Macbeth

Macbeth

The Seeing Place Theater

The Paradise Factory

December 10, 2016

Photo courtesy of
The Seeing Place Theater

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is a compact and powerful one hundred minutes of Shakespeare.  They are an “actor driven company” with a strong ensemble that is well showcased in this production.  Director Brandon Walker has a clear vision and insightful understanding of this play.  His bare bones, modern dress approach intensifies the choices made by the main characters and magnifies the effects their actions have on their sense of self.

When Macbeth’s fate is mysteriously foretold, he feels justified taking action to insure his rise to power.  He and Lady Macbeth fall prey to their own greed and sense of entitlement, and are haunted by their deeds.  As the prediction of his downfall begins to unfold, Macbeth has no choice but to fight with his life.

Brandon Walker & Erin Cronican
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater 

Brandon Walker portrays Macbeth as a flawed man who makes bold choices knowing full well where they might lead.  Erin Cronican’s Lady Macbeth is solid and sure of herself with the ability to both lead her husband when he is unsure, and follow him when he is decisive.  Together they are riveting.  The audience follows their clear journey of choices and guilt, motivated by their need for power and recognition.  The ensemble is equally commanding.  There are strong performances by Tim Anderson as Macduff, Joshua George as Malcolm, Marcus Peterson as Ross, Olev Aleksander as Banquo, G.W. Reed as Duncan, and the three witches: Jane Kahler, Lisa-Marie Newton, and Candice Oden. 

The Three Witches
Lisa-Marie Newton, Jane Kahler, & Candice Oden
Photo by Russ Rowland,
courtesy of The Seeing Place Theater

With seating on three sides of the small performance space at The Paradise Factory, the audience is placed in the middle of the action.  There is no set, yet the lights, designed by Duane Pagano, envelop you in a highly effective, haunting atmosphere.  The program notes set a clear frame for viewing the performance.  “With Macbeth we ask the questions: What do you feel you are owed in this world?  What are you willing to do to get it?”  

The Seeing Place Theater’s Macbeth is playing at The Paradise Factory, 64 E. 4^th Street, through December 22.  Tickets are an affordable $15.  It is a seamless and faced paced production.  Be sure to see it!

Domenick Danza