Violent Delights Have Violent Ends – St Andrews Students Bring a Dazzling Version of Macbeth to the Stage

By Events Editor 6 months ago

Callisto reviews an independent student production of MAC BETH, adapted by Erica Schmidt.

*The author realises that the quote used in her title is not from Macbeth; however, she likes it too much not to use it.

***

Macbeth and his court sip mixed drinks out of red solo cups. Lady Macbeth wears dangling sword-shaped earrings. A witches’ potion is brewed with hair ties, empty beer cans, and a used condom. And to top it off, Lady Gaga’s Judas is the soundtrack to post-homicide revelry. Such scenes are so commonplace they eventually cease to jar, and instead simply blend into the sinister, fantastic world of MAC BETH, Eric Schmidt’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s notorious Scottish Play. Lila Patterson’s outstanding direction, along with the sheer talent of her actors and designers, results in a dazzling showcase of the power of female rage, and one of the best stagings of the tragedy you’ll be pressed to find anywhere, let alone the world of student theatre.

From the start, MAC BETH is dazzling. Amidst eerie purple lights and strange sounds, three teenage girls, still clad in their school uniforms, gather in a junkyard to perform their eerie incantations. Other girls slowly trickle in, using their cell phones and school bags to transform the seventeenth-century drama into something immediate and modern. Immediately captivating is Hannah Shiblaq’s stand-out performance as MacBeth (stylised as such to call attention to the feminine roots of the name). Shiblaq hits every emotional beat flawlessly, be it her early excitement, her frenzied panic as she struggles to comprehend what she has done, or her final descent into painful, unwavering madness; even her gruesome death throes holds you spellbound, forbidding you to tear your eyes away. Equally outstanding is her partner, Clara Curtis as Lady MacBeth, both when onstage alone or in a duo with Shiblaq. Their relationship is jarringly tender against the murder transpiring on their doorstep, but it works: their love makes the audience root for the pair even as their actions spiral hideously out of control.

 

Source: Ellie Trace for MAC BETH

 

The production’s other great strength lies in its sound and lighting. The use of coloured backlights and handheld torches is both foreboding and fantastically eye-catching. Meanwhile, the actors hum, chant, and scream, while the occasional pop or heavy metal track blasts to anchor the action back to the after-school parties all-too-familiar to the vast majority of the student audience. In this rendition, it isn’t scenes with the Weird Sisters that carry the greatest ethereal atmosphere, but rather MacBeth’s scenes of madness. In one particularly memorable moment, the audience is held captive as a starkly illuminated MacBeth shrieks while other cast members hold torches under their chins. The only downside of this lighting technique is that the frequent backlighting has a tendency to cast the actors’ faces in shadow—though the technical constraints of the Buchanan Theatre (a lecture hall by day) shoulder a good portion of the blame for this issue.

Blocking and choreography are equally on point: the actors’ movements are visceral and shocking at key moments, whether it be MacBeth’s torment at the hands of the ghost of Banquo (Poppy Kimitris), the final showdown with Macduff (Louise Windsor), or when MacBeth is handed back to the witches to meet her grisly end. And just in case the audience gets too comfortable, we are reminded we are watching a gaggle of schoolgirls when they burst into frenzied, jumpy dances, or take up poses that wouldn’t be out of place in Heathers.

 

Source: Ellie Trace for MAC BETH

 

Best of all, however, is when MAC BETH really delves into the core of female rage. Girls drink, girls dance, but girls also die: harshly, bitterly, manhandled by their peers to drown in bathtubs. They film each others’ descents into madness for posterity, they giggle and take selfies with the crowns of their vanquished enemies. For these girls, their actions are a sudden release from the constraints surrounding their quotidian lives: suddenly, at long last, they are free to let go of their inhibitions and let the world quake at their power. The final ending sequence is a visceral exploration of such violent catharsis—and one that ends with the girls being yanked back to reality as sirens blare in the distance and blood-soaked figures flee the scene. The ultimate power of MAC BETH is what it leaves you with: not joy, not sorrow, but simply a release: an expulsion of your violent impulses as you prepare to re-enter the real world.

Comments

comments

Tags: , , , , , , , , ,

198 thoughts on “Violent Delights Have Violent Ends – St Andrews Students Bring a Dazzling Version of Macbeth to the Stage”

  79. PBN sites
    We shall establish a structure of privately-owned blog network sites!

    Pros of our private blog network:

    We carry out everything so GOOGLE DOES NOT understand THAT this A privately-owned blog network!!!

    1- We acquire domains from separate registrars

    2- The main site is hosted on a VPS server (VPS is high-speed hosting)

    3- The remaining sites are on separate hostings

    4- We designate a individual Google ID to each site with confirmation in Google Search Console.

    5- We develop websites on WP, we don’t utilise plugins with aided by which malware penetrate and through which pages on your websites are created.

    6- We do not repeat templates and utilise only exclusive text and pictures

    We refrain from work with website design; the client, if wished, can then edit the websites to suit his wishes

    Reply

  101. Excellent weblog here! Also your website rather a lot up very fast! What host are you the usage of? Can I get your affiliate hyperlink for your host? I want my site loaded up as quickly as yours lol

    Reply

  117. Attractive section of content. I just stumbled upon your weblog and in accession capital to assert that I get actually enjoyed account your blog posts. Anyway I’ll be subscribing to your augment and even I achievement you access consistently fast.

    Reply

  133. Bwer Pipes: Your Partner for Reliable Irrigation Solutions: Trust Bwer Pipes to provide you with dependable irrigation solutions that meet the unique needs of Iraqi agriculture. Our state-of-the-art sprinkler systems and durable pipes ensure efficient water distribution, enabling you to achieve maximum crop yields and profitability. Visit Bwer Pipes

    Reply

  162. Im no longer sure where you are getting your info, but good topic. I needs to spend some time studying much more or working out more. Thanks for fantastic info I was on the lookout for this info for my mission.

    Reply

  166. Understanding COSC Validation and Its Importance in Horology
    COSC Certification and its Demanding Criteria
    COSC, or the Official Swiss Chronometer Testing Agency, is the authorized Switzerland testing agency that attests to the precision and accuracy of timepieces. COSC accreditation is a sign of excellent craftsmanship and dependability in chronometry. Not all watch brands follow COSC certification, such as Hublot, which instead adheres to its own strict criteria with mechanisms like the UNICO, reaching similar precision.

    The Art of Exact Chronometry
    The core mechanism of a mechanized timepiece involves the spring, which delivers energy as it unwinds. This system, however, can be prone to external factors that may affect its precision. COSC-validated mechanisms undergo strict testing—over 15 days in various conditions (5 positions, three temperatures)—to ensure their resilience and reliability. The tests measure:

    Average daily rate accuracy between -4 and +6 seconds.
    Mean variation, maximum variation rates, and effects of thermal changes.
    Why COSC Certification Is Important
    For watch enthusiasts and collectors, a COSC-accredited timepiece isn’t just a piece of tech but a proof to enduring quality and accuracy. It symbolizes a timepiece that:

    Provides exceptional dependability and accuracy.
    Offers guarantee of quality across the complete construction of the watch.
    Is probable to retain its value more efficiently, making it a wise choice.
    Famous Chronometer Brands
    Several renowned manufacturers prioritize COSC validation for their timepieces, including Rolex, Omega, Breitling, and Longines, among others. Longines, for instance, presents collections like the Record and Soul, which highlight COSC-validated movements equipped with cutting-edge materials like silicon equilibrium suspensions to boost resilience and performance.

    Historical Background and the Evolution of Chronometers
    The notion of the timepiece originates back to the need for precise timekeeping for navigational at sea, highlighted by John Harrison’s work in the eighteenth century. Since the formal foundation of Controle Officiel Suisse des Chronometres in 1973, the validation has become a yardstick for judging the accuracy of luxury watches, continuing a legacy of superiority in watchmaking.

    Conclusion
    Owning a COSC-certified timepiece is more than an visual selection; it’s a dedication to excellence and precision. For those valuing precision above all, the COSC validation provides tranquility of mind, guaranteeing that each validated timepiece will operate reliably under various circumstances. Whether for personal contentment or as an investment, COSC-validated watches stand out in the world of watchmaking, maintaining on a tradition of precise chronometry.

    Reply

  186. Nihai Zamanın En Popüler Kumarhane Sitesi: Casibom

    Kumarhane oyunlarını sevenlerin artık duymuş olduğu Casibom, en son dönemde adından çoğunlukla söz ettiren bir bahis ve oyun web sitesi haline geldi. Ülkemizin en mükemmel kumarhane sitelerinden biri olarak tanınan Casibom’un haftalık bazda cinsinden değişen açılış adresi, sektörde oldukça yenilikçi olmasına rağmen emin ve kazandıran bir platform olarak tanınıyor.

    Casibom, rakiplerini geride kalarak köklü casino platformların önüne geçmeyi başarmayı sürdürüyor. Bu sektörde uzun soluklu olmak önemli olsa da, katılımcılarla iletişimde bulunmak ve onlara temasa geçmek da aynı derecede önemlidir. Bu durumda, Casibom’un her saat yardım veren canlı olarak destek ekibi ile kolayca iletişime geçilebilir olması büyük bir avantaj getiriyor.

    Hızlıca genişleyen oyuncuların kitlesi ile dikkat çeken Casibom’un arkasındaki başarı faktörleri arasında, sadece ve yalnızca kumarhane ve canlı olarak casino oyunlarıyla sınırlı olmayan kapsamlı bir servis yelpazesi bulunuyor. Atletizm bahislerinde sunduğu geniş seçenekler ve yüksek oranlar, oyuncuları cezbetmeyi başarmayı sürdürüyor.

    Ayrıca, hem spor bahisleri hem de bahis oyunlar katılımcılara yönelik sunulan yüksek yüzdeli avantajlı promosyonlar da dikkat çekiyor. Bu nedenle, Casibom hızla piyasada iyi bir pazarlama başarısı elde ediyor ve büyük bir oyuncuların kitlesi kazanıyor.

    Casibom’un kazandıran ödülleri ve tanınırlığı ile birlikte, platforma abonelik ne şekilde sağlanır sorusuna da değinmek elzemdir. Casibom’a hareketli cihazlarınızdan, PC’lerinizden veya tabletlerinizden web tarayıcı üzerinden kolaylıkla ulaşılabilir. Ayrıca, web sitesinin mobil uyumlu olması da büyük bir artı sağlıyor, çünkü artık pratikte herkesin bir akıllı telefonu var ve bu telefonlar üzerinden hızlıca ulaşım sağlanabiliyor.

    Mobil tabletlerinizle bile yolda canlı iddialar alabilir ve maçları canlı olarak izleyebilirsiniz. Ayrıca, Casibom’un mobil uyumlu olması, memleketimizde kumarhane ve oyun gibi yerlerin yasal olarak kapatılmasıyla birlikte bu tür platformlara erişimin büyük bir yolunu oluşturuyor.

    Casibom’un emin bir bahis platformu olması da gereklidir bir fayda sunuyor. Ruhsatlı bir platform olan Casibom, sürekli bir şekilde keyif ve kar sağlama imkanı sunar.

    Casibom’a abone olmak da son derece rahatlatıcıdır. Herhangi bir belge gereksinimi olmadan ve ücret ödemeden web sitesine rahatça üye olabilirsiniz. Ayrıca, web sitesi üzerinde para yatırma ve çekme işlemleri için de birçok farklı yöntem mevcuttur ve herhangi bir kesim ücreti isteseniz de alınmaz.

    Ancak, Casibom’un güncel giriş adresini takip etmek de elzemdir. Çünkü canlı bahis ve kumarhane siteleri popüler olduğu için sahte platformlar ve dolandırıcılar da belirmektedir. Bu nedenle, Casibom’un sosyal medya hesaplarını ve güncel giriş adresini düzenli aralıklarla kontrol etmek gereklidir.

    Sonuç olarak, Casibom hem itimat edilir hem de kar getiren bir casino platformu olarak dikkat çekici. Yüksek promosyonları, geniş oyun seçenekleri ve kullanıcı dostu taşınabilir uygulaması ile Casibom, casino sevenler için ideal bir platform getiriyor.

    Reply

  193. Thanks a lot for sharing this with all of us you actually understand what you’re speaking about! Bookmarked. Please also consult with my web site =). We may have a link alternate contract between us!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

THE STAND