Macbeth Review: A Modern Tragedy of Ambition and Rage at Hull Truck
In a stark and contemporary staging, director Mark Babych reimagines Shakespeare's Macbeth as a gripping tale of ordinary lives spiraling into catastrophic ruin. This three-way co-production with Bolton Octagon and Derby theatre brings a fresh perspective to the classic tragedy, emphasizing its themes of opportunism and unchecked ambition.
A Soldier's Descent into Poisonous Power
Oliver Alvin-Wilson portrays Macbeth as a modern-day soldier, clad in camouflage and armed with an automatic weapon, returning from the battlefield. Initially, he embodies the serious-minded professionalism his nation requires, devoid of self-seeking motives. However, the witches' prophecy—depicted as eccentric figures blending rough sleepers and zombies—introduces the toxic idea of kingship, planting a seed of ambition that grows uncontrollably.
Alvin-Wilson's performance captures Macbeth's internal conflict, as he wavers between doubt and desire, making his eventual embrace of power feel both tragic and inevitable. His good sense is ultimately overwhelmed by a blunt, consuming rage, highlighting the character's tragic flaw in a relatable, human context.
Lady Macbeth's Suburban Ambition
Jo Mousley's Lady Macbeth appears in a maroon jumper and blue opal necklace, embodying a suburban plainness that contrasts sharply with her murderous ambitions. Like her husband, she is an ordinary woman navigating treacherous waters, with moments of certainty and equivocation. The couple's dynamic is one of mutual influence, as they take turns cajoling and buckling under pressure, revealing themselves as equally flawed and well-matched partners.
Her sudden madness is portrayed not as inherent tyranny but as a consequence of being out of her depth, with jittery reactions to untoward sounds underscoring her lack of true hardness. The bravado of dashing out babies' brains is exposed as mere pretense, adding depth to her character's psychological unraveling.
A GCSE-Friendly Production with Clear Vision
Staged on a rusty warehouse set designed by Rachael Canning, this production is lucid and straightforward, making it accessible for educational audiences, particularly those studying for GCSEs. While it may not set pulses racing with high drama, it excels in presenting a thoughtful and reflective Macbeth, whose journey from soldier to tyrant is both compelling and cautionary.
The banquet scene, resembling a light supper in a mews apartment with lounge-jazz accompaniment, reinforces the idea that this tragedy could happen to anyone, stripping away the grandeur to focus on the human elements of greed and downfall.
Performance Details: Macbeth runs at Hull Truck until 28 February, with a tour continuing until 18 April. This modern interpretation offers a powerful exploration of how everyday individuals can be consumed by the poisonous allure of power.
