The Macbeths from your classroom
At a time when theatres were closed due to the pandemic, we revisited one of our most popular plays – The Macbeths. This radically cut version of Shakespeare’s darkest text focuses on the couple at the heart of the story. It charts the breakdown of the Macbeths’ relationship following an act of murder which at first binds them together and then destroys them.
We collaborated with Urbancroft Films, blending theatre and film to produce a digital performance for audiences to watch at home.
this version of The Macbeths offers a rare and thrilling treat
Schools, colleges and universities could watch the film for free. We also worked with teachers to create a set of resources to help students get the most from the film.
To start, we spoke to teachers about what type of resources they would find most useful. From this, we developed a series of bitesize interviews with the cast and creative team. They were designed to support Higher Drama students and each one focuses on a key area of the Analysis exam.
Full of backstage insights, the interviews explore character development and staging choices. You can watch all eight videos on our You Tube playlist or explore via the topics below:
The Director’s intentions
- Dominic Hill (co-director) tells us what attracted him to this play and why he chose to reimagine it as an intimate, two-person play.
- Martyn Robertson (co-director) tells us how he took the story from stage to screen.
Design elements and effectiveness
- In this interview with Dominic Hill, we learn about the director’s inspirations for the look and feel of the film.
- Martyn Robertson explains why they chose a documentary style for the film and how it helped tell the story.
The choice and use of performance space
- Dominic Hill on how the team used the stark setting and camera tricks to heighten emotion and atmosphere in the show.
- Discover how Martyn used the camera in a creative way to tell the character’s story.
Acting and character development
- Charlene Boyd tells us more about her portrayal of Lady Macbeth – one of the most famous women in literature.
- Keith Fleming talks to us about his approach to acting, and how he developed his role as Macbeth.
The film of The Macbeths was made possible thanks to funding from the Performing Arts Venue Relief Fund.