Staging Macbeth, Shakespeare's tale of prophecy, ambition, blood and revenge, is a challenge, especially in the Globe's small space. Director Dale Neill has met it with style and vision.
A single set integrates indoor and outdoor elements and, assisted by lighting by Brian Byas, serves as a setting for the entire play.
Costumes designed by Sofie Welvaert (who also acts as Banquo) and Nina Duke Howard feature tartans with military and steampunk elements. Put together by a seven-strong wardrobe team, they are complemented by make-up by Shaun Rae and Otago Polytechnic students, to give the production an original, distinctive look that is both traditional and futuristic.
As often happens in amateur productions with large casts, there is some variation in performance quality, and sometimes a need for more fluidity in action and the use of performance space. Many performances, though, are highly competent and the best impressive.
Miguel Nitis is a fine Macbeth, showing us a brave and loyal thane's descent into unhinged tyranny, and Helen Fearnley is icily scary as Lady Macbeth - but I would have liked to see just a little more rapport between the two. Andrew Brinsley-Pirie is a confident and credible Macduff.
Because of the number of capable female actors available, some originally male parts have been feminised to make use of their talents. Notably, Diana Johnston takes the role of Duncan, and Kimberley Buchan provides a feisty performance as Morag, renamed from Malcolm. Laura Wells, Alexander Ross, Annabelle Carpenter and Elsa May are splendidly, exuberantly witchy as the witches and Hecate.
Congratulations are due to the huge number of people involved, on and off the stage. Shakespeare is not performed often enough in Dunedin, and this is an opportunity to see an effective production of one of his most powerful plays. The season will run until Saturday.
- Barbara Frame.
MACBETH
Globe Theatre
Friday, October 19
