Now Playing

Status
Released
Production
The Metropolitan Opera
Aired
2008-04-13
Verdiâs admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isnât on their exalted level itâs still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the originalâs story line. The METâs production retains the dark aura of the opera while updating it to a vaguely post-modern context. So the witches are bag ladies in various stages of decrepitude, with children in tow. The Banquet Scene features lowered chandeliers, a plethora of chairs, and a slew of extras dressed in tuxedos and party gowns. Macbeth sports a leather coat, the soldiers are in drab brown uniforms and seem to have fingers on their triggers even when theyâre supposed to be in non-threatening situations. Director Adrian Noble also has Lady Macbeth do an inordinate amount of writhing around and singing from a lying-down position, adding to the feeling that a less interventionist directorial hand might have generated more impact.
No trailer available.