The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth (2008)
Verdi’s admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isn’t on their exalted level it’s still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the original’s story line. The MET’s 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 they’re 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.
Cast
- Željko Lučić - Macbeth
- John Relyea - Banquo
- Maria Guleghina - Lady Macbeth
- Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs - Lady-in-waiting to Lady Macbeth
- Dimitri Pittas - McDuff, Thane of Fife
- Mary Jo Heath - Self - Special Guest Interviewer
- Richard Hobson - A Servant of Macbeth
- Raymond Renault - Duncan, King of Scotland
- Russell Thomas - Malcolm, Duncan's Son
- Adam Hauser Piñero - Fleance, Banquo's Son
Screenplay
- Francesco Maria Piave
- William Shakespeare (Original Story)
- Andrea Maffei
Themes
Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art
Keywords
opera, verdi
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth about?
- Verdi’s admiration for Shakespeare led to such masterpieces as Othello and Falstaff, and if the earlier Macbeth isn’t on their exalted level it’s still a powerfully dramatic opera that hews closely to the original’s story line. The MET’s 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 they’re 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.
- Who directed The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth?
- The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth was directed by Gary Halvorson.
- Who stars in The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth?
- The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth stars Željko Lučić, John Relyea, Maria Guleghina, Elizabeth Blancke-Biggs, Dimitri Pittas, Mary Jo Heath.
- How long is The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth?
- The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth has a runtime of 2h 37m (157 minutes).
- What genre is The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth?
- The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth is a Drama, Music film.
- Where was The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth produced?
- The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth was produced in United States of America.
- What are the themes of The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth?
- The themes of The Metropolitan Opera – Verdi: Macbeth include: Opera Grandeur and Dramatic Voices, Opera Stage and Dramatic Arias, Classical Music and Art.