Alan Cumming's Macbeth

Tonight I had the privilege to see Alan Cumming in his one (well-almost one) man Macbeth at the National Theatre in Glasgow.  The Tramway was packed tonight and full of the heat of excitement. So much so, that a woman fainting during the performance and had to be ushered out the the theatre.

Cummings harrowing interpretation of Macbeth stems from a madman mentality, as he negotiates the setting of a dilapidated mental asylum. Co-directed by John Tiffany and Andrew Goldberg, this is Macbeth done in solitary confinement. Two mostly silent actors (Ali Craig and Myra McFadyen) find thier way onto the stage as hospital orderlies, caring for their patient and leaving Cumming to play every major role in Shakespeare's tragedy. Cumming plays a character beyond the text, allowing Shakespeare’s character to inhabit his mind and body. Devlivering striking vulnerability, Cumming plays each character distinctly in what must be an exhausting performance.

Cumming certainly gave an award winning performance. I wouldn't be surprised if he were nominated for multiple awards this season.

Macbeth at the Royal Shakespeare Company

The Royal Shakespeare Company brings their first performance in the remodeled Royal Shakespeare Theatre to life, with Michael Boyd's Macbeth. The play has been re-envisioned in a way that illuminates the prophecies of the play.

Although Jonathan Singer was cast as Macbeth after performances as Richard II and Richard III in the award-winning 2006 – 2008 Histories Cycle, it was Aidan Kelly who graced the stage as the title character. Kelly attacked the role with vigor, although his relationship with Lady Macbeth lacked passion and intrest.

David Boyd's most controversial reworking of the play is his replacement of the weird sisters with ghost-like children. SPOILER: Later in the production it is revealed that this prophetic youths are actually a projection of Macduff’s innocent children, brutally murdered by Macbeth's minions. Although the concept worked in the world of the play, it seemed an unnecessary addition that in turn eliminated much of Shakespeare's text.

Most noteworthy was the performance given by Daniel Percival as Macduff, whose tragic losses were felt in the last row of the upper circle.

The RSC's Macbeth is truly an unforgettable production, though a mixed bag of greatness and ineffectual intensions. Although, being back in the newly remodeled theatre melted away many disapointments of the day.