Macbeth (Teatro Circulo)

See it if a truly innovative staging of this great work. Great visuals, accessible language, use of music and song

Don't see it if you only want your Shakespeare told as a "straight" play performed exactly as it was written.

Also My high grade is for the production which is extremely innovative while being true the original text. The actors are not all of equal quality, but some are exceptional and all do a more than acceptable job while taking on multiple roles.

If I were grading this on what I believe should be the interpretation of Shakespearean "tragedies" it would get a very low grade from me. It relies on the traditional 20th and 21st century view of this work as a tragedy because of the unnecessary deaths and the "respect" for position that those periods demand(ed). Personally, I think these should be performed as comedies - rich and powerful people behaving as badly as possible and creating the instruments of their own demise. I can't imagine anything that would be funnier to a Globe audience and it is amazing how simple Shakespeare becomes when given a comedic treatment.... Read more Read less

See it if You like bold and innovative performances that strive for greatness. A faithful version with a unique take on the staging of the play.

Don't see it if You like more traditional staging and costuming. Do not want music to play a major role. Prefer nuanced and subtle performances.

Also The play uses spandex effects and chanting and drums to create ghostly world that to me made certain scenes more effective than I have ever seen them done. I found Colton to be an unusually powerful Macbeth and the supporting performances by Nicholas Wilder as MacDuff and Audrey Tchoukoua as Banquo to be up to standing next to him. My guess is you will either be thrilled by this or find it over the top. I hope this is staged in many venues (I like the plays Teatro Circulo puts on but the accomadations are not ideal. I did not find every performance great though none I found poor. I was iffy on the costuming at first but came around to it as effective.... Read more Read less

See it if a different way of presenting Shakespeare would be of interest to you

Don't see it if if you like big productions in a comfortable venue.

Also Actors were all very good, especially T. Colton as Macbeth.

See it if you like experimental theater, having the cast singing Shakespeare's lines while writhing inside a fiber tube.

Don't see it if you prefer a more polished production.

Also The concept of focusing on the witches was intriguing, but the staging got way out of hand. I never walk out on a play during intermission, but I did this time - with at least a couple of other audience members.... Read more Read less