M*cbeth

Michael Lewis (Macbeth), Elizabeth Chennell (Witch 1), Photo by Lyz Turner-Clark

”No dream is too big. No challenge is too great. Nothing we want for our future is beyond our reach” - Donald Trump

Mr. Macbeth has a born-to-rule complex and delusions of grandeur. He lives with his foreign-born third wife in a McMansion, trading in wobbly millions and embroiled in dodgy deals, manipulating his minions as a hands-on property developer.

Life takes a turn for the bizarre when he sees three witches in a forest acclaiming his future glory - a vision backed up by a loyal and trusty aide. Macbeth takes the supernatural prediction to heart. When fate hands them an opportunity, Mr. Macbeth and his aspirational wife seize the day, with bloody resolve and dire consequences.

Gertrude Opera commissioned a reimagined Verdi score by US composer, Peter Stopschinski - orchestration for electric violin, electric guitar, trombone, double bass, keyboard, and percussion - bringing a 21st-century aural sensibility to Verdi's sublime melodies. In a production conceived by Linda Thompson, directed and designed by Luke Leonard with costumes by Alison Heryer, a cast of 12 present an 80-minute version, sung in English. Set in fantasy Scotland where modernity and heritage merge, the opera premiered in the Underground Cellar at Mitchelton winery, with Australia's most revered Verdi baritone, MICHAEL LEWIS OAM, in the title role.

Artistic Director: LINDA THOMPSON
Stage Director/Production Designer: LUKE LANDRIC LEONARD
Adapted and arranged by composer PETER STOPSCHINKSI
Conductor: WARWICK STENGARDS
Costume Designer: ALISON HERYER

*All photos by Lyz Turner-Clark unless otherwise noted

Production History
December 17, 2019, NYC Concert Performance, La MaMa Great Jones Rehearsal Studios, New York, NY
October 19 and October 26, 2019, Yarra Valley Opera Festival, Victoria, Australia
September 4, 2016, Nagambie Lakes Opera Festival, Victoria, Australia