Repercussion's Macbeth is a ‘play' on modernity

Here is an article I wrote on Repercussion Theatre's performance of Macbeth for The Westmount Examiner. Unfortunately, the Westmount Examiner has since closed down, therefore I'm pasting my story directly here.

August 3, 2011

Nestled in the crook of manicured Westmount Park hedges, stood a black and chrome two-tiered stage. A cool breeze greeted people of all ages as they lounged on blankets and camping chairs. From children to elders, the atmosphere was festive and relaxed. This was the setting for Repercussion Theatre’s production of Shakespeare-in-the-Park’s Macbeth Tuesday night. 

Suddenly the sound of thunder and lightning filled the air and three male witches dressed in colourful lingerie declared Macbeth’s fate. This was our introduction to what would be a modern take on a classic tale of ambition, greed, guilt and revenge. Director Arianna Bardesono approached this story in a way that would emphasize the challenges in today’s societies: recessions, wars, environmental disasters… The ability to fuse an old tale with modern elements demonstrated how relevant and timeless these issues are.

“I like the idea that they’re trying to do something modern and that they’re bringing in the ideas of the stock market and the environment,” said Robert Newton, an avid Shakespeare-in-the-Park spectator. He’s been attending Repercussion Theatre productions for nearly 20 years. “They’re kind of mixing those ideas of what goes wrong in the kingdom, goes wrong if the king is not governing properly. I thought that was an interesting take on things.”

Repercussion Theatre has been bringing classical theatre to Montreal audiences for 23 years. The cast and crew took on their roles with the professionalism and passion the theatre has built its reputation on. Notable mentions go out to the stunning performances by Anana Rydvald (Lady Macbeth), Karl Graboshas (Banquo), Tim Hine (Duncan) and Paul Hopkins (Macbeth).

In addition to playing the lead role, Paul Hopkins is also the theatre’s artistic director. The choice to present a tragedy to the Montreal public was a good decision, he thought. “We haven’t done a serious tragedy like this since 1998,” he said.  “It’s a little bit risky. But I think the audience seems rapt. They seem to be hanging on to each word and I think they really appreciate the different tone.”

With television, stock market and cell phone sound bites, this interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale has taken on a corporate feel that many audience members appreciated.

Jean Cadrin is a first-time Shakespeare-in-the-Park goer. He enjoyed the modern twist. “The choice was interesting, with regards to present-day society,” he said.   “We can interpret it in the way we want and I think that’s a good thing.”  He highly recommended the play. “It’s a great night, a great initiative to have Shakespeare-in-the-Park in Montreal parks.”

Repercussion Theatre’s production of Macbeth will be on tour until August 21 throughout the greater Montreal area. The tour ends here in Westmount Park with back-to-back shows on August 20 and 21. For more information, visit their website at www.repercussiontheatre.com.