Macbeth: Sleep No More

William Shakespeare, adapted by Emma King-Farow
Shadow Road Productions
theSpace @ Niddry St

Macbeth: Sleep No More

Macbeth, Thane of Glamis, with his friend Banquo have been at war for the glory of King Duncan. Wandering through the woods they happen upon three witches / weird sisters who foretell of Macbeth's future successes: Thane of Cawdor and ultimately King. This is confirmed when he crosses paths with Duncan.

Once back at Macbeth's castle, he and Lady Macbeth plot on making this happen. Lots of people are killed in the process. A second meeting of the witches let him know that there are two other little glitches in his future: he shall never vanquished be, until "Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill shall come against him" and "he need fear no man born of woman". The army cut branches as disguise—Birnam Wood rushes the castle and Macduff, it turns out, was "from his mother's womb untimely ripped". The witches prophesy is fulfilled.

Macbeth: Sleep No More is a neatly trimmed version of Macbeth with four women playing all the parts. Emma King-Farlow has done a nice job of cutting the material so the meat of Macbeth is still there.

It is a spare production, apt for the space. The cast uses the space well and work well together. Their coming and going in different characters is suited to the creation.

Their facility with the period and language varies. Sometime the gestures, movements or interpretation is a little too modern, but their energy and commitment is in evidence and the story comes through, loud and clear. The actresses seem to have a commitment to the production, each other and the theatre company.

Reviewer: Catherine Lamm

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