Seattlest: Macbeth: Full of Sound and Fury

Ryan

Mon, 08 May 2006 16:42:20 -0800

I'm a little disappointed that you gave away the bit about the walls bleeding. I was told that the set played a very important part and was looking forward to being surprised. No big deal, I guess. But still.

Michael

Mon, 08 May 2006 15:12:05 -0800

Let's say it's about a Scottish couple and split the difference. It's still called Macbeth (okay, Macbetto), but Lady Macbeth certainly gets her time in the spotlight. I should have written "It's not really about a Scottish king, it's written by a 19th-century Italian, c'mon!" in quotes like so -- I was paraphrasing the rationale to update the show. Which I found flimsy. I just couldn't link the sort-of-period costumes with a big bare box and extra-stylized lighting. Overall, I found myself agreeing largely with Melinda Bargreen in the Times.

Margaret

Mon, 08 May 2006 14:17:07 -0800

I rather liked the visual concept. Again, it was all about economy: of line, of scale, of space. I also liked the shadows projected stage right when anyone entered from stage left (which, in this dialogue, is neither here nor there, I suppose). At least the costumes gave you an idea of the timeframe Israel was going for. And no, it's not really about a Scottish king, it's about a Queen. Or rather, the woman who would be Queen. Are you saying you wanted more of the Verdian interpretation than the Shakespeare?

Michael

Mon, 08 May 2006 13:41:43 -0800

This version is a terrific opera to hear, but I didn't go for the visual concept, except in parts. I liked the otherworldly scrim, and who doesn't love a bleeding wall, but the bare box ("First pretend it's a blasted heath...now a castle...now a forest") with Star Trek doors sliding open and closed was baffling. When/where is this happening, again? Why? And Israel's penchant for denying the creative impulse its particular expression -- it's not really about a Scottish king, it's written by a 19th-century Italian, c'mon! -- gets a little wearisome after the umpteenth time he trots that little insight out.