“Macbeth (an undoing),” written and directed by Zinnie Harris and presented by Theatre for a New Audience at the Polonsky Shakespeare Center in Brooklyn, is a brilliant play. It is the first part of the Shakespeare Exchange, a reciprocal Transatlantic partnership between Royal Lyceum Edinburgh Production and Theatre for a New Audience. I’ve never seen anything like it! Harris’ play has a great deal of humor and breaking of the fourth wall, and a very gory aspect to it that leaves you stunned and amazed.
You have the characters from Shakespeare’s “MacBeth,” but they are not taking you to another level of drama; rather, there’s an element of meeting the audience where they are having fun, with elements of foreboding, bloody murders, survival of the fittest, guilt, and madness. Harris tells a story that will have you engrossed from the opening moments straight to the unique finish. This play was such a pleasure to experience first-hand, I really don’t want to give specifics away. You have to make plans to see it, and you won’t soon forget it.
The cast is superb! Nicole Cooper is an explosive, mesmerizing Lady Macbeth. You see her dedication to Macbeth and her ambition for his and of course, her success, no matter the cost. She is sexy and charming, but also ruthless and deadly. Her character goes through so much emotionally until she becomes, dare I say it, a little sympathetic. Adam Best is magnificent as Macbeth. He plays the role with such intensity, you feel for this man who knows he’s done wrong and quickly turns to madness. Special mention must go to Liz Kettle as Carlin, who not only gets the evening going with laughter and joy, but performs multiple roles, each in a distinguishing manner that demands your attention and appreciation.
This company demonstrates its versatility as the actors effortlessly maneuver multiple roles. Emmanuella Cole is stellar as Lady Macduff/Mae and brings a separate, vital energy to each role every time she takes the stage. As Lady Macduff, Cole is quick to point out her station as opposed to that of her cousin Lady Macbeth. She also demonstrates shrewdness coupled with a vast vulnerability. Thierry Mabonga is quite impressive as Macduff/Doctor. As Macduff, his loyalty to the murdered King Duncan is admirable. His need for justice is palpable. Star Penders is quite amusing as Malcolm and eerie as Missy. James Robinson delivers a fine performance as Banquo. Marc Mackinnon is memorable as Duncan, the betrayed King of Scotland. This is an ensemble cast that works as a cohesive unit and brings Harris’ extraordinary script to life in a way that is stupendous to experience. The ensemble members also include Taqi Nazeer and Laurie Scott.The scenic design by Tom Piper is hauntingly clever. Alex Berry’s costume design gives a modern day take that works. Lighting design by Lizzie Powell gives just the right effect, as does the sound design by Pippa Murphy. This original work is worth experiencing and embracing. For more info, visit www.tfana.org.