When you think of Shakespeare's Macbeth, you normally don't picture grown men in leather briefs dancing to EDM as strobe lights flash around you. But that's exactly what you get when you see the play at the Denver Center.
I've always had a passion for theatre and when I was able to snag tickets to one of the first performances of Macbeth at the Denver Center's newly renovated Space Theatre, I was ecstatic and hopeful for what it had to offer. Unfortunately, all of those hopes quickly vanished, only to be replaced by confusion and uncertainty. As soon as the actors came out on stage clad in barely-there leather briefs and harnesses as EDM blasted through the speakers, I knew this was going to be like nothing I'd ever seen before. And while it was a stylistic choice to have nearly a dozen grown men half naked chanting and dancing on stage, I just couldn't see what any of that had to do with the blood-thirsty tragedy of Macbeth. The two just didn't fit well together, in my opinion. [gallery size="large" columns="2" ids="23952,23953,23954"] Macbeth is a twisted, compelling, and epic tale that follows the tragic story of a man whose obsession of power becomes too great and causes him to lose his humanity. It's dark and raw. But none of that was translated in Director Robert O'Hara's version. Between the obnoxious music, bizarre costume choices, and sub-par acting, it was extremely difficult to take the performance seriously. In O'Hara's version, the play follows the warlocks as they reenact the story of Macbeth as part of a ritual, one that has gone on for centuries. As an audience member, I felt that this wasn't clear, but I can appreciate the choice to reimagine the classic story. O'Hara had a distinct vision and ran with it:What if my production in some odd way was the warlocks paying their respect to the fallen Macbeth story, which is a real story that took place hundred of years before? These warlocks are forever linked to their ancestors, and not in a good way ... So, what if this is them giving those ancient witches a renewed voice, through this ritual?"
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Also, what does it tell you as an audience member when the producer comes out on stage right before the show and says that they may have to "stop and restart certain scenes"? Mistakes happen in productions all the time, but it's up to the actors and crew members to make sure the audience is unaware of them. By bringing attention to the possibility of errors right from the get-go, it gives room for them to happen. To me, as a former stagehand, that was unprofessional.
So, if you decide to see Macbeth while it's at the gorgeous Space Theatre, I highly suggest you go in with an open mind and try not to take it too seriously. One thing's for sure: you'll be in for an eventful evening! Tickets can be purchased on the DCPA website.
