This winter, Auckland Theatre Company presents MACBETH by William Shakespeare, from July 28 until August 22, at the ASB Waterfront Theatre.
Based on a Scottish legend in Shakespeare’s day, this 420-year-old story remains deeply relatable for the Game of Thrones generation, as a power-hungry couple is undone by greed, ambition and lust for power.
In this opulent, large-scale production audiences will be plunged into a mystical yet grimy underground world in this modern presentation of Shakespeare’s iconic text.
“What Shakespeare has given us with Macbeth is the OG crime thriller. This is the play that’s got everything – it’s got all the thrill rides of a horror movie” says director Benjamin Kilby-Henson (Romeo & Juliet, The Effect, King Lear).
Two electrifying performers portray the twisted, toxic partnership between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth.Mark Mitchinson(Crackhead, The Mummy, A Remarkable Place to Die) brings his magnetic screen presence to the stage as the tormented Macbeth. Sara Wiseman(The Effect, A Place to Call Home, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes) will take on Shakespeare’s most complex and coveted female role with her trademark intensity and grace.
Mitchinson and Wiseman are joined by a stellar cast of leading Kiwi actors – Alison Bruce, Keagan Carr Fransch, Travis Graham, Marianne Infante, Robert Pollock, Maaka Pohatu, Jeff Szusterman, Amanda Tito and Lauie Tofa.
In a chilling twist to what is already the most supernatural and sinister of Shakespeare’s plays, nine child actors (on rotation) will play the witches, plus an ensemble of eighteen youth performers from the ATC Youth Company and Unitec School of Creative Industries round out the cast.
Shakespeare’s timeless themes continue to affirm the relevance of his works, as evidenced by the registration of over 5,500 ākonga for nine dedicated school matinée performances of this production.
Jonathan Bielski, Auckland Theatre Company Artistic Director & CEO said: “Shakespeare’s universal themes still hold relevance in today’s classrooms despite being written over four centuries ago. We’ve heard from teachers that experiencing a live performance inspires and engages their students, and we couldn’t be happier to see our theatre brimming with youthful energy.”
Experience this bold new production of Shakespeare’s great tragedy in this strictly limited Auckland season.
Cast:
Alison Bruce – Lennox & Dying Captain
Keagan Carr Fransch – Ross
Travis Graham – Malcolm
Marianne Infante – Lady Macduff
Mark Mitchinson – Macbeth
Robert Pollock – King Duncan
Maaka Pohatu – Macduff
Jeff Szusterman – Banquo
Amanda Tito – Porter
Lauie Tofa – Donnalbain
Sara Wiseman – Lady Macbeth
Travis Graham – Malcolm
The Witches will be played by nine child actors across three covens: Thunder, Lightning and Rain. Casting to be announced.
Macbeth by William Shakespeare
Tuesday, July 28 until Saturday, August 22
ASB Waterfront Theatre, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland