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Riveting sequel to ‘Macbeth’ about war and peace
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“DUNSINANE,” the acclaimed sequel to “Macbeth,” is about one man’s attempt to restore peace to a country ravaged by war.
The 2010 play by renowned Scottish playwright David Greig will be staged at the Shanghai Grand Theater from April 26-27. Dialogue will be in English, with Chinese subtitles.
It is produced by the National Theater of Scotland and the Royal Shakespeare Company.
The play opens when Macbeth is dead. An English army has swept through the Scottish landscape at night, killed the tyrant and taken the seat of power.
Commanding officer Siward attempts to restore peace and put in place a new ruler, but he is beset by a guerrilla uprising and discontent among his own inexperienced troops.
“It’s an extraordinary play, set in the 11th century, inspired by ‘Macbeth,’ and very historically accurate, but emotionally inspired by the current situation in Afghanistan,” says director Roxana Silbert.
“The playwright uses the past to tackle problems of contemporary international politics in a way that isn’t literal or small-minded, but philosophical,” he added.
Struggling to grasp the alien customs and politics of a harsh country, Siward is drawn toward Macbeth’s powerful widow as he seeks someone to share his burden of responsibility.
Increasingly isolated from his own men and Scottish allies alike, his efforts to restore order appear futile as the situation spins out of control.
“There’s also really passionate love story between Lady Macbeth and Siward,” the director says. “I rather like it because it’s a middle-age love story involving people who should know better. You don’t see very much middle-aged passion on stage, and I really love that element of it.”
The Guardian calls it “ ...an irresolvable drama about an irresolvable conflict — a work of compelling intelligence, provocation and wit.”
Greig is probably Scotland’s leading playwright. This is his first period play. His work for the National Theatre of Scotland includes “The Strange Undoing of Prudencia Hart,” “One Day in Spring,” “Glasgow Girls” and “Peter Pan.”
Silbert is artistic director of the Birmingham Repertory Theatre and previously was associated director of the Royal Shakespeare Company where her work included “A Soldier in Every Son,” “Galileo,” “Measure for Measure” and “Richard III.”
The play is on a world tour.
Date: April 26-27, 7:15pm
Venue: Lyric Theater, Shanghai Grand Theater
Address: 300 People’s Ave
Tickets: 80-880 yuan
Tel: 400-106-8686
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