Macbeth

A Macbeth unlike any other…

In Drama Year 5 studied the works of Shakespeare and were particularly taken with the story of Macbeth. Both classes went through the story to identify some of the main plot points, and the children were charged with the task of coming up with their own versions. The children had to think of a different time or place for their production and then use the plot point that they had identified in the original to build up their own adaptations. This evening's performances are the results of their efforts!

5G
This production of Macbeth takes place in a school. The opening battle in the original is between Scotland and Norway but here we have a Rugby match between Sherborne Prep and Port Regis! Brave Macbeth scores the winning try and is made a prefect as a result. This is predicted by the three bullies, who replace the three witches, who also tell Macbeth that he will soon be Head Boy. Lady Macbeth convinces him to get Head Boy Duncan expelled and take his place. Later, Banquo is also expelled but Macduff exposes Macbeth's deceit and in the end, Macbeth is expelled and Fleance (Banquo's son in the original) is made Head Boy. In this play the various characters in Macbeth are replaced by Prefects, teachers and bullies and the hierarchy of the Scottish aristocracy is replaced by the hierarchy of an Independent Preparatory School!

5A
5A's production is set in the Wild, Wild West. The Cowboys and Indians replace the Scots and Norwegians in the opening battle, and Macbeth wins the fight. The Three Witch-Doctors tell Macbeth that he will be Deputy Sheriff and later Sheriff. The prior happens and Lady Macbeth convinces him to kill the Sheriff and make it look as though a Native American Indian did it. The witches provide Macbeth with an arrow, mirroring the original 'Is this a dagger I see before me…' speech. Banquo is also seen off and all looks well for Macbeth until he decides to kill off Macduff's wife and children. Macduff swears revenge: he and Banquo's son Fleance invade, using all the cacti in the Wild West! Macduff metes out revenge on Macbeth and order is restored.

Posted: Thursday, June 23, 2011