unfortunately, this does not bring the comfort, joy and idolatry he and the wife expect. There are the thorny issues that Banquo heard the witches’ prophecy to Macbeth and is starting to be a bit suspicious; the prediction that Banquo’s sons will inherit the throne; and Macduff, another powerful thane, has followed Malcolm, instead of swearing allegiance to Macbeth. Macbeth then begins a campaign to get rid of his enemies, as his wife looks on with growing concern and the other Lords start talking of rebellion. Just to make sure he’s on the right path, Macbeth goes back to the witches to get some more info – and learns that 1) his Kingship is safe so long as the local wood (Birnam) doesn’t come to life and start moving towards his castle at Dunsinane, and 2) that he can’t be killed by anyone born of woman. To celebrate that OBVIOUSLY, he is now King for life and doesn’t have anything to worry about, he arranges for the massacre of Macduff’s family. Life should be good…but it’s not….
The idea of the witches “playing” with everyone is not mine – I would like to acknowledge Daniel Buckroyd and Peter Smith for this idea, which I borrowed from the UK touring production they co-directed back in ‘88/’89. I’m afraid the re-writing of the Porter’s speech and the twist at the end are all mine, however. Lots of love and thanks to my family, who put up with this project taking over our lives. Also thanks to my managers at Whanganui Kindergarten Association, AWA Event Guide and Double Farley Creative Partners for being so understanding and supportive. And the tremendous support received from the Bason Botanic Gardens, especially Terry Dowdeswell and Jon McGowan.
The story of Macbeth:
Once upon a time, there were some bored witches. They wanted someone to play with, and they picked….Macbeth. There he was, innocently laying waste to the invading Norwegians for King Duncan, next minute he is standing in front of the witches as they foretell that he will be upgraded to Thane, and then promoted to King. They also prophesy that Macbeth's companion Banquo will father a line of Scottish kings, though never be King himself. Macbeth is no idler – he doesn’t take the witches words for granted, especially when King Duncan announces that should anything happen to him, his son Malcolm is to be the next ruler. No, instead he goes home and tells his Lady all about it, knowing that she, being the kind of person she is, won’t let it rest until it happens – even when he himself starts to think better of it. After a small seed of doubt is effectively squashed by the lady wife, King Duncan is murdered by Macbeth and the death blamed on his 2 sons, who wisely choose to get out of the country. Macbeth becomes King. Unfortunately, this does not bring the comfort, joy and idolatry he and the wife expect. There are the thorny issues that Banquo heard the witches’ prophecy to Macbeth and is starting to be a bit suspicious; the prediction that Banquo’s sons will inherit the throne; and Macduff, another powerful thane, has followed Malcolm, instead of swearing allegiance to Macbeth. Macbeth then begins a campaign to get rid of his enemies, as his wife looks on with growing concern and the other Lords start talking of rebellion. Just to make sure he’s on the right path, Macbeth goes back to the witches to get some more info – and learns that 1) his Kingship is safe so long as the local wood (Birnam) doesn’t come to life and start moving towards his castle at Dunsinane, and 2) that he can’t be killed by anyone born of woman. To celebrate that OBVIOUSLY, he is now King for life and doesn’t have anything to worry about, he arranges for the massacre of Macduff’s family. Life should be good…but it’s not….
The idea of the witches “playing” with everyone is not mine – I would like to acknowledge Daniel Buckroyd and Peter Smith for this idea, which I borrowed from the UK touring production they co-directed back in ‘88/’89. I’m afraid the re-writing of the Porter’s speech and the twist at the end are all mine, however. Lots of love and thanks to my family, who put up with this project taking over our lives. Also thanks to my managers at Whanganui Kindergarten Association, AWA Event Guide and Double Farley Creative Partners for being so understanding and supportive. And the tremendous support received from the Bason Botanic Gardens, especially Terry Dowdeswell and Jon McGowan.