Tony Award winner Alan Cumming in his riveting solo interpretation of Shakespeare's tragedy.
Star of stage, film, and television Alan Cumming delivers a virtuoso performance playing every role in the National Theatre of Scotland's bold presentation of Shakespeare's chilling tale of desire, ambition, and the supernatural.
This radical reimagining of one of Shakespeare's most deeply psychological plays is set in a psychiatric unit in which Cumming is the lone patient. Channeling the story of Macbeth, he is inhabited in turn by each of the characters of the drama, including some of Shakespeare's most complex and troubled creations.
Cumming's one-man interpretation of Shakespeare's Scottish play comes to audio directly from acclaimed limited stage engagements with the National Theatre of Scotland in Glasgow and at New York's Lincoln Center. Directed for audio by the stage production's renowned directors, this exclusive studio recording of Cumming's dazzling solo performance captures the excitement, passion, and poetry of a wildly original tour-de-force that is destined to become theatrical legend.
Public Domain (P)2012 Simon & Schuster
"Macbeth is a blast... ghoulish... beguiling... sardonic... an expression of how captivating an evening of crackling Shakespeare can be." (Peter Marks, The Washington Post)
"The explosive and overwhelming effect of a truck bomb... this horrific, riveting Macbeth ought to be seen by as many people as possible." (Terry Teachout, The Wall Street Journal)
"Chilling, Moving, Genius"
Absolutely. Alan Cumming is a wonderful chameleon with a huge range which goes beyond even the fey, compelling characters that he often plays on film and stage. Here, he makes the play totally accessible. He does sincere justice to the title couple.
Of course, but especially when it's done like this.
I've listened to Leviathan and Behemoth, enjoyed them, and admired Cumming's skill, but he's working on an even higher level here.
Yes. It definitely compels repeat listening because it is so good.
I have read, seen, and taught this play many times. I wasn't sure I needed this version. I did, and I would especially recommend it to anyone who is Shakespeare phobic, or who has to read the play for school. This actor clearly knows, loves, and understands the play. After listening to him, you will, too.
Audible has changed my life! Dry , itchy eyes were destroying one of my greatest pleasures - reading. Now I am experiencing books again!
"Second best to seeing this performance"
Oh, I was looking forward to this. I'm a great Shakespeare fan, and I had read a great deal about this unique solo performance. Thought I'd take a chance that something of the brilliance of this particular stage event would come through in the listening.
And, largely, it did! There just seems to be nothing that Alan Cumming cannot do! Of course, there's a bit of confusion here in not being able to watch his face and manner as he makes all the transformations, but, if you're pretty familiar with "Macbeth", it's worth the effort to imagine what it must have been like to see Cumming do it live. My greatest frustration in the listen was in fact this regret that I couldn't attend in person. Hope there will be a DVD, but I have no regrets in buying the Audible version of Cumming's "Macbeth".