Mastering Shakespeare's Macbeth

or a theater company, Actors From the London Stage seems like a name to hide behind. An obvious conclusion would be that this stage is not a reputable one or else it would be named. Fortunately for the ticket buying public, this is not the case.

The troupe trained at England's best schools and have performed with the Royal Shakespeare Company, in London's West End and on the BBC. They have also performed under world renowned directors such as Franco Zeffirelli, Barry Kyle and James Hammerstein. It is rare that accomplished actors of this caliber grace the Bryan Center, and their production of Shakespeare's Macbeth certainly outshines any other in the region--and most likely the country.

Perhaps the most interesting aspect of the production is that only five actors play the entire cast of characters. Though each actor makes the transition simply by changing the way he or she wears a sash, there's not a single moment of confusion or a "who's who" guessing game. The actors also produce all the sound effects and play all the music; a favorite is the eerie noise they make with a tin bowl and spoon when the apparitions appear.

Both Bruce Alexander (Macbeth) and Sam Dastor (Banquo) give stunning performances. The more famous speeches and dialogue seem to be the most polished. Macbeth's "If 'twere done, then 'twere done quickly," is the most notable. Alexander perfectly conveys the imagery of the speech and captures its meaning for the audience.

The only slightly disappointing aspect of the production is Jane Arden's portral of Lady Macbeth. Though Arden begins the role quite strongly with the "Unsex me here" speech, her performance dwindles toward the end. Lady Macbeth is one of the toughest female characters in Shakespeare and her "Out damn spot" speech is of utmost importance to the character. Unfortunately, Arden begins the oratory with too heightened an emotional state and had nowhere to go with the remainder, effectively leaving herself without a proper climax.

The second of only two showings of Macbeth at Duke will occur Saturday at 8pm in Reynolds Theater. If Tuesday's performance is any indication, these actors from the London stage will be playing to another packed house.