Macbeth

Well respected actress Grace Edwards makes her directorial debut with the latest oof GRADS Theatre Company’s Shakespeare productions in the New Fortune Theatre, The University of Western Australia’s roofless Shakespearian Theatre. With many Shakespeare performances under her belt, nine of them in this venue, The Scottish play, was a great choice for Grace’s first show, and she has assembled an impressive cast.

Performing on a bare stage decorated with two giant banners, featuring a thistle design, the show uses multiple stage levels and the entire auditorium. Costumes are modern, and in the hands of Merri Ford, for the most part work very well, supported by realistic makeup design by Yvette Drager Wetherilt. Supportive sound was provided by Jayden Collier and Quinn Walvisch and Fiona Reid apparently fought the resident peacocks to create a dynamic lighting design.

Patrick Downes is impressive in the title role, giving Macbeth nuance, depth and an element of crazed desire. He is well supported by Laura Connolly as Lady Macbeth, putting her all into her performance.

Particularly impressive is Alan Gill as Banquo, and later he makes a very unnerving ghost. Jason Dohle is a strong Macduff, with whom we strongly sympathize as a bereaved father, while Megan Lilley is likable as rightful heir to the throne Malcolm. Nera Camponovo, playing multiple roles steals the stage as the Porter and joins Odette Prince-Lizama and Aaron Wilkes as unnerving apparitions.

The Witches in this production appear from the audience, an interesting choice that raises questions as to who they are, and they later serve the play by moving furnishings, almost ever present. Despite excellent performances by Taneeka Grant, Eddie Stowers and Roisin O’Neill, later in the show, though, their lack of costume and lack of unity with each other makes it feel more like they (or the designer) have forgotten their costumes, rather than this being a deliberate choice.

Due to some clever promotions, Macbeth opened mid-week to a very healthy house - a situation that I hope will continue throughout this run. Nicely cut, this short but well-told Macbeth deserves to be seen.

Kimberley Shaw