Playful, kaleidoscopic and horrific, Filter’s radical version of Macbeth takes you on a strange, funny and scintillating journey to the epicentre of the “heat-oppressed brain”. Read more …
“Whence is that knocking?
How is it with me, when every noise appals me?”
A demarcated area on stage.
Three weird sisters operate a strange collection of electronic musical apparatus.
Macbeth is invited in to play.
Filter’s radical version of Macbeth fuses Shakespeare’s corrosive, psychological thriller about ambition, power, witchcraft and sanity with innovative sound and music.
Verdict: Filter takes Shakespeare’s script and douses it with atmospheric music and the spirit of devised theatre.
It must be said that all of what is done in this production is clever, but more often than not it is too clever – too avante garde – for the audience. In short, one should simply not meddle with a classic.
Filter have created a cheekily imaginative retelling that turns a familiar tale into something fresh and exciting. However, the technical brilliance and imaginative storytelling don’t quite mask performances lacking in the emotional intensity needed to play Shakespeare’s most bloodthirsty royals.
All of which certainly signifies something in this youthful reading of the play, even if its makers don't always know what.
Bard done with plenty of sound but no fury.
Filter’s Macbeth is bizarre, often baffling, but never boring.
Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday January 20, 2015, until Saturday January 31, 2015. More info: www.citz.co.uk
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