Macbeth: The Actor’s Edition

‘It will have blood, they say: blood will have blood.’

One of Shakespeare’s best-known Tragedies, Macbeth, tells the story of a Scottish general who is given a prophecy by three witches that he will become King. With the encouragement of his wife, Macbeth murders the King and takes the throne but is then plunged into paranoia, guilt and more bloodshed to keep his reign.

The Actor’s Edition is specifically designed and written with actors in mind. The text is the same, with no edits or alterations. The additional elements included and the presentation makes this version what you need as an actor approaching the play.

• A no-nonsense approach to the text
• Background information on Shakespeare and the play
• Detailed synopsis, character information, key themes
• Acting tips and hints for working with Classical Theatre
• Acting techniques and approaches
• A layout to support actors when working on the text and in rehearsals
• Ample space to make notes and draw stage directions and diagrams.

THE ACTOR HAS TO DEVELOP THEIR BODY. THE ACTOR HAS TO WORK ON THEIR VOICE. BUT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING THE ACTOR HAS TO WORK ON IS THEIR MIND’. – STELLA ADLER

The Actor’s Editions contain all the essential elements you need as an actor, including background information on Shakespeare and, more importantly, the background to the text, key themes, complete synopsis and information on the characters. All of these are written, giving you the information you need in an easy-to-understand and follow manner.

There are also several hints, tips and suggested exercises for you to undertake to help your character development and your approach to rehearsals and developing your work, specifically looking at handling classical text and the work of Shakespeare.

Most important, though, is the set out of the play itself. Each page of text is accompanied by an opposite, faintly lined blank page, allowing you to make all important notes. For an actor, making notes is one of the most important things you need to do – whether in a rehearsal, in a read-through, undertaking table work, or developing your character independently. Having these notes alongside the text is vital to aid your memory and ensure that you apply them when rehearsing and refer to them when learning your lines and reflecting on rehearsals or planning for them.

The Actor’s Edition gives you ample space to make notes, draw diagrams, write about how you say your lines, where and how you move (as well as other characters in the scene), what your objectives, obstacles and actions are, and anything else that you think is relevant.

The ability to write and add notes makes this version a good choice for anyone who wants to do this when reading or studying the play. It would also suit students and others involved in creating performance work, including directors, stage managers, and those with technical roles such as sound and lighting.

Read more