I first directed the Scottish play when I was teaching middle school theatre and my 7th grade class performed the piece. I used 5 different leads, one for each act and since the 4th act has no women (other than witches) in it I used a female lead. The students were all told to buy a specific color of sweatpants and sweatshirts as their costume. I made simple dresses for the female characters using a Simplicity pattern. I cut the script, gave it to the students and then they argued with me on how I had cut out some important parts! Loved it!
I would recommend that if you don't have enough men, cast women in the "soldier roles" but cast them as some soldiers, not drag performers. Keep it simple, lighting can do wonders. If you have the money, hire a good fight choreographer.
I like the Neil Freeman version. He has taken all the folios and quartos and put them together in a way that makes sense. If found differences in the versions he made an academic/artisitic decision on which is the best. It's heavily footnoted. His editions are difficult to find now that he has passed away. Such a great loss.
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John Perry
Retired Theatre Teacher
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-17-2020 12:14
From: Tracy Wagner
Subject: Macbeth Resources for Directing
Hello fellow Thespians-- I am looking at directing Macbeth in the fall. I would like to do the play requiring minimal set, costumes, etc. so we can just focus on the language & character development. This will be my first Shakespeare play I have directed. Any resources that would help for first time bard directors? Any ideas to reduce the length or characters in the play but keep all of the essential plot? Any ideas/resources would be greatly appreciated!
Peace,
Ms. Tracy Lynn Wagner
Physical Education Teacher
FPA Dramatic Director & Choreographer
International Thespian Society Troupe #8880 Director
AV Coordinator/ AV Crew Director
Student Council Moderator
Lancaster Catholic High School
650 Juliette Ave.
Lancaster, PA 17601
717-509-0315
717-509-0312 (fax)
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