In the witches scene, I will compare the different elements needed to create a play between the Elizabethan and 20th Century eras. The areas of discussion include costume/makeup, scenery/setting/stage direction, personality, extras/walk-ons, special effects/lighting/sound effects, music, and casting/effects. Using these topics, I will structure my discussion into different sections to analyze the effects used in various scenes and how as a theatre director, I would incorporate them into my writing. For costume and makeup, I envision the witches wearing ripped, dirty, and baggy clothes. Quoting shakespeare, "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning or rain?", serves to depict the unpleasantness of these particular witches.
I believe Shakespeare intends to convey the wicked nature of the witches, which is why I would give them their costume and makeup in
...this specific scene. When comparing the two time periods depicted in the poem, I would maintain their appearance in both the Elizabethan era and the 20th century. "So withered, and so wild in their attire, That look not like th'inhabitants o'th earth." This quote from Banquo emphasizes how terribly unattractive the witches are, suggesting that they do not belong in this world. In the Elizabethan version, I would present Banquo and Macbeth as noble knights. "All hail Macbeth, hail to thee Thane of Glamis." Macbeth is referred to as Thane of Glamis by the witches, indicating his noble status as a knight. Banquo fought alongside Macbeth in battle, justifying his portrayal as a knight as well. In the 20th century adaptation, I would present Macbeth and Banquo as well-dressed businessmen. This is because they both have high positions in the business hierarchy due to their close
service to the king, resulting in lucrative salaries. Ross and Angus, being servants of the king, would have a less polished appearance compared to Macbeth and Banquo.The portrayal of Lady Macbeth in the Elizabethan play gives her a regal appearance since she is Macbeth's wife. However, in the 20th Century play, I would depict her as a seductive businesswoman, reflecting her wealth similar to Macbeth's.
In terms of scenery, in the first scene containing the witches, I would set it on a cold and bleak beach, emphasizing the gloomy and windy atmosphere.
"When the hurly-burly's done,
When the battle's lost and won."
This quote from the Elizabethan version demonstrates the witches' preference for speaking in rhymes.
In the 20th Century version, I would set the scene in an old abandoned graveyard to emphasize the evil nature of the witches. The weather would remain the same as the Elizabethan version, as it complements the witches' personalities and adds a spooky element to the spell casting. In another scene, when everyone is speaking to Macbeth in the castle, I would make the weather rainy and dark, creating the atmosphere of a recently concluded bloody battle and Lady Macbeth's sinister plot to convince Macbeth to do anything to become king. In the 20th Century Version, this scene would take place in a big Penthouse apartment with rain pelting against the windows as they plot their plan. The witches' personalities should reflect their deceitful and malicious nature. "When shall we three meet again? In thunder, lightning or rain?... When the hurly-burly's done, When the battle's lost and won." This quote illustrates their intention to meet Macbeth in a dark and gloomy location.
The
text shows that the characters in the play have certain personalities and plans. Macbeth is portrayed as a posh American businessman who is organized and dislikes bragging. He is easily deceived, as he is convinced to kill Duncan. Banquo is portrayed as loyal, kind, and caring towards his friends and family. Lady Macbeth is portrayed as a selfish and deceitful woman. These character traits will be incorporated into both Elizabethan and 20th Century versions of the play. Different technology will be incorporated to fit the respective time periods. In the 20th Century play, there will be cars and busy city streets, reflecting a New York style setting. Guns will be used in fight scenes instead of swords and daggers used in the Elizabethan version. The only extras used in the Elizabethan version of the witches scene will be the horses that Macbeth and Banquo ride on.
In both the 20th Century and Elizabethan versions of the play, I will incorporate various special effects and lighting techniques. For instance, during the scene where Macbeth and Banquo are being carried around in a Limo, I would use thunderous sounds and red lighting to signify the witches' plotting and mysterious chanting. Additionally, I would emphasize the witches' enigmatic nature by utilizing fog. These effects would also be present when Lady Macbeth tries to persuade Macbeth to become king, with added thunder, lightning, and gothic music to evoke an evil atmosphere.
Regarding the music in the Elizabethan version, I would incorporate tunes from that era. When the witches are chanting and plotting, as well as when Lady Macbeth is devising her sinister plans, church gothical music will play to create a
sense of mystery. In the first scene where the witches cast a spell, I would utilize eerie music that harmonizes with their chant, thus heightening the magical effect.
Furthermore, in the Elizabethan version of the play, I would cast unknown actors to maintain an air of unfamiliarity for the common audience.
This is to emphasize the antiquity of the play. In the 20th Century play, I will showcase popular actors that are recognizable by the public. It would not be suitable to cast famous performers in a dated production. This is due to the audience's preference for contemporary actors like Tom Cruise and other Hollywood stars in current films, and I do not believe they would be well-suited for the language utilized in the conventional style of this play.
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