Macbeth The Opera - 16-20.09.14

Posted: Apr, 7th 2015 Contributor: Bilen Shifferaw,

Today's Congo is an inspired setting for this striking adaptation of Verdi's opera.

Refugee performers encounter a trunk containing sheet music and gramophone recordings of Verdi’s Macbeth. Inspired by the composer’s musical adaptation of the Shakespearean tragedy, they tell the story of their own conflict-ravaged, exploited homeland.

A warlord and his wife seize power of a province where militia fight to the death over mineral resources. Witchcraft is also at play, in the shape of double-dealing multinational businessmen motivated by ‘profit at any cost’.

Brett Bailey shines a spotlight on the troubled, post-colonial landscape of Africa through his multifaceted work. In this radical take on the seminal opera, he combines bold visuals with a reconstructed score sung by a South African ensemble.

'Undoubtedly the most exciting, provocative stage director in South Africa' Sunday Independent (South Africa)

1 hour 40 mins/no interval

Age guidance 12+ (contains disturbing images of war)

Performed in Italian with English surtitles

17 Sept - Post-show talk with Brett Bailey, Premil Petrovic and members of the Company
Free to same-day ticket holders