THE CHEAP SEATS: Shakespeare’s Macbeth at The Secret Theater

By: Robert W. Browne

A small placard quietly announces the entrance to “The Secret Theater”. I’ve come to witness, Macbeth- one of literature’s great tragedies and with each step I become a part of Director, Richard Mazda’s treatment of it. Walking through the open parking area, I am observed by a gang ;in control of their turf. Am I an intruder, in the midst of a small secret army awaiting orders?

I hear the ch-lang of metal on metal as one of them casually swings a heavy chain against a metal pole. Most wear the improvised fashions of street armor: leather jackets, gloves, military-styled boots, wrist guards, chains, studded belts and the warriors’ ever-present cigarette. I enter this turf of my own free will but already I know that the experience will be beyond my control. It’s almost as if I’ve entered Steppenwolf’s Magic Theater where the broken neon sign blinks “enter at your own risk”.

I climb the wooden stairs to the platform of a loading-dock which leads me to a small theater.

It would seem the play has begun; there is no doubt I am in their encampment. Immediately a Porter wearing a red-plaid kilt kindly leads the audience through a bloody battlefield of levels and depths that few stages could offer. Then in the midst of this carnage three terribly lovely “sister/witches” appear; filtering their transparent bodies through the brute force of cleaver, sickle, dagger and staff.

Macbeth’s army is victorious; and the defeated general is hanging by the neck, for all to see. The sensuous witches spiral about Macbeth offering him the promise of a kingship. Lady Macbeth upon hearing of King Duncans’ visit overrides Macbeths’ objections- in her plan to murder their King.
Daniel Wolf, as Macbeth evokes the passion of a leader and a warrior. As he comes to terms with his folly he crumbles in the mad ruin of his betrayal. Shelleen Kostabi, as Lady Macbeth is the “woman behind every great man etc.” she plants the seeds of murder in her husband and is steadfast in her resolve. Yet in time she too will unravel; when the day gives way to night and her conscience cannot erase the blood that stains her hands.

As one of Shakespeare’s most misogynistic plays we are invited to witness Macbeth as hero, leader and consummate general. Judgements and decisions are executed quickly in his position of authority. Yet because of a twin weakness: ambition & Lady Macbeth, his clarity of purpose is overruled. She is obviously a capable and formidable match for Macbeth; yet her ambition exceeds the boundaries of wisdom.
It has been said that, “behind every great man there is a woman giving him the courage to go beyond his self-imposed limits.”

There is no doubt that this is theater meant to agitate, provoke and question the assumptions that many of us have about performance. Let it guide you and you will be inspired- unshackle tired expectation and experience Macbeth.

Macbeth by the Queens Players. 44-02 23rd St. or contact www.secrettheater.com 718 392 0722 Through June 27.