Writer, In a new version after Shakespeare /
Zinnie Harris
The path to freedom is stained by blood…
In this audacious reimagining of Shakespeare, visionary playwright Zinnie Harris merges the classic with the contemporary to interrogate events from Lady Macbeth’s perspective—resulting in an exhilarating epic of manipulation, ambition, and the intoxicating need to challenge the roles others prescribe for you.
Instead of erasing history, Macbeth (an undoing) rewinds and rewatches it through a feminist lens to elevate a previously unheard point of view. It asks us to examine the link between progress and violence (and whether they can ever truly be separated), considers what makes certain narratives more trustworthy than others, and ultimately questions the very nature of fate.
Director Matthew Lutton will craft an epic translation of 11th Century Scotland. A world of stone, mud, blood, rain and mist, where shelter is vital and nature itself is as dangerous as those who inhabit its darkest corners—brought to life onstage by some of Australia’s best theatre designers with the spectacle and innovation you’ve come to expect from Malthouse Theatre.
The Malthouse Theatre provides pre-show and post-show Prompt Packs that explore the script and themes to help the students gain a deeper understanding of the production.
PROMPT PACK A (PRE-SHOW)
PROMPT PACK B (POST-SHOW)
Complementary PDF scripts will be emailed to teachers in early June 2024 (together with Prompt Pack A) to be shared with students for educational purposes only.
If you require advance reading, both paperback and e-book versions of the original Lyceum production are currently available for purchase from various sellers online; please note however the Malthouse script (containing only minor updates from the playwright) will be the definitive version for VCE Theatre Studies.
EDUCATION MATINEES
1pm Tuesday 16 July
1pm Thursday 18 July
1pm Tuesday 23 July
1pm Thursday 25 July
DURATION
Duration: approx 2 hours 40 minutes (including a 20-minute interval)
+ 30-minute optional Q&A at education matinees
Metro schools / $49 (per student)
Regional & low-ICSEA schools / $35 (per student)
Accompanying teachers / Free (max. 2 per group)
Additional teachers / $59
All education matinees are followed by a Q&A session with the cast facilitated by the Malthouse Theatre Education team.
Revisit the Play is our acclaimed digital workshop aimed at preparing students for their VCE Theatre Studies written examination. With production footage excerpts, facilitated analysis and curriculum-focused provocations, this on-demand session in an invaluable revision opportunity for your class. Bookings can be made here.
This workshop will be available from 16 September 2023.
Recommended for ages 15 and older. This production contains occasional coarse language, staged intimacy, depiction of violence and blood, and references to death or dying.
Full details can be found on Malthouse Theatre’s comprehensive Content Warnings & Additional Information page.
For more information about the play, its script, or curriculum links, please contact Malthouse Education Coordinator, Lyall Brooks at lbrooks@malthousetheatre.com.au.
For all ticket and booking enquiries, please contact education@malthousetheatre.com.au.
Writer, In a new version after Shakespeare /
Zinnie Harris
Director /
Matthew Lutton
CAST /
Bojana Novakovic
Cast /
Johnny Carr
Cast /
Tony Briggs
Cast /
Khisraw Jones-Shukoor
Cast /
Natasha Herbert
Cast /
Jessica Clarke
Cast /
Tyallah Bullock
Cast /
Rashidi Edward
Cast /
Jim Daly
Cast /
David Woods
Set & Costume Designer /
Dann Barber
Lighting Designer /
Amelia Lever-Davidson
COMPOSER & SOUND DESIGNER /
Jethro Woodward
Stage Manager /
Lisa Osborn
Assistant Stage Manager /
Rosemary Osmond