Verdi’s Macbeth marks Shakespeare’s 400th
This weekend sees the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death celebrated by two performances of Verdi’s Macbeth at the White Rock Theatre by Opera South East on Friday and Saturday. A treat is in store, says the company’s Greg Solomon.
William Shakespeare’s dark tale of witchcraft, murder and ruthless ambition has been given the operatic treatment by Giuseppe Verdi with a thrilling score full of sound and fury. It will be performed fully staged by Opera South East, in English, with the Sussex Concert Orchestra conducted by Kenneth Roberts.
The key principal roles will be sung by Peter Grevatt as Macbeth, Richard Woodall as Banquo and Mari Wyn Williams as Lady Macbeth.
Artistic director Fraser Grant will give a pre-show talk at 6pm on the Saturday evening which is open to ticket-holders of either performance. Noting that Saturday 23 April is the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, Fraser says:
“In this production we explore the dark and mysterious world of Shakespeare’s play. The witches foretell the prophecy and the writing is on the wall. With its devastating mix of murder, witchcraft and political intrigue, Verdi’s opera of Shakespeare’s masterpiece has thrilled audiences for over a century.
“Verdi regarded Shakespeare as ‘one of my very special poets, and I have had him in my hands from my earliest youth, and I have read and re-read him continually.’ It is not surprising that Macbeth remained one of Verdi’s favourite own works, despite its comparative lack of success in his lifetime.
“This is a nightmarish dream, set in a dark void, somewhere between now and then. The production aims to highlight the destructive power of ambition as narrated by the Gaelic Chorus of Witches. The corrupt court of Macbeth will literally be torn apart. It’s not to be missed.”
Macbeth, by Giuseppe Verdi Performed by Opera South East with the Sussex Concert Orchestra. White Rock Theatre, White Rock, Hastings TN34 1JX. Friday 22 and Saturday 23 April at 7.30pm. Tickets at £20, £16 and £12 (concessions £18, £14 & £10, under-16s free) can be purchased online or from the box office (tel 01424 462288).
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