Staging Symbolism in the Scottish Play

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Recommended: Role of stage direction in Macbeth

“Perhaps the most visual of Shakespeare’s tragedies, Macbeth is a play of illusion, visions, and spectacles” (Diehl 191). While the spoken words of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth (The Scottish Play) are important, the staging, portraying the most important parts of symbolism versus realism in performances of The Scottish Play, should be used to enhance the development of characters. The contrast between symbolism and realism in stage productions of The Scottish Play is shown through the staging of the performances, especially through the use of visuals. According to Faith Nostbakken, an instructor of theological essays, explains that “the rise of film and television represents the greatest influence” (Nostbakken 140) over the story. Through special effects and space for creativity, directors have the power to mold the story to fit their wants and needs. “Drama, as a living artform, cannot merely be ‘reproduced’ but is necessarily reinterpreted and re-created with each performance” (Nostbakken 140). The original stage directions are hazy and can be interpreted. So, while there is a solid place and time, broad questions and interpretations dig deeper than the superficial judgments. “Interpretive decisions . . . relate not only to setting but also to the style and theme” (Nostbakken 141). There is realism through vivid, detailed scenery and special effects in addition to symbolism, which can be represented through a dark and empty stage, where everything is left up to the imagination. Even within each performance, there is a sharp contrast between the realistic and the implied. Visual imagery created in productions of The Scottish Play help express the symbolism. “Visual images could function as signs, leading man to invisible truth... ... middle of paper ... ...hat happens is interpretive. Words can lie or hide a deeper meaning. Props can also assist in showing realism. In the scene where Banquo’s ghost appears, the formal ceremonial music, a throne, a banquet table, and the circling procession of the King and Queen establish it as a public occasion. This is not symbolic of anything. In contrast to interpretive images (the bloody dagger, the apparitions, etc.), this scene rawly displays its true meaning, what it is supposed to represent. This is the realistic aspect of staging The Scottish Play. In conclusion, both the symbolic and the visual aspects of stage productions are important in showing symbolism versus realism in performance of The Scottish Play and enhance the characters. When staging productions of The Scottish Play, directors should include these visual elements in order to effectively develop the characters.

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