Macbeth - The Empty Space in Dublin 2008

I did the set for macbeth directed by Selina Cartmell.
The space is actualy the basement of an old church transform to theatre.
The wall of this basement was the was of the first theatre in Dublin in 16th or 17th century.
The first thing we decided with Selina was in witch direction the play should be.
Three wall are historical monument and cannot be touch the fourth one is new build in concret.

Macbeth directed by Selina Cartmell

With the support of the Cultural Service of the Embassy of France.

SPECIAL PREVIEW
THURSDAY 28TH FEBRUARY
POST-SHOW DISCUSSION BY JEAN-GUY LECAT
TICKETS €15.00 (special discount)

Renowned French designer Jean-Guy Lecat returns to Ireland to renew his partnership with director Selina Cartmell to design her production of Macbeth.

Theatre critics

Macbeth

The Empty Space, Dublin

Helen Meany

Friday March 7, 2008

Guardian

Otherworldly forces are ever-present in this chilly staging of the Scottish play, despite the three witches being condensed into a single character. With its high stone walls and earth-covered floor, the bare setting of the Empty Space is effectively elemental, augmented by ominous sounds and projections of water and woods. We are in a war zone that is not time-specific - swords, pistols and rifles are brandished, with deliberate anachronism.

When she first accosts Macbeth and Banquo, Olwen Fouéré's "weird woman" is a cross between a fairytale crone and a Cassandra figure, and almost becomes the most dominant figure in the play. Doubling as a lady-in-waiting and a servant in the Macbeths' household, she is a disturbing presence throughout. By comparison, Macbeth and his wife are like puppets. Rory Keenan seems to be merely sketching the character of Macbeth, rather than inhabiting it, leaving Barbara Brennan's Lady Macbeth isolated.

Selina Cartmell directs with close attention to symbolism, imagery and theatrical gestures - at times at the expense of the unfolding drama. Emotion is held at arm's length, and fails to grip. With the exception of Fouéré, Robert O'Mahony and David Heap, the performances are underpowered, leaving an impression that the "brief candle" of these lives was easily extinguished.

· Until March 15. Box office: 00 353 1 872 1122.

#Theatre set design - Project and realisation