Source: Macbeth
Group: National Taiwan University [Guoli Taiwan daxue]
Premiere: 2011
Place: Hong Kong
Venue: Sir Run Run Shaw Hall, the Chinese University of Hong Kong [Xianggang zhongwen daxue shaoyifu tang]
Director: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Crew: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice (adaptation); Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice (original music); Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice (set design); Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice (costume design); Yin, Chung-Min (stage manager); Hsu, Michelle Chun-Han (set execution): Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (keyboard); Wu, Leo (recording technician)
>>see more
>>see less
Cast: Ting, David Ta-wei (Macbeth); Ting, David Ta-wei (Pessimist); Ting, David Ta-wei (Enthusiast); Wang, Anita Ying-Jeng (Lady Macbeth); Wang, Anita Ying-Jeng (Enthusiast); Wang, Anita Ying-Jeng (Lamenter); Wang, Anita Ying-Jeng (Activist); Wang, Anita Ying-Jeng (Cop); Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (Enthusiast); Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (Lamenter); Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (Collaborator); Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (Passivist); Chang, Umy Yi-Hsuan (Cop)
>>see more
>>see less
Language: English
Genre: drama
Year of Recording: 2011
Rights: National Taiwan University [Guoli Taiwan daxue]
Macbeth: A Political Allegory
FILES  
Introduction; 
video (1); 
program (1); 
photo (4); 
design (9); 
publicity (2); 
review (3)
Loading the player...
The production is an allegory of contemporary Taiwan politics, which features zeal, blindness, and corruption. All lines are directly lifted from Shakespeare's original, but moved around and reconstructed to create new roles. Singing and live music enhance the atmosphere. The production participated in the 7th Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival, held by the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and won 1st Runner-up, Most Original Production, Best Ensemble Work, and Outstanding Actor.
1.
Data Type: video
Source: Videos of the 7th Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival Performance Finals
Place: Hong Kong
Publisher: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Date: 2011/5/25
Language: English
Abstract: In less than 20 minutes and with 3 actors only--the pre-requisites of the Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival--the production presents a condensed Macbeth focusing on the political aspect of the play.
1.
Data Type: program
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Source: Program of the 7th Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival
Place: Hong Kong
Publisher: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Date: 2011/5
Pages: 18
Language: English
Abstract: The document contains an introduction of National Taiwan University, the participants, the production, and acknowledgements. The adapter and director talks about her modernized Macbeth as a political allegory as ambition and corruption have been ubiquitous, then and now, and this is what makes Shakespeare not of an age but for all time.
1.
Data Type: photo
Title: Award Photos
Date: 2011/5/25
Abstract: The trophies and certificates of the four awards: 1st Runner Up, Most Original Production, Outstanding Actor, and Best Ensemble Work.
2.
Data Type: photo
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: Photo taken at the Opening Ceremony with David Parker. From the left: David Ta-Wei Ting, Umy Yi-Hsuan Chang, Michelle Chun-Han Hsu, Bi-qi Beatrice Lei, David Parker, Anita Ying-Jeng Wang, and Yin Chung-Min.
3.
Data Type: photo
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: Cast photos of David Ta-wei Ting (as Macbeth), Anita Ying-Jeng Wang (as Lady Macbeth), and Umy Yi-Hsuan Chang (as Collaborator).
4.
Data Type: photo
Date: 2011/5/25
Abstract: 83 photos arranged in chronological order and with annotations.
1.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: A gunshot is heard, followed by the siren of ambulance. Piano sound in discord imitates the agitation of the people. The song that follows is a elegy.
2.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: A variation of "O Horror" by panflute.
3.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: A variation of "Fair Is Foul" as played by a marching band.
4.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: The refrain from "Tomorrow" by Charles Strouse.
5.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: Background music of the song "Tomorrow."
6.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: "Fair is Foul" is sung in three parts, to the accompaniment of percussion music.
7.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: "O Horror" is sung in two parts, to the accompaniment of piano. The lyrics are taken from several characters from several scenes in Shakespeare's original.
8.
Data Type: design
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: "Tomorrow" is sung in three parts, to the accompaniment of crystal glass and cello. The first two measures are taken from "Tomorrow," a song from the musical Annie by Charles Strouse.
9.
Data Type: design
Author: Hsu, Michelle Chun-Han
Date: 2011/5
Abstract: Imitating election campaign signs, the image, printed on a canvas 3 meters high and 4 meters wide, remains on center stage through the penultimate scene.
1.
Data Type: publicity
Source: 7th Chinese Universities Shakespeare Festival
Place: Hong Kong
Publisher: Chinese University of Hong Kong
Date: 2011/5
Language: English; Chinese
2.
Data Type: publicity
Author: Lei, Bi-qi Beatrice
Date: 2011/5
Language: English
Abstract: The article summarizes the festival event and the NTU's team's accomplishment. It argues for Shakespeare's relevance to contemporary politics, and analyzes the production's features of live music and quick scene and costume changes. The author also introduces each actor and crew member and acknowledges help from NTU's drama faculty.
1.
Data Type: review
Author: Borny, Geoffrey
Date: 2011/5
Language: English
Abstract: A most inventive production, the play presents a showcase for fine performing skills. The music, lighting and sound also contribute to powerful theatrical effect. Acting is good, and directing is creative. Yet, it is not really Shakespeare's Macbeth. This presentation fragments the original too much for any character development.
2.
Data Type: review
Author: Gilles, John
Date: 2011/5
Language: English
Abstract: This article summarizes the action of each scene with comments. The author concludes that this is "a radical and intelligent piece of stage interpretation, of adaptation and of theatre." The play references to contemporary politics and takes some big risks.
3.
Data Type: review
Author: Holbrook, Peter
Date: 2011/5
Language: English
Abstract: The production is "the most inventive and unorthodox" among all, "an intelligent, clever and striking production, played with great energy." This is not a strict performance of Shakespeare, and language is secondary to spectacle.