About a month after seeing the RSC's fabulous production, I tuned into National Theatre's broadcast of Macbeth to see how they would adapt Shakespeare's Scottish tragedy.
As with the RSC, Rufus Norris (NT Director) cast the stage in smoke and eerie lighting, using echoing sound effects to create a spooky atmosphere. Rae Smith's set was nightmarish - the pre-show feature told the audience that it was to represent a modern civil war; we are to imagine the world if the national grid went down and banks stopped giving out money.
Although I got the idea of war and survival, I'm not sure why the King of Scotland would have been cause for concern in this setting. Their "armour" is literally taped onto them and all their clothes ripped, yet for some unknown reason hierarchy is still an issue in this setting. Of course, there is no explicit reason for this civil war to be taking place, but there does not seem to be much of a kingdom for Duncan or Macbeth to want to rule over.
Rory Kinnear was a tormented Macbeth, and his descent into madness was emotional and captivating. His chemistry with Anne-Marie Duff (Lady Macbeth) was intense. The first time the audience saw them together, they shared an intimate and passionate kiss. Their relationship is then put to the test as power and madness overcomes Macbeth.
Lady Macbeth must be one of the most difficult characters to portray to an audience of Shakespeare fans. Her character is powerful, emotional and tragic all at once and the first impression is vital. Duff's Lady Macbeth is one full of anguish and desperation, and her character complimented Kinnear's Macbeth well. She appeared genuinely thrilled and excited by the prospect of her husband becoming King. As the play progressed, subtleties in her characterisation, such as trembling hands and a too-loud laugh, demonstrated her downward spiral into insanity.
The three witches were fairly typical - played by women, each dressed in creepy and quirky attire. One seemed to lead the other two, commanding the stage where she walked. One was monotonous with echoes when she talked, another had a high-pitched shrieking voice. They broke spacial barriers as they moved around the entire stage - which, for the non-supernatural scenes, was usually sectioned off using set.
I was, however, disappointed with Banquo's ghost. I have previously seen him portrayed with gory effects, and the RSC covered him in an ash-like substance, yet this Banquo seemed to be missing something. I was anticipating his appearance and how his interaction with Macbeth would unfold, yet he just stumbled around the stage and Kinnear was left doing all the work.
Trevor Fox had an extended role of the Porter. His monologue after the murder of Duncan is quirky and comedic as it is, but his Geordie accent brought an unusual dimension to his role which suited the moment perfectly. He seemed to be a friend or neighbour or helper of the Macbeths, assisting them throughout the production and absorbing other minor parts.
Generally, the performance had me captivated from start to finish, although I have to question how much of this was more to do with the fact that it was Macbeth.
