“Macbeth (An Undoing)” at the Malthouse Theatre turns the Bard’s classic tale of ambition, cunning and tragedy on it’s head, twisting the story into a fast-paced, modern reimagining with superb stage design.
You’ve never seen the Bard’s play like this before.
Directed by Malthouse Artistic Director Matthew Lutton, and written by Scottish playwright Zinnie Harris, this adaption is told from the perspective of Lady Macbeth and stars acclaimed actors Bojana Novakovic, Johnny Carr, Tony Briggs, Jim Daly and Natasha Herbert.
The story is a you may remember it; Macbeth has been told by the Weird Sisters that he will be King, and Lady Macbeth sensing an opportunity to fulfil her ambition for power tells him it will happen today. The resulting treacherous murder and betrayal slowly drives the castle and its inhabitants to ruin and madness.
Masterfully blending the original text with newly imagined scenes, the iconic lines meet contemporary jargon and witty asides to the audience with plenty of 4th wall breaking. It’s still dark and thought-provoking, but with the odd dash of humour.
The set itself is a marvel of engineering and design: a giant, rotating labyrinth of gunmetal-grey rooms transform with actors seamlessly walking in, around and through the ever-changing castle. The theatre tricks of snow, fog and light are all purposefully on display to the audience while major set changes such a doorways and blood splattered walls appear as if by magic. We particularly loved the animatronic crows watching from above.
The costumes are simple yet striking, with muted earth tones contrasting the stark set. As the play progresses, these costumes subtly reveal a modern twist, hinting at the breakdown of the traditional Shakespearean world.
Bojana Novakovic shines as a captivating Lady Macbeth, bringing a fresh energy to the role. Though it was Natasha Herbert’s hauntingly witty witch/servant that brings both joy and gravitas to the stage. Whenever Herbert was on stage we were fully entranced.
The sound design deserves its own standing ovation. A constant, cinematic eerie soundscape keeps you on the edge of your seat, with deep drones, textured crunches, and chilling ghostly whispers. The rattles, creeks and humms of the stage mechanics add to the haunting nature of the castle and the characters psyche.
“Macbeth (An Undoing)” is a show that deeply understands its source material so that it can direct the audience to see it in a different light. It invites you to laugh, gasp, and question why this story has been told this way for over 100 years alongside the characters who are doomed to repeat it.
So, if you’re looking for a Shakespearean adventure with a modern twist, head down to the Malthouse and get ready to be undone by this “bloody good” production.
– The Plus Ones
