Salutations, everyone!
It has been about a month since classes have started, and I am happy to say that they are not only fascinating, but academically challenging! Soon, I will have two critical essays to turn in and several “research blog posts” to write. While I am nervous about submitting work under UK standards, I am hopeful that the learning process will be worthwhile.
As for updates, I took my first out-of-Glasgow trip! From October 12th to October 13th, I took the train from Glasgow to London and had the opportunity to see the newest production of Macbeth at the Harold Pinter Theatre. It was definitely a monetary splurge, as the tickets were a bit out of my normal price range, but as David Tennant was playing the titular role of Macbeth, and I have been an admirer of Tennant’s work since I was young, I figured that the money would be well spent on this experience. Macbeth, or, “The Scottish Play” if you are superstitious, is additionally one of my favorite Shakespearean works. All in all, it was a must-see, and I do not regret my somewhat reckless spending at all. Spoilers for Macbeth incoming!
When I got to the theatre, I was surprised to see a long line of people waiting for same-day, reduced-price ticket openings. Upon entering, I realized just how beautiful the space was, with high ceilings and caramel-colored interiors. Then, the people at the bar handed me my program (and an ice-cream, which I had pre-purchased), and I took my seat. My seatmate was a very nice woman from Germany who was only a few years older than me. She confessed that she had traveled all the way from her hometown in order to see the play, as that she was a massive David Tennant fan. We chatted idly about the play and our interests until the lights went down.
An interesting aspect of this play was the use of headphones for each audience member, which were connected to the theatre’s audio system. Each actor was mic’d, which made for more intimate acting choices; because they did not have to project, the performers could sing softly and even whisper, and we heard every word! The stage had another, miniature white stage on top of it, which was raked towards the audience. Additionally, there was a glass window barrier cutting off half of the performance space. The division of the stage in this way made for some very spectacular theatrical moments, such as the opening of the play, wherein we can hear characters discussing Macbeth as they survey him through the glass. Additionally, the use of traditional Scottish music and the wearing of solid black kilts made the production come to life in a new, grounded way. Bold lighting design made for the creation of some impactful stage pictures, such as when there were X’s of light across Macbeth as he standed, surrounded, by the lords. At the end of the play, golden light and greenery sprouted from the stage, signalling the end of Macbeth’s tyrannical, violent reign. In contrast to the blank black and white color scheme of the rest of the play, this moment was full of vibrant life and served to drive home the message of peace and rebirth.
Overall, I feel incredibly lucky to have seen Macbeth while it played at the David Pinter theatre. I almost feel as if I could discuss it forever, as every single performer put their whole selves into their roles and there were so many small changes and nuances that made me see this historical tragedy with new eyes. I wholeheartedly recommend Macbeth to anyone who is interested in seeing it during its run.
A photo of the Scottish countryside from my train ride to London.
