By Maria Bregman
Macbeth, one of Shakespeare’s most famous and tragic plays, is getting a fresh and immersive adaptation with two acclaimed actors in the lead roles. Ralph Fiennes, known for his roles in Schindler’s List, The English Patient, and the Harry Potter series, will play the ambitious and doomed Scottish king. Indira Varma, who has starred in Rome, Luther, and Game of Thrones, will portray his equally ambitious and ruthless wife, Lady Macbeth.
A Unique and Interactive Venue
The new production of Macbeth will not be staged in a traditional theater, but in a specially designed space that will allow the audience to experience the play in a more intimate and immersive way. The venue, which will vary depending on the city, will be transformed into a dark and atmospheric world that reflects the themes of the play, such as power, corruption, violence, and fate.
The audience will be able to explore the venue before and during the performance, discovering hidden clues, props, and scenes that will enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the play. They will also be able to interact with some of the actors and characters, who will roam around the space and engage with the spectators.
A Modern and Relevant Interpretation
The new production of Macbeth will not only offer a unique and interactive venue, but also a modern and relevant interpretation of the classic play. The director, Simon Godwin, who has previously worked with Fiennes and Varma on Antony and Cleopatra at the National Theatre, said that he wanted to “bring Macbeth into the 21st century” and explore how the play resonates with the current political and social climate.
Godwin said that he was inspired by the recent events such as the Brexit referendum, the US presidential election, and the global pandemic, which have created a sense of uncertainty, division, and fear in many people. He said that he wanted to show how Macbeth and Lady Macbeth, who are driven by their ambition and desire for power, are also influenced by the external forces and pressures that surround them.
Godwin also said that he wanted to highlight the psychological and emotional aspects of the play, and how the characters cope with the consequences of their actions. He said that he wanted to portray Macbeth and Lady Macbeth as “complex and human” characters, who have moments of doubt, guilt, and remorse, as well as moments of passion, courage, and love.
A Limited and Exclusive Run
The new production of Macbeth will have a limited and exclusive run in four cities: Liverpool, Edinburgh, London, and Washington, DC. The dates and venues are as follows:
- Liverpool: February 15 – March 2, 2024, at the Invisible Wind Factory, a former warehouse and factory that has been converted into a creative and cultural hub.
- Edinburgh: March 8 – 24, 2024, at the Leith Theatre, a historic and grand theater that has been restored and reopened after decades of neglect and closure.
- London: March 4 – 30, 2024, at Dock X, a new cultural space that has been created from a former warehouse in the Docklands area.
- Washington, DC: April 5 – 21, 2024, at the Anthem, a state-of-the-art music venue and event space that is part of the Wharf, a waterfront development project.
Tickets for the new production of Macbeth are expected to sell out quickly, as the demand for the play and the actors is high. The tickets will go on sale on November 1, 2023, and can be purchased online or by phone. The prices will range from £25 to £75, depending on the city and the seat.
The new production of Macbeth promises to be a thrilling and unforgettable theatrical experience, that will bring Shakespeare’s timeless and powerful play to life in a new and innovative way. Don’t miss this opportunity to see Ralph Fiennes and Indira Varma in one of the greatest roles of their careers, and to witness Macbeth like you have never seen it before.