La Boite Theatre’s reimagining of Shakespeare’s 'Macbeth' is a thrillingly bold, atmospheric and hypnotic experience – putting the Weird Sisters at the forefront.
In this innovative production, the Witches – often relegated to the periphery – become the storytellers, unearthing the consequences of unchecked ambition and humanity’s fractured relationship with nature.
Co-directed by La Boite’s Artistic Director Courtney Stewart and Lisa Fa’alafi, this striking adaptation shifts the lens, positioning the Weird Sisters as more than just forecasters of fate. Here, they embody the elemental forces of nature itself, their movements intertwined with the earth’s own struggle for balance. The synergy of dance, text, and sound transforms the play into a visceral, almost ritualistic experience – one that lingers long after the final scene.
The cast of three – Nicole Hoskins, Roxanne McDonald, and Mel Ree – deliver powerhouse performances as the Weird Sisters, seamlessly shifting between characters to breathe life into the entire cast of 'Macbeth'. Ree’s portrayal of the title character is particularly captivating, navigating Macbeth’s descent from noble soldier to bloodthirsty tyrant with an electrifying intensity. From the moment she assumes the role, there’s a tangible weight in the air; a sense that fate has already begun its dark work.
Theatre in the round enhances the immersive quality of the production, drawing the audience into its orbit and ensuring there’s no where to hide from the unfolding tragedy. A simple yet evocative central prop – a woven rope lit from below – acts as both a physical and symbolic tether, reminding us of the inescapable consequences of every action. Lighting Designer Teegan Kranenburg masterfully sculpts the space with a dramatic lightscape that shifts between moody glow and harsh, unforgiving shadows, elevating both the eerie tension and then giving a filmic touch to the fight sequences.
Costumes and props are equally striking in their stark minimalism. The camouflage berets marking Duncan’s loyalists Banquo and Macduff contrast sharply with the Macbeths’ red bullet magazines – painted blood-red and slung across their chests like ominous sashes of deathly power. These bold choices distill Shakespeare’s themes of war, ambition, and destiny into potent visual symbols, cutting straight to the heart of the narrative.
The pacing is relentless, with rapid-fire dialogue and fluid, lightning-fast scene transitions amplifying the escalating madness. This tempo, combined with the dynamic physicality of the performances, drives home the play’s feverish energy, making Macbeth’s spiral into paranoia all the more palpable.
Sue Rider’s involvement as Dramaturg ensures that every moment crackles with purpose. The production’s balance between text, movement, and sound creates a deeply atmospheric, almost cinematic experience, where the witches are no longer mere catalysts but the very pulse of the world Shakespeare imagined.
This 'Macbeth' is not just a retelling; it’s an invocation. It’s a reminder that power is never truly held, only borrowed, and that nature will always reclaim what is hers. La Boite has delivered a spellbinding, unforgettable take on The Scottish Play, one that echoes with the weight of history, prophecy, and the raw power of storytelling.
Words: Natalie O'Driscoll
