I think ti is wonderful I like William Shakspeare for writing plays for Patrick Stewart

I like Kate Fleetwood doing Lady MacBeth and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows too

I like Sir Patrick Stewart as MacBeth Heis a really good actor and he is the best in the whole wide world can see MacBeth and i giave them 100 stars for a good job and i am really proud of him as always

Good Luck Kate Fleetwood and Sir Patrick Stewart make me more proud

Make It So

Would you please provide links on this page to your video interview that commentator Paula Zahn had with Patrick Stewart, and also to your teacher’s guide, which is mentioned in your press release. I believe readers will be interested in seeing these items.

Thank you.

My wife and I had the great pleasure of seeing this production in London back in 2007, and now to see it brought back for television is a true delight. Needless to say, we cannot wait to see it again.

This sounds wonderful! I would love to purchase the teacher’s guide as well as the DVD. Will this be available on DVD?

I’m sure Patrick Stewart is fine in this, that he gives a wonderful performance, but, I want my Shakesphere as the Bard wrote it, not any other way. So, I’ll not be watching this.

Dear Cindy,

There are no textual edits in this performance. Although the program might be a modern interpretation vis-a-vis staging and set design there are no changes to the text. Thus the “Scottish play” is as the Bard wrote it. It is a great performance, so we hope that you tune in on Wednesday, October 6 at 9pm.

David,

Thank you for providing the two links I requested.

I cannot WAIT to see this production! This looks like it could give Trevor Nunn’s amazing version that starred Ian McKellen a run for its money. And that is really saying something, because McKellen and Judi Dench were marvelous.

Thank you for the early birthday present!! Truly getting to see this production is so exciting. I saw Patrick on stage in “The Tempest” and really wanted to see him in this but the timing didn’t work. I can’t wait for it to come out on DVD.

If this is half as good as the recent Hamlet, then it should be pretty awesome. I’m hoping that they’ll also sell it on Blu-Ray, although I’m not seeing pre-orders for that right now.

I saw this amazing performance in New York last year and I can’t wait to watch it on TV … but I don’t have a TV. Are you going to be streaming it? Please?

This is a BRILLIANT production of what is arguably Shakes’s masterpiece. I love when a concept heightens and gives added depth to the text, as opposed to a forced, shlocky one. If tis film version has the same genius direction, design, and performances as the broadway production, I think we’re all in for a treat.

QUESTION: Will a DVD be available? I am a Macbeth nut, and own the McKellen/Junk as well as the RSC Antony Chef versions, and this would complete my collection! Thanks.

Correction: McKellen/NUNN.

(Damn phones)

I don’t have a TV either, but I really want to watch it. Can I watch it online?

I am also wondering if we will be able to view it online or if there will be a DVD available? I would like it for my collection in the Media Center for teachers to check out.

Oh, my….

My English classes study Macbeth each year, so I am hopeful the DVD will be available soon after the PBS performance runs. I won’t teach the unit until spring and would show the film afterwards. I do look forward to watching it myself this evening, however! I have no doubt you’ll be overrun with requests for the DVD. Thanks, too, for sending the movie poster to educators. I’m afraid I would have missed this opportunity without it.

Dear Louis,

Yes, this film is adapted from the same BAM / Broadway production in 2008. Information on purchasing the DVD and info about additional online content will be released at the tail end of the broadcast, so keep your eyes peeled! We hope you enjoy the performance as much as we have had ensuring it gets to televisions all across the U.S. Macbeth airs tonight at 9 p.m. (check local listings)

Best. Response. Ever.

I’m posting what you wrote on my office wall for all to see. And yes, thank goodness Shakespeare wrote a play for Patrick Stewart. Not many get that privilege.

My PBS station is not showing Macbeth tonight! When will it be available to watch online? I saw it on Broadway as was so excited to see it again.

Aaah, thanks so much! It was FABULOUS! I missed the number at the end, it came so fast! Could you run that by me again? Haha

I teach English, and write books for college level students. I feel compelled to point out some mistakes made in some of the posts.
Shakespeare did NOT write the play for Patrick Stewart, as some of you have commented. Shakespeare lived centuries ago, during the reigns of Queen Elizabeth I and James I in England. This play was written for James I. So, it is actually Patrick Stewart who is doing the film on a drama that Shakespeare wrote centuries back. Please do not be under the impression that Shakespeare was assigned with the task of scriptwriting for this film!

Josh,

Various PBS stations are airing the production at different times during the week. Check your local listings for your area’s time and date.

This was amazing!!! The creepiest Macbeth ever! The weird sisters as nurses, WOW! Talk about keeping me up at night. I thought I would have horrible nightmares after that. Terrific. Please continue to show terrific theater like this.

OMG!–Rupert Goold’s Macbeth is the most amazing staging of Shakespeare ever done!

Old man Stewart pulls it off with panache.

Visually stunning!

And the Wierd Sisters are absolutely c r a z y…

Absolutely recommended.

Josh,

I just re-read your comment.

Of course, if you only have access to one PBS station, you could be out of luck. But PBS will post ithe video on its website for several years … like it’s doing with “Hamlet.”

Cory,

I think this version surpasses Trevor Nunn’s/RSC’s version … by a longshot!

Sorry, htere are several edits. Suggest you get an unabridged copy of the play, whole scenes are missing.

Where can I get a complete cast list for this production? Thanks!

T’was a very great contemporary approach for the classic play.

Sir Patrick Stewart is such a genius! His acting made the whole performance very striking, heart-pounding and exhilarating. I remembered the scene where he made a sandwich for the murderers, such skillful re-imagining and out of the box approach to that scene.

Kudos also to the whole cast!

I recommend this to each and every one that wishes to view a Shakespeare classic in a modern way.

Stacey,

I found out that it will be released as a DVD in January.

I’m not a blog kind of guy, but I just can’t stand by this time without commenting. This Macbeth was, yet again, a disturbing sign of the times; disturbing because there is a whole generation (perhaps more than one?) of viewers and/or students of Shakespeare who have never experienced this play done straight. That’s right — no tartans, castles, historical context, nothing. And I find this dismissal and/or complete absence of tradition more disturbing than the graphic violence (perhaps a bit more than the text requires) of this production. In a nutshell, I found the whole thing overwrought and devoid of the poetry that is so important to the greatness of this play.

If the idea was to make this accessible (the euphemism for dumbed down), it was a failure. More than one Shakespeare novice called me during the film and asked, “What is this play about?” I told them to turn it off, because if I told them the story, it would really have nothing to do with what was happening on the screen.

This is in no way a criticism of Stewart and Fleetwood who are superb actors. And I suppose they rather enjoyed being part of this production given it was such a success (I’m sure Mr. Goold is very proud of himself). But I don’t think they had much choice in today’s world. The whims of the director are what dictate the production values (so true in opera today as well). So if you’re going to perform, I would imagine it’s a question of take it or leave it.

The setting was puzzling (elevators, bunkers – but why?) and at odds with the text. The period, it goes without saying, was at odds with the text (but we’ve come to expect that). The gratuitous violence of some scenes (the hooded shooting of Cawdor, for instance) was just that — gratuitous. The significance of the witches was lost, particularly in the great scene of Act IV, i, cheating us of the poetry and import of what was happening and what was going to happen, thus making the last two scenes of the play difficult to connect.

It is, granted, a tough play to film — even to stage. But less is more. Trust the text! I cannot believe someone coming to Macbeth for the first time could give a cogent synopsis of the play after watching this production. However, until there is a groundswell in the media proclaiming that the emperor is wearing no clothes, there is no hope for classical Shakespeare.

If anyone is interested in just listening to the beauty of this play, I recommend that they somehow or someplace find a copy of the 1953 Old Vic recording of Macbeth with Alec Guinness and Pamela Brown. Nothing to watch. Just follow along with the text or close your eyes and listen. Let the drama unfold in your head. Then watch the current production and tell me this is what you imagined. Alas, we are living in a world that relies too much on the visual and not enough on our imaginations or intellect.

With this kind of treatment of Macbeth (and frankly so many other works of greatness), I don’t know whether to feel sorry for young people coming to Shakespeare or for poor old Bill himself.

‘I don’t know whether to feel sorry for young people coming to Shakespeare or for poor old Bill himself.’

Feel sorry for yerself, doofus, that you are imaginatively unable to appreciate Goold/Stewars’ masterpiece.

‘dumbed down’? Naw: yew must have bin watchin’ Glenn Beck!

I suppose I prefer people new to Shakespeare to be introduced through more conventional productions, but once that baptism is over, I say let ‘er rip. With a first exposure through a standard-issue production behind you, you can have enormous fun seeing what different contexts and different media do to highlight varying aspects of the passages. I am glad my first HAMLET was Olivier’s film, but the Tennant-Stewart HAMLET is one of the great experiences I’ve had with the play, and it certainly wasn’t traditionally costumed. Shakespeare himself rang changes on received texts, so I think he’d be amused at an obsession with word-for-word fidelity in reviving his stuff.

Cindy and John,

As a student of early modern drama in academia and Shakespearean actor myself, I respectfully disagree with your assertion about an “uncut” Macbeth or one that is “as the Bard wrote it”.

Even in Shakespeare’s own time, many of the plays were performed with cuts and alterations. There are no official, Shakespeare-sanctioned versions of the plays. Even the First Folio edition of his works, often regarded as the most “standard” version of the plays, was published after his death by friends and coworkers. Most modern “unabridged” versions today are conflated versions of the plays, combining aspects of different texts from the various folios and quartos available in Elizabethan and Jacobean times. The notion that performing Shakespeare’s work “uncut” is somehow “pure” or the way Shakespeare “intended” contradicts historical evidence. If one takes the time to study in Shakespeare’s work in depth, the variations in different versions are surprising and provide much fodder for endless interpretation and re-interpretation of themes and structure–a major reason for their continued popularity. So don’t knock any changes you notice, embrace them! Theater is not static.

James

My friend described the performance in an email this morning, “I had to remember to breath watching it.” I concur, it was breathtaking, brutal, and disturbing. Just as it should be. A marvelous watch.

I sense a certain amount of arrogance in this post, not to mention a heavy amount of “elitist thought” as to what a proper production of Macbeth should look like. Clearly those of us who enjoyed the play, understood the purpose and beauty of the prose, are not “dumbed down” as you seemed to have suggested–no matter what your Shakespeare novice friends might have to say.

It’s one thing to dislike something and quite another to cast that opinion out like a net towards those that actually took something of value from it, isn’t it? I guess I’m not surprised to see a reaction like his.

Absolutely brilliant production – the Stalinist setting worked so well, a very appropriate setting to bring to life the eternal truths Shakespeare expresses. Congratulations to Sir Patrick, and to Kate Fleetwood for such amazing performances, and to Rupert Goold for bringing this great adaptation to stage. Hamlet with David Tennant is my favorite modern adaptation – I can now add this to my list of favorites.

Now to wait for the DVD. I would also love to see a television version of The Tempest with Sir Patrick and directed by Goold!

David,

Your “Shop PBS” site includes information on the DVD. Within the product’s description is the phrase, “This DVD features subtitles in English (SDH).”

Since the play was, indeed, in English (albeit, old English), can you explain what this comment means?

Well, it won’t be a long wait. This page:

http://www.shoppbs.org/product/index.jsp?productId=4480048

says the DVDs will start shipping by Oct. 19th.

I was lucky enough to turn on this great performance of MacBeth about 3/4 of the way through. I was instantly drawn into it, and all I can say is that I cannot wait until I will be able to see it from the beginning… whenever that will be.

I had the pleasure of being an ‘extra’ in this production. Watching this come together was an incredible experience. The cast and crew were incredibly friendly. Cant wait to see it in UK

“Nothing to watch. Just follow along with the text or close your eyes and listen. Let the drama unfold in your head. Then watch the current production and tell me this is what you imagined. Alas, we are living in a world that relies too much on the visual and not enough on our imaginations or intellect.” – Bruce

You’re forgetting something very vital about Shakespeare – he was a playwright. His words, magical though they were, accompanied performances on the stage in his time and in ours. Attending the play, in any form, for the purpose of entertainment does not diminish the worth of the production nor the worthiness of those entertained.

Dear Helene,

All that means, is that if you want to read the text as it’s being performed that’s a function you can turn on. The DVD is also available here at http://www.shopthirteen.org/product/show/91482. Your support enables us to continue to develop programming that you love to watch as much we love to make!

Thanks for your interest and support!

Dear James,

Thank you for your input. I apologize for stating “no textual edits” as there were some indeed. What I was trying to convey to Cindy was that this television production was based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production and thus would be a fine interpretation of the play. My intention was to say that the production was a re-imagining of the play from a visual and historical standpoint not from a textual standpoint.

I personally think the Stalinist interpretation is a really interesting lens to see Macbeth’s thirst for power. But of course we’re biased! Thanks for all of your comments. There’s a lot of really interesting dialogue happening. Keep it coming!

Dear Stacey,

The Macbeth DVD is available for order here http://www.shopthirteen.org/product/show/91482 and will ship around October 18th. We hope you enjoyed the broadcast and we hope you’ll enjoy the production for years to come.

Thanks for your interest in GREAT PERFORMANCES.

But, I’ve seen some of Mr. Shakespeare’s other fine film scripts. He did a good job for Mel Gibson too.

I agree with you — those three “nurses” really creeped me out!! I don’t like hospitals and/or nurses as it is, but to utilize them as the three witches was a brilliant move. That first scene with them was shockingly disturbing – I’m watching the film this morning and nearly choked up my coffee when they appeared before Macbeth and Banquo in their second scene. CREEEEEPY! But brilliant!

Thank you.

Alyssa,

If you click on “Production Credits” at the top right of this screen, a new window will open with entire cast and crew listings.

What role did you play, Paul? Can you share some of your experiences.

We had to watch this movie in our literature class recently, I do like this version of the movie, but only to an extent. I think the settings and other problems going on actually pull the audience from the main plot, which leads me more to like the Polanski version better. .

whatever happened to us, God’s creatures, to not judging anyone? You have no right to say that, becuase you honestly have no idea. I listen and Love the music, but i certanly don’t WORSHIP it.or anyone in the band.
Also, that book you have in the advertisement, and God Saying that book is “as great as the Bible” no, it’s not. Your trying to say your better than everyone else, but your not. your as low as they can get. This troll website is really stupid, and i hate going into public talking about God, and they always say they hate that religion and it’s becuase of people like you. THANKS FOR RUINING OUR CHRISTAIN NAME.

I am now not certain where you’re getting your information, but great topic. I must spend a while finding out much more or figuring out more. Thank you for wonderful information I used to be searching for this information for my mission.

What does ” how the bard wrote it” mean?

Does it mean using his script? check

Shakespeare wrote for the masses. The is a production for the masses.

The scenes and lines of Hecate are dismissed, and so it is even truer to the bard’s script than most of the scripts out there.

The actors love Shakespeare and have done nothing to distance the play from the writer . . . Shakespeare would be very happy.

Great board. Very nice pieces. The quality of the game is up to you.

I suggest you read Tales from Shakespeare by Charles and Mary Lamb first and then get a book of ctpmleoe works. I would read Julius Caesar first. Maybe you want to watch some movies of them also. They may be at your library on DVD.

Now here’s an interesting fact you can get your teeth into Shakespeare had a coiusn, another poet, named Robert Southwell. Southwell even dedicated his most famous poem to Shakespeare, as Master W. S., worthy coiusn In this poem he scolded Shakespeare for writing popular poetry, and admonished him to write deeper works.Southwell was also a Catholic priest, on the run, working underground in Elizabethan England, which was pretty much a police state at the time. He was captured and spent two years in prison before being hanged, drawn and quartered, which was the sentence for Catholic priests found in Merry Old England in the 1590s.Shakespeare went on to write one of his most famous plays, The Merchant of Venice, which dealt with religious persecution in another police state. Read Shylock’s monologues about the treatment of Jews in Venice, and you will see Shakespeare’s empathy for those who are persecuted.