The Bunker Trilogy: Macbeth

the bunker trilogy macbethAdelaide Fringe. Presented by Jethro Compton in association with The Centre for International Theatre and Joanne Hartstone Ltd. The Bunker. 20 Feb 2014


For anyone who enjoys serious theatre that is pure class, the three plays that comprise the Bunker Trilogy are compulsory viewing.


Directed and designed by Jetho Compton the trilogy are re-imaginations of three classic pieces of literature.  I have now seen two of them, and they are quite remarkable pieces of theatre.


The setting for ‘Macbeth’, as for ‘Morgana’ (and for ‘Agamemnon’ which I have yet to see), is a bunker on the trench line of World War I.  Although ‘Macbeth’ is a truncated version of the Shakespeare, the original story line is clearly recognisable.  Great chunks of the original text have been removed, which does create a problem for the actor who plays Lady Macbeth – she has fewer opportunities to establish her character.  Other sections of the original Shakespeare are out of order and other sections are ‘mashed’ together, but much of they key text and significant speeches are there. As I said, the original story line is clearly recognisable, even though the setting has been updated.  (The ‘editor’ is not acknowledged in the program, but he/she has produced an effective job.)


Four actors – the same ones from ‘Morgana’ – play the principal characters.  As Macbeth, Sam Donnelly is masterful, and in his hands the gradual destruction of Macbeth’s humanity is compelling to watch.  With the role of Lady Macbeth pared back by the edited script, Bebe Sanders has fewer dramatic opportunities but brings the steely and murderously resolute villainess to life.  


Hayden Wood and James Marlowe are often effectively costumed in gas masks which allows them to double many roles, including the witches. The masks are an ultimate symbol of man’s inhumanity to man, and when haze is pumped into the confined acting space and the lights are made piercingly intensive, you feel as if you are actually there in the insane world that is the trenches.  It is as if Birnam Forest is actually about to descend and the ghost of Banquo and countless others are forcing their way into your psyche.


Another object lesson in theatre.


Kym Clayton


When: 20 Feb to 16 Mar
Where: The Bunker
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au