Scotland’s King. Hero or villain? The real Macbeth, at war with Shakespeare’s myth in a battle to redefine his 21st century identity. 

Following the National Theatre of Scotland’s highly successful ‘Crucible’ project - a collaboration with Moray Council’s Arts Development team that culminated in members of a community cast performing with professional actors from TAG theatre company – NTS return to Moray with a project that will be one of the major events of Highland 2007, the year in which Scotland celebrates Highland culture.

By examining Shakespeare’s villain and The King of Moray, ‘Macbeth’ will be re-imagined, reinvented and presented by a professional cast and crew in the atmospheric setting of Elgin Cathedral in June 2007. Including the best bits from Shakespeare’s play, none of the original suspense or drama will be lost. Instead, a multimedia approach incorporating sound, video and visual art installation will create a fast paced and thrilling theatrical event.

Once again there will be an opportunity for individuals and community groups to become part of this unique experience either as a member of the community cast or by creating and presenting events in and around Elgin Cathedral prior to performances.

A series of workshops is being held around Moray in order that people can find out more and get involved in ‘Project Macbeth’. These workshops, which are open to all over 12 years, will be of a practical nature and will be a chance to work with the professional team and find out more about the project. The following workshops have been organised from 7 – 9 pm:

Monday 25th September 2006 - Forres House Community Centre

Monday 30th October 2006 - Fleming Hall, Aberlour

Monday 6th November 2006 - Longmore Hall, Keith

But that’s not all! On Sunday 3 December 2006 there will be a workshop from 10 am – 5 pm in Elgin Community Centre. During the course of the day it is hoped that as many people as possible will come together to create a ‘Play in a Day’!

‘Project Macbeth’ promises to be a truly exciting and unique project – don’t miss the opportunity to be involved in the event of 2007! 

For further information or to book a free workshop place contact Nick Fearne, Arts Development Officer, Moray Council, 01343 557148.