Fusion of modern cinema with classic text

The story behind the creation of a stage production which merges classic literature with contemporary cinema can be heard in an inspiring lunchtime lecture.

Sharon Paterson, Assistant Dean in the School of Arts & Media, will talk about the journey involved in bringing to the stage Macbeth Kill Bill Shakespeare, a production conceived and directed by award winning theatre director Malachi Bogdanov.

The production remains largely true to the original text of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, while also paying homage to film director QuentinTarantino’s best known work by incorporating elements from Kill Bill, Resevoir Dogs and Pulp Fiction.

Sharon’s presentation Macbeth Kill Bill Shakespeare – From Hollywood to Dunnsinane can be heard at the University in Room G0.13, Phoenix Building, off Woodlands Road, from 1.00pm to 2.00pm on Wednesday 14 October. It is part of our Culture on Campus programme.

In her presentation Sharon, who worked with Malachi to develop the production and has been a member of the creative team in subsequent productions, will talk about Macbeth Kill Bill Shakespeare from its inception to its stage success.

Sharon said: 'The production is based on two very different iconic texts, a reimagining of Shakespeare’s Macbeth intercut with Tarantino’s movies, which themselves have become contemporary classics.

'I will talk about the whole process involved in creating the work, offering an insight into contemporary theatre making and including an exploration of how director Malachi Bogdanov worked with the actors to create a piece of accessible theatre which remains true to the original text.'

International Shakespeare festival This successful production was performed at the Neuss International Shakespeare Festival in Germany, recreated in an Italian speaking version touring Italy in 2006/7 and in 2007 completed a UK tour as a co production between South Hill Park Arts and The Wales Theatre Company.

Sharon said: 'With a script that is 95% Shakespeare’s text, the production remains absolutely true to the original Macbeth, losing none of the power and tragedy of that story, but people recognise the references to Tarantino which gives the show a great pace and energy and in a play that is not known for its laughs, a wicked sense of black humour.”

There is no need to book. For details of the Culture on Campus programme email Janice Webster at j.webster@tees.ac.uk

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