MACBETH: PAPER CINEMA

Aberystwyth Arts Centre

Wed 27 Mar

And now for something completely different. Well, nearly.

The ‘other’ Macbeth on this month arrives courtesy of The Paper Cinema, and it looks to be a very faithful telling of Shakespeare’s Scottish tragedy; the difference in this production is, well, everything. The Paper Cinema creates a silent movie version of Macbeth, filmed live on stage and projected to the sitting audience. Using hand-drawn paper puppets, the actors manipulate shadowy black and white characters through the murderous machinations of Shakespeare’s bloody play. Through the layering of puppets and landscapes, people and castles, the company seek to unlock the mysteries of the Thane and his wife’s insatiable ambition. Using the camera as the eye of the audience, The Paper Cinema is able to zoom in on the frozen detail of the animated faces, bringing an immersive intensity to the production.

The accompanying score is performed live. Alongside the puppeteers, the musicians create a beguiling soundscape that is further complemented by live sound effects in the radio play/foley style.

So, what can you expect? Silent movie? Live performance? Puppet show? Yes, all of the above. For some, Shakespeare isn’t Shakespeare without the text. But, with all this going on, who needs words?

Tickets: £12/£10. Info: 01970 623232 / www.aberystwythartscentre.co.uk 

words JPD