the Scottish play

[mmegaera]

Last spring? summer? Britain's National Theatre put on a production of Macbeth. The venue was a -- I'm not sure de-commissioned is the right word, but you get the idea -- lovely old church in Manchester. The stars were Kenneth Branagh and Alex Kingston. One night's performance was filmed.

That film has been playing in select venues on both sides of the pond this fall. It finally made it to Seattle, and tonight I went to see it.

Wow. Just. Wow. It's been so long since I've actually seen Kenneth Branagh on the big screen, and I'd completely forgotten how wonderful seeing him in a part I've never seen him in before is. The whole play was fantastic. I had a few minor quibbles -- one with how one part was played, and one of Ken's stage business choices, but other than that?

That's one of the best evenings I've spent in a good long time.

I hope it becomes available on DVD at some point, because I'd love to own a copy and watch it again. Several times [g].

Comments

[nishatalitha]

De-consecrated might be the word you're after. Your posting here and the recent list discussion are making me think that I should go watch more live performances of Shakespeare. I understand, dimly, that each show, in and of itself, doesn't have to be perfect as you can get different things out of them. I think that might come only with multiple different viewings of the same play.

Must make more of an effort. I tend to go to see cheap and fringe-festival type shows. Must remember that the classics are classics for a reason.

[mmegaera]

Yes, de-consecrated. Thank you.

And, yes, everyone should make it a point to see as much Shakespeare as they can, both live and filmed (says the former English major and Kenneth Branagh fan of twenty years). I just wish I lived in a place where there were more live performances of the Bard's plays. You? Have no excuse [g].

[nishatalitha]

No excuse at all. I do go to some shows, but they mostly tend to be Fringe-type shows, the sort of thing you have to see in a limited period or you've missed it forever. Whereas the Bard is always there. I will make more of an effort to see him next year—that is a goal.