Macbeth

Rating:

Company: Knavish Hedgehog Productions

Genre: Play - Drama

Venue:16 - PTE Mainstage

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Knavish Hedgehogs make one of Shakespeare's darkest plays darker still literally in director Ari Weinberg's stylish and effective production.

• Winnipeg Fringe 2017: read our reviews

Illuminated only by handheld flashlights, a talented young cast of seven race through a compact 60-minute version of the story of the warrior who murders to become king.

It's an apt choice for this play, giving it a sinister ambiance.Macbethis a story about the shadowy side of human nature and here, haunting shadows are cast around the theatre and the actors' faces take on an creepy, ghostlike quality.

As usual for Knavish Hedgehogs, it's an ensemble piece with most actors taking on multiple roles, and all turn in strong work, though Miranda Baran stands out as a frighteningly steely Lady Macbeth. The cast members occasionally stray into shouting dialogue, but otherwise handle the text with grace.

With no set or costumes just the eerie illumination of the hand-held lights this production moves at a breakneck pace, driving assuredly to its conclusion.

A dark tale told well.- Joff Schmidt

It's a dark tale told well.