Chicago Shakespeare Theater World’s Stage, in conjunction with the National Theatre of Scotland and The Royal Shakespeare Company, presents DUNSINANE.
Macbeth is dead. The English Army storm Macbeth’s castle of Dunsinane to find his wife is not. Lady Macbeth or as the locals call her, Gruach (played with steely determination by Siobhan Redmond) has assumed rule of Scotland. English commanding officer Siward (played by the judicious Darrell D’Silva) is tasked with installing Malcolm, King Duncan’s son, on the throne. D’Silva’s mission centers on restoring order in Scotland. His success is challenged by the fiery and bewitching appearance of Redmond.
Playwright David Greig imagines the sequel to Shakespeare’s legendary drama, “Macbeth.” And Greig’s depiction is more accurate to Scottish history than The Bard’s. An obvious difference in Greig’s play is Lady Macbeth has survived her husband. A detail reflecting historic accuracy. At the play’s onset, the soldiers are gossiping about the queen going crazy and killing herself. And even D’Silva’s utterance to Redmond, “I was told you were dead” is a subtle call back to the original play. Greig’s script has plenty of these recollections cleverly interlaced in his contemporary prose. Although a quick tutorial of Shakespeare’s characters might be helpful, thorough knowledge of the play “Macbeth” isn’t a necessity to enjoy Greig’s stand-alone piece.
Greig’s story is not about one man’s ambition. Instead, the focus is two country’s ambitions. England wants to tame the unbridled Scotland. The noble D’Silva tries to stabilize the country. His decisions are rooted in diplomacy not in bloodshed. His English methodologies are met with resistance by the proud and rough Scots. The story is a clash of cultures in the ongoing debate on Scottish rule. The parallels to modern day are poignant. Not only is it a question of who is the rightful individual to rule a country? It’s also a matter of the ultimate governing force: natives or well-established foreign powers?
Director Roxana Silbert navigates the war zone with tension and humor. Silbert keeps the pace quick and riveting. The talented ensemble is playfully joking around one minute and in the next, a soldier is unexpectedly stabbed. The difference between the English and the Scottish is at the very crux of this show. The English are following orders. They are career soldiers. The Scots fight for survival. They are reacting instinctively to preserve their culture. Throughout the show, the charming Tom Gill chronicles a young soldier’s reaction to war. In spotlit soliloquies, Gill complains about the Scottish cold and hills. He talks about the bloodshed and the uncertain conclusion. He gives us a real sense of being a soldier in a foreign country.
DUNSINANE is a passionate play for domination. It is “Games of Thrones” without the dragons. And it is particularly a treat being performed in native tongue. Despite a nearby audience member whispering about not being able to understand the actors, I found the dialects made for a more authentic experience. Not only was the caliber of the acting outstanding, the accents transported us to another place in time. The National Theatre of Scotland and The Royal Shakespeare Company are only here in Chicago for a limited time, act quickly to experience DUNSINANE.
Running Time: Two hours and thirty minutes includes an intermission
At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand
Written by David Greig
Directed by Roxana Silbert
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays at 7:30pm
Wednesday at 1pm
Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm
Sundays at 2pm
Thru March 22nd
Buy Tickets at www.chicagoshakes.com
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