There is a dynamic mode of theatrical presentation for plays called “theater in the round.” Set on a small, flat stage with no walls, the space for acting out the play involves both the stage and the audience. All this to inform you, gentle reader, that David Tenant leads a brash and exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth that is filmed as a theater in the round production.
Tennant, famed as the 10th Doctor Who portrays our Thane of Cawdor, Macbeth. Lady Macbeth is presented with grim aplomb by Cush Jumbo. This is a heady and thrilling production. Staged in the Donmar Warehouse, Macbeth has been prepared for filming by setting the main characters on the small and slender stage and the supporting actors in place of the audience who would be interacting with the performances in a theater in the round setting.
If you are not aware, the plot of Macbeth is straightforward. Duncan (Benny Young), the old king, has chosen to visit the Macbeths to honor his Thane of Cawdor after a recent victory. Meanwhile, Macbeth is visited by three witches who prophesy that he will soon be king after Duncan’s death. Macbeth allows his wife to convince him that he must take destiny into his own hands and murder Duncan. Upon the revelation of Duncan’s death and the fact that neither of Duncan’s sons can be found in Scotland, Macbeth is crowned King. Macbeth’s reign is punctuated by a spate of further murders, including Banquo (Cal MacAnnich), one of his rivals, Lady MacDuff (Rona Morison), and the firstborn child of MacDuff (Casper Knopf). These murders and acts of foul play will galvanize MacDuff (Noof Ousellem) to lead a revolt against Macbeth.
“…David Tenant leads a brash and exhilarating version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth…”
Beyond being a great production of one of Shakespeare’s strongest tragedies, Macbeth serves as a celebration of Scottish folk culture. Over the course of the film, we will witness songs performed in Gaelic and Scottish dances. There is a cultural headiness to Max Webster’s direction and vision for this production of Macbeth. The usage of various Scottish brogues gives a strong sense of verisimilitude to the presentation of this play. Lowland and highland accents are featured in this production, and it gives a sense of native culture to this version of the play.
Max Webster and his production team should be applauded for the stark and clear method of staging. This variant of theater in the round feels at once experimental and alive. I loved every minute of it. Being a film affords Webster the ability to use close ups and deep focus shots that would not be available were it simply a live rendition of the production. This film has been brilliantly shot, cut, and directed.
Macbeth is one of the few plays by Shakespeare adapted by many filmmakers. Even Joel Coen of the Coen brothers shot a version of it in 2021. Truly, it is a remarkable play whether performed in the round or traditionally. I would highly encourage anyone who likes Shakespeare or even David Tennant to check out this version of Macbeth. It is simply divine.
"…simply divine."
