James Chalmers “Prelude to Macbeth” had its Asian
Premiere recently in Manila, under Artist Playground production as their third
season opener this 2017. Directed by Roeder Camanag this one act play is the
prequel to Shakespeare’s Macbeth, on how he become Thane of Glamis and how he
meet Lorna Stewart and become his wife- Lady Macbeth.
Fresh from his award winning Direction in Happiness Is A
Pearl in Broadway World Award, Paul Jake Paule act the mighty role of Macbeth,
the excellent soldier and Chief of Staff of Duncan’s Army. Cath Go and Jernice
De Guzman alternately play the role of Lady Macbeth.
Other cast includes Mitoy Sta. Ana and Andre Tiangco as
Duncan, Gio Cabanlit and Jarden De Guzman as Callum, while the Witches are
Merdin Mojica, Tasha Guerrero, Kia Del Rosario, Princess Tuason and Jeremy
Cabansag.
In this era where theater is on a new grounds, producing
a Shakespear’s play is a challenge, even though the materials are already heard
and known by many, the attack and its staging should be new, as well as the
performances.
Artist Playground tru Camanag direction gives a different
side of Macbeth, that fits in a very intimate show, imagining a few steps near actors
on stage, its original music complete the ambiance of feeling in a another era
inside the forest.
But what best on this is the dialogues, the script that
seems old but not that old English, this Chalmers version is easy to digest and
to understand. Refreshing indeed since its offer a very close encounter show
that no one does so far in Manila theater scene. It was stage at 1701 The
Little Room Upstairs in Landsdale Tower in Quezon City.
Prelude to Macenth had a limited run, it opens last
February 23 to 26 only, but they are restaging it again this coming June. For
ticket and inquiries, visit Artist Playground’s Facebook page or contact
09759193179.
The artistic team of Macbeth includes Jesse Lucas as the
musical director, Reynoso Mercado as the Production Designer, Pauline
Martinez-Lighting Designer and Banue Miclat-Janssen as the speech consultant.
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