In celebration of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s First Folio, Bell Shakespeare presents a new production of Macbeth – an intense and compelling journey into the dark heart of humanity – in Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne.
Set in the moody 1920s, post-World War I, this new production, directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans, is a terrifying portrayal of moral collapse. Shakespeare’s most haunting thriller follows the story of Macbeth, a Scottish general, famed for his exploits on the battlefield.
“I am fixated on Macbeth and have returned to it every few years throughout my life and continue to find new things,” said Evans. “In my 20s, I was attracted to the violence and ruthlessness in the play and when I turned 40 it was the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.”
“And now, firmly in my middle age, I am fascinated by the politics, the deception and double-speak. And the thresholds, the choices, of actions they cannot walk back from. I shudder at the nightmare and loss of humanity Macbeth feels and the intense flood of thoughts and feelings Lady Macbeth is overwhelmed by,” said Evans.
Starring Logie Award winning actor Hazem Shammas, known for his work on TVs Safe Harbour and The Twelve, as the murderous Macbeth, alongside Jessica Tovey as Lady Macbeth, they are joined onstage by Rebecca Attanasio, Julia Billington, Isabel Burton, Jeremi Campese, Eleni Cassimatis, James Lugton, Kyle Morrison and Jacob Warner.
“I am excited about working with Hazem Shammas and Jessica Tovey, powerful and razor-sharp actors of deep intelligence,” said Evans. This is the best marriage in Shakespeare. But a marriage bent on murder. It is a nightmare.”
“The portrait of a tyrant who is able to describe his hopes and fears in some of Shakespeare’s most haunting and visceral language. Imagine the theatre without this play!”
Macbeth
Playhouse – Sydney Opera House, Bennelong Point, Sydney
Season continues to 2 April 2023
Bookings: www.sydneyoperahouse.com
The Playhouse – Canberra Theatre Centre, Civic Square, Canberra
Season: 14 – 22 April 2023
Bookings: www.canberratheatrecentre.com.au
Fairfax Studio – Arts Centre Melbourne, 100 St Kilda Road, Melbourne
Season: 27 April – 14 May 2023
Bookings: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au
For more information, visit: www.bellshakespeare.com.au for details.
Image: Hazem Shammas – photo by Pierre Toussaint