DramaLit Blog 1.0: BU School of Theatre

An unbelieveable production of the Scottish play, produced by the Scots themselves? Who would’ve thought?…

The National Theatre of Scotland has plans to mount its unique production of “Macbeth” this summer as part of the Lincoln Center Festival. This production, unlike anything you’ve ever seen, boasts a star studded cast. A single star. THAT IS CORRECT. Broadway veteran Alan Cumming will be starring in Macbeth, as a One Man Show. Cumming, known for his work in “The Good Wife” and “Cabaret” and a true Scotsman at heart, will depict each and every role in the Scotish tragedy including the title role, as well as Lady Macbeth, the three witches, Macduff, The Ghost…the list goes on and on and on…This special production is set to co-directed by John Tiffany and And Goldberg. The production is set to originate in Glasgow and then travel overseas as a part of the festival from July 5th-July 14th.

Alan Cumming, the “Good Wife” and “Cabaret” star (not to mention the voice of another great Scot, Gutsy Smurf), will perform every single role in the Shakespeare tragedy, including the regicidal schemer of its title and his devious, spot-obsessed wife (though we’re especially intrigued to see what he does with the three witches). The production, to be directed by John Tiffany and Andy Goldberg, will originate in June at the Tramway in Glasgow, and then be presented at the Lincoln Center Festival in New York from July 5 through July 14.

The original idea was extracted from an Interview with The Guardian. This project began as a simple idea: to swap the roles of Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. The play discusses so many important themes regarding gender: the role of power and authority, psychology (and reverse psychology for that matter), action, and responsibility. The prospect of swapping the roles was really intriguing and inspiring for Alan Cumming. After the first reading, which took place in New York, Andy Goldberg suggested that Cumming play all of the roles…

And so the idea was born. Theatre goers and critics alike are anxiously awaiting this incredibly innovative production of Macbeth as it explores the notion of what it truly means to be power hungry.