Goblin: Macbeth is a wildly entertaining version of the infamous Scottish play. Filled with crazy energy, hilarity, improv, and audience participation, it was the most fun night at a theatre that I had in a long time. The show is also a wonderful reminder of the community experience that theatre can give. This show is not to be missed!
The show begins before the show begins, if that makes sense. Three Goblins wander the theatre looking for props, and engaging with the audience. They warm up the crowd with their plan for the evening. They announce that they discovered a very important book: the complete plays of William Shakespeare. They are intrigued and determined to do “THEATRE!”. So, they take over the Centaur to portray Macbeth, because it’s the shortest and the bloodiest. They introduce themselves as Wug, Kragva, and Moog (who will play the music and sound effects). They are quick to distinguish themselves as separate from The Lord of the Rings, because J.R.R. Tolkien is an “(expletive)”. The Weird Threesome then perform the play, portraying all of the characters, with chaotic and hysterical results. They occasionally pause to contemplate the complexities of Shakespeare’s writing. But their sharp musings are not entirely academic; they are laugh out loud funny! The Goblins use improv, break the fourth wall and engage the audience to partake in the action, especially during the big climax. While the performance may be crazy and a little bit irreverent, there is no denying the Goblins’ joy for theatre. The result is a moving love letter to the power of theatre and how the audience is in communion with the experience.
Wug, Kragva, and Moog are immensely talented, but they have a little trouble restraining their goblin-like natures. But it doesn’t matter because the effect is more entertainment! If Shakespeare can start his play with three Witches prophesizing calamity, then why not have three Goblins bring wild energy to discover the power of words and theatre. It’s a good time had by all, human and Goblin alike.
Photo Credit: Andrée Lanthier
Goblin: Macbeth. Show continues to March 22, at the Centaur Theatre, 453 St-François-Xavier, Old Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-288-3161 or go to www.centaurtheatre.com
