Don't mention the gore

Since it was first performed in or around 1605-1606, William Shakespeare's Scottish play Macbeth has, spawned more superstitions and intrigue than any other piece of theatre. In fact mention of its name is enough to get you thrown out of the theatre building and forced into various undignified acts of contrition in the street outside.

Mac - or, as thesps prefer to call it, The Scottish Play - is immensely popular with both actors and audiences, with its intriguing mix of power politics, witchcraft and gore. The MADC, who are responsible for this production, have put on this play on two previous occasions and both were performed in San Anton Gardens. This will be the first time they are staging a production in the highly atmospheric environs of Fort St Elmo in Valletta. The performance dates are July 2 to July 9.

The MADC have engaged the services of distinguished Australian academic, director and actor Dr Geoffrey Borny to direct this production. Dr Borny has an extensive directing CV and his credits include other Shakespearean productions, as well as work by dramatists as diverse as Chekhov, Molière, Beckett and Tennessee Williams. He has assembled an impressive cast, with the protagonists the Scottish king and Lady M being played by two of our very best performers Paul Portelli and Charlotte Grech. The three witches will be Katherine Brown, Maxine Calleja Urry and Faye Paris. Banquo will be portrayed by Jean Pierre Agius, Macduff by Alan Paris, Lady Macduff by Paula Fleri Soler, Duncan by Martin Azzopardi, Ross by Colin Willis and Lennox by Joe Pace.

This summer we seem to getting a veritable feast of Shakespeare. This particular course will be welcomed by anyone who enjoys good theatre in a highly evocative environment. Just remember to call it The Scottish Play, not... well, you know what.

More information may be obtained from e-mail: bookings@madc.biz.