Let's Watch: Chicago Shakes "I, Banquo"

Hello friends!

Let's catch up. This play by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre is now, unfortunately, unavailable. It was available online for a brief time, & I took full advantage of it. As a shock to know one, I watched this three times. This play by Tim Crouch, retells in summary, the story of Macbeth. This was a 45 minute, one-take, filmed production that features just two actors, who play: (Macbeth's best friend) Banquo, & his son, Fleance.

Banquo offers you simple phrase "let's imagine." And as he imagines this retelling with you, it becomes clear you're Macbeth. And it also becomes clear that things are much worse than they seem. And Banquo starts to recount the tale.

He's putting all of these thoughts & emotions inside you, while also explaining his own thoughts, & lamenting his naiveté & feelings. Things slow down & speed up & all you can focus on is him retelling the story. Because he lived & died through it. It's haunting & devastating & glorious & truly frightening.

You're entirely immersed, entirely swept up in this story & there's nothing else to think about or focus on except for the truth of Banquo's words. And things go from dark to worse. The sudden whining of wind that comes & goes, the lights that flicker & change, the constant darkness, & the falling of the leaves with time passing. All of this is barely a flicker compared to Banquo's tale. His tragedy.

And your mind is racing & your heart is pounding and all Banquo originally said was "let's imagine." And now you realize. You're in hell.

If you have any good show recommendations for me, or just general comments or suggestions, please send them my way! I truly love & appreciate all feedback.

Slainté!

Kathleen 💛

[ Production poster courtesy of Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. ]