ETA Take Scots Macbeth to Stratford
The Scottish Play in Scots to play Shakespeare’s birthplace
Gentlewoman: Suzie Marshall; Lady MacBeth: Edith Peers;Doctor: Iain Kerr. MacBeth in Scots translated by R.L.C. Lorimer. Edinburgh Theatre Arts production 2012. Photo © Stefan Heumann
By Thom Dibdin
Edinburgh Theatre Arts’ production of Macbeth in Scots has been chosen to take part in the Open Stages Showcase at the RSC in Stratford in July.
The world premiere production of Robin Lorimer’s translation from Shakespeare was performed by ETA at St Ninians Hall at the beginning of May. The company are one of only ten amateur companies from around the UK picked to take part in the showcase event.
According to the RSC: “Since 2011, the RSC has been working with over 250 amateur theatre companies and 7,000 individuals all over the country. As we create a legacy of collaboration between professionals and amateurs, this is now your chance to see the UK’s most extraordinary talent, special selected to perform here on the RSC stage.”
The Stratford performance of Macbeth in Scots will take place on Saturday 14 July in the 1045-seat Courtyard Theatre, the Stratford home of the RSC during the recently finished refurbishment of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre. It will be part of a double bill – together with a contemporary retelling of Julius Caesar by Rainbow Factory, set on the Shankill Road in the early 2000’s during a loyalist feud.
The Open Stages initiative was intended to encourage theatre companies throughout the UK to stage Shakespeare’s works in new and innovative ways. The production of Macbeth in Scots was chosen by the RSC in association with the National Theatre of Scotland, the company’s Scottish partner.
Edinburgh audiences will get a second chance to see the production when it returns during the Edinburgh fringe, playing from the 6th to the 18th of August at St Ninians Hall, Stockbridge.
Listings:
Courtyard Theatre, Stratford: Sat 14 July, 7.30pm. £5. Tickets: www.rsc.org.uk
St Ninians Hall, Comely Bank, Stockbridge, Edinburgh: Mon 6-Sat 18 Aug, (Not Sun), 7.30pm; Sat 11, 18: 2.30pm, 7.30pm. Tickets: www.edfringe.com
Links:
Edinburgh Theatre Arts website: www.edinburghtheatrearts.com
Preview of Macbeth in Scots in the Annals: alledinburghtheatre.com
