Macbeth
Written by William
Shakespeare
Directed by Jordan
Best
Canberra Rep, Theatre
3 to 20 August
Review by Len Power 5 August 2016
Shakespeare’s ‘Macbeth’ is the shortest of his
tragedies. In Jordan Best’s production
for Canberra Rep, the show, normally played in five acts is performed in two
acts with one interval.
The large cast displays some excellent performances but
there are some uneven ones as well. As
Macbeth, Chris Zuber is fine when displaying strength and anger but was less
successful with the personally reflective moments early in the play.
As Lady Macbeth, Jenna Roberts is in total command of her
character, clearly showing the ambition, the mental manipulation of her husband
and, ultimately, the madness. Hers is a
memorable performance.
There was excellent work from many of the other
characters. Sam Hannan-Morrow gives an
exuberant and regal performance as Duncan.
Tony Falla is a convincingly earnest Banquo, Cameron Thomas is an excellent
Macduff and Patrick Galen-Mules is a believable and strong Malcolm. Jim Adamik delights the audience with his
small but comic relief role as the Porter.
Although well-cast physically, a number of the minor players
seemed to lack energy and confidence in the delivery of their lines, especially
in the second act.
The well-designed set by Michael Sparks, employs a scrim
curtain which gives two major acting areas in the foreground and background. The director uses the spaces well, especially
in the banquet scene and the scenes with the witches.
The atmospheric lighting design by Chris Ellyard is nicely
done. The music, composed by Tim Hansen,
adds a unique and effective dramatic touch but at times is a bit loud,
obscuring actors’ voices. Costumes are by
Heather Spong in a deliberate mixture of old and modern styles that work quite
well for the most part, although the tunics worn by the soldiers were a bit
tacky.
Maybe it’s an OH&S issue these days, but the decision to
use wooden swords in the battle scenes took away any sense of danger. Wood striking against wood in a sword fight
just makes it look and sound like young boys playing. The fight scenes needed choreographing and
the killings, though bloody, were not convincing.
Jordan Best’s direction is at its best with the effective characters
she has created with most of her cast. At
times the production is quite powerful as well as entertaining.
Len Power’s reviews
can also be heard on Artsound Fm 92.7 ‘Artcetera’ program on Saturdays from
9am.