Macbeth Review: Fall 2014 Production

Macbeth is undoubtably a classic play, so upon attending Annapolis Shakespeare Company's production it was the content that was the variable as much as the acting and presentation of the play. The theater was a fairly small venture, with seats on 3 sides of the room. This presented a challenge to the actors: successfully preform a 270° performance, while giving audience members on all sides an equal view. For only having rehearsed for six weeks prior to their first show, the company rose to the challenge with much success. The actors moved around the stage, not remaining in fixed spaces as seen in a traditional theater. The small size of the venture allowed the actors and audience to interact and connect through eye contact. The performance itself was wonderfully preformed. The actors stayed in character throughout the entire play, even when walking. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth were the standouts as the two largest parts. Yet, even the smaller parts delivered their lines with the same amount of commitment and zest. Shakespearean language can be overwhelming the the average person, but in the performance, even without fully understanding the literal language of each line, one understood the basic concept just through the actors' facial expressions and body language. The only criticism I have is the costuming was too diverse, mixing old and new. I would've preferred to have seen either completely traditional costuming or completely contemporary costumes. Overall the play exceeded my expectations and I left the play with a greater understanding of Macbeth.