MACBETH - CLASS ACT
Sun, 29 June 2003, 02:46 amDmac9 posts in thread
MACBETH - CLASS ACT
Sun, 29 June 2003, 02:46 amWhen: Preview 27 June 2003.
Where: Rechabites Hall.
I have been reluctant to post reviews, as I usually know one or two of the cast members in any production I see, (donÂ’t see many due imperatives of earning a living, children etc.) but plead exception in this case, and your indulgence, as I will not comment directly on the performances of those cast members I know well.
Of the ten or so productions of Shakespeare I have seen in my life most have been taxing on the intellect, and the bladder, including BellÂ’s productions. This is the most rewarding I have ever seen.
Mike McCallÂ’s MacBeth was powerful, and vulnerable, all menÂ’s ambitions and fears exorcised, and the chemistry with Angelique MalcolmÂ’s Lady MacBeth almost tactile (I was in the front row). There was not one weak link in the most seamless play I have ever seen in Perth.
I must give special mention to Steve Turner’s Malcolm. Learning of his father’s murder, his line “O, by whom?” punched me in the chest with the tragedy, pathos. I felt the guilt, as if I were bearing the news of the death of a loved one.
I had some small quibbles with the lighting and, as usual, male voices must work twice as hard as female voices in the Rechabites space to be heard, but I left as a very satisfied punter.
See it.
If you do and disagree, or think my review impartial, listen carefully; I do not care.
Dean McAskil
Thou mangled clay-brained haggard!
Where: Rechabites Hall.
I have been reluctant to post reviews, as I usually know one or two of the cast members in any production I see, (donÂ’t see many due imperatives of earning a living, children etc.) but plead exception in this case, and your indulgence, as I will not comment directly on the performances of those cast members I know well.
Of the ten or so productions of Shakespeare I have seen in my life most have been taxing on the intellect, and the bladder, including BellÂ’s productions. This is the most rewarding I have ever seen.
Mike McCallÂ’s MacBeth was powerful, and vulnerable, all menÂ’s ambitions and fears exorcised, and the chemistry with Angelique MalcolmÂ’s Lady MacBeth almost tactile (I was in the front row). There was not one weak link in the most seamless play I have ever seen in Perth.
I must give special mention to Steve Turner’s Malcolm. Learning of his father’s murder, his line “O, by whom?” punched me in the chest with the tragedy, pathos. I felt the guilt, as if I were bearing the news of the death of a loved one.
I had some small quibbles with the lighting and, as usual, male voices must work twice as hard as female voices in the Rechabites space to be heard, but I left as a very satisfied punter.
See it.
If you do and disagree, or think my review impartial, listen carefully; I do not care.
Dean McAskil
Thou mangled clay-brained haggard!
Re: MACBETH - CLASS ACT
Wed, 9 July 2003, 09:53 amWalter Plinge
This would have to be my favourite Shakespeare play after Julius Caesar, so I went along even without getting a comp...... ;-)
I was aware that the cast and crew are all professional theatre practitioners and so I anticipated a very high standard of performance. I was not entirely disappointed, although I did notice a few fluffed lines and awkward pauses here and there.
I was also aware that the actors came from a variety of backgrounds, with perhaps TIE being the most common denominator. It was interesting to see, despite obviously strong direction, the individual acting styles emerging from time to time. If I had been director, I think I may have cast one or two characters slightly differently.
The design was also apt in a Brechtian way, light and sound being particularly impressive. I'd still like to see someone make full use of the Rechabites architecture rather than ignoring it however. The violence was well done, although I would have preferred to see the odd claymore being wielded about the place rather than those wimpy little dirks.
As others have said though, it all came together into a gripping (and definitely non-boring) portrayal and an excellent interpretation of the script. A great team effort - well done all.
stinger@iinet.net.au
I was aware that the cast and crew are all professional theatre practitioners and so I anticipated a very high standard of performance. I was not entirely disappointed, although I did notice a few fluffed lines and awkward pauses here and there.
I was also aware that the actors came from a variety of backgrounds, with perhaps TIE being the most common denominator. It was interesting to see, despite obviously strong direction, the individual acting styles emerging from time to time. If I had been director, I think I may have cast one or two characters slightly differently.
The design was also apt in a Brechtian way, light and sound being particularly impressive. I'd still like to see someone make full use of the Rechabites architecture rather than ignoring it however. The violence was well done, although I would have preferred to see the odd claymore being wielded about the place rather than those wimpy little dirks.
As others have said though, it all came together into a gripping (and definitely non-boring) portrayal and an excellent interpretation of the script. A great team effort - well done all.
stinger@iinet.net.au