MACBETH
by William Shakespeare
directed by Genevieve Barlow
Ancient magic and blind ambition bubble together
as the machinations and rituals
that bind and break us
play out on the Scottish heath.
Greatness is within their grasp.
How far is too far to reach?
Excerpts from a review by audience member Dennis Cozzalio:
"MACBETH has long been my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays...actors and directors seem to become particularly inspired when taking on its challenges, the language so ripe for unpacking within the play’s relatively tight constraints. And one of the most notable things about this new Saltfire production is the way director Genevieve Barlow steps up to the challenge, embracing the limitations of the space and staging her interpretation with wit, and with sometimes surprising empathy.
"Macbeth’s eventual embrace of his long-dormant ambitions escapes much in the way of forgiveness of any kind, as it should be. But there is an unexpected window through which Barlow manages to translate a slightly different prism of understanding about those traditionally ghastly three sisters— they are the portals by which devilish portents are delivered, of course, but they also are given the task of somehow lovingly transporting the souls of the dead (in another marvelous bit of staging) to the darkness of the beyond.
"And as Lady Macbeth, Rosaletta Curry finds room within the villainy and the mounting madness of the character for a freshly human perspective on what has traditionally been a none-too-sympathetic character. She has a moment during her final scene that resonates with terror and empathy in a way I don’t recall ever seeing in an interpretation of this character, and her performance overall vaults this production of MACBETH, for those able to see it, into the realm of the unmissable.
"Remarkable too is Barlow’s emphasis (but, significantly, not over-emphasis) on the play’s ability to resonate through history and into the present. Barlow wisely trusts her audience with that text to see how the troubles of ancient Scotland might mirror not only our own history but our modernity as well. And for those reflections, the duty of citizenry and the charred hearts of those who would rule without concern for anything but their own benefit and legacy is the primary focus, which Barlow manages with wonderful dexterity and atmosphere."
"MACBETH has long been my favorite of Shakespeare’s plays...actors and directors seem to become particularly inspired when taking on its challenges, the language so ripe for unpacking within the play’s relatively tight constraints. And one of the most notable things about this new Saltfire production is the way director Genevieve Barlow steps up to the challenge, embracing the limitations of the space and staging her interpretation with wit, and with sometimes surprising empathy.
"Macbeth’s eventual embrace of his long-dormant ambitions escapes much in the way of forgiveness of any kind, as it should be. But there is an unexpected window through which Barlow manages to translate a slightly different prism of understanding about those traditionally ghastly three sisters— they are the portals by which devilish portents are delivered, of course, but they also are given the task of somehow lovingly transporting the souls of the dead (in another marvelous bit of staging) to the darkness of the beyond.
"And as Lady Macbeth, Rosaletta Curry finds room within the villainy and the mounting madness of the character for a freshly human perspective on what has traditionally been a none-too-sympathetic character. She has a moment during her final scene that resonates with terror and empathy in a way I don’t recall ever seeing in an interpretation of this character, and her performance overall vaults this production of MACBETH, for those able to see it, into the realm of the unmissable.
"Remarkable too is Barlow’s emphasis (but, significantly, not over-emphasis) on the play’s ability to resonate through history and into the present. Barlow wisely trusts her audience with that text to see how the troubles of ancient Scotland might mirror not only our own history but our modernity as well. And for those reflections, the duty of citizenry and the charred hearts of those who would rule without concern for anything but their own benefit and legacy is the primary focus, which Barlow manages with wonderful dexterity and atmosphere."
Excerpts from a review by The Sound on Stage:
"There is not a member of this cast that seems to give less than the entirety of their energy...Macbeth, the dark and sometimes gruesome tragedy from Shakespeare, is a play that has the potential to be larger than life. The Saltfire Theatre production of this classic is a good one, and with a scenic design that captures the intended tone and mood of the piece, and a cast that is strong, energetic, and emotional.
"Austin Krieg’s lighting design is excellent...Kirsten Louise Webb’s sound design is also very well done, highlighted by her work in scenes involving the three witches, where subdued lighting is underscored by the howling wind and hum of foreboding..."
"There is not a member of this cast that seems to give less than the entirety of their energy...Macbeth, the dark and sometimes gruesome tragedy from Shakespeare, is a play that has the potential to be larger than life. The Saltfire Theatre production of this classic is a good one, and with a scenic design that captures the intended tone and mood of the piece, and a cast that is strong, energetic, and emotional.
"Austin Krieg’s lighting design is excellent...Kirsten Louise Webb’s sound design is also very well done, highlighted by her work in scenes involving the three witches, where subdued lighting is underscored by the howling wind and hum of foreboding..."
Our Dramaturg, Douglas Given, and our Director, Genevieve Barlow,
have created a beautiful Dramaturgical Packet for this production!
Check it out HERE.
have created a beautiful Dramaturgical Packet for this production!
Check it out HERE.
Photos by Richard Sloane and Maude Eisele
Poster by Rose Hatmaker
Poster by Rose Hatmaker
Lighting by Austin Krieg
Costumes by Libby Wennstrom
Make-up by Lilli Barlow
Banners by Anna Marie Brown
Stage Combat by Erik Van Beuzekom
Props by Kait Tapia and Lilly Gulden
Costumes by Libby Wennstrom
Make-up by Lilli Barlow
Banners by Anna Marie Brown
Stage Combat by Erik Van Beuzekom
Props by Kait Tapia and Lilly Gulden