The Old College cuts an impressive silhouette against a murky lavender-grey sky and dozens of umbrellas are held up in an effort to shield their owners from the unrelenting downpour. Unperturbed by such dismal conditions an imposing black-cloaked figure on stilts enters the Quad attempting to light fires on each of the poles that stand before the shivering audience.
Both setting and time seem arbitrary in this production as Polish company Biuro Podrozy brings together Shakespeare’s dark tale of murder, power and obsession with notions of world chaos and the atrocities of war.
There is very little dialogue, leaving imagery and symbolism to drive the performance and whilst you may find yourself slightly lost if you are unfamiliar with the story, the stunning visuals and menacing score ensure an entertaining and arresting feast for the senses.
‘Macbeth…’ is a fantastical melee of high-octane bike chases, fire, opera, drama and passion, with a gifted and dedicated cast. Exhilarating, ghostly and beautiful, Biuro Podrozy’s take on the classic story will stay with you long after the last wisp of smoke has disappeared into the night air.
4/5
Rebecca Isherwood
