Review by Sandra Carter

Oh my, this is different. It’s Shakespeare but not as I’ve experienced it before.

Macbeth cross-dressed certainly keeps the attention from wandering, as the traditional text gets a multicultural makeover in an Indian take on the classic.

Most memorable, and at first almost shocking, is the appearance of the three witches. Instead of old hags brewing up their cauldron, we have three transsexuals, bearded men dressed in sumptuous glittering Indian saris who dance sensuously, sing and tease the troubled Macbeth. These, the programme tells us, are Hijras, a ‘third gender’ who traditionally attend Indian ceremonies to bless or curse and are considered part of the spirit world.

Other characters wear Western clothes but with Indian scarves, the King is crowned with a scarlet sari, and all are barefoot throughout (I did worry about them catching colds as it’s set in Scotland).

The setting is more like the home of an extended Indian family in Scotland rather than a castle, with Lady MacDuff bustling around doing housework. The constant mix of the traditional and the unexpected, East and West, gives a whole new dimension of interest to the unfolding tragedy.

The role of musician is a masterstroke. Rax Timyr sits at the back of the stage with a couple of drums, cymbals, and a microphone. With these he provides an extraordinarily effective backdrop of sounds, often just a quiet but onimous drumroll when the tension is mounting, or a clap of cymbals to highlight drama. He blows gently into the mike to suggest a chilling wind, or loudly to create music or suggest catastrophe.

The percussion transforms the fighting scenes. These are cleverly choreographed and timed to perfection, but the near misses that are bound to be part of a live fight are forgotten when each kick is accompanied by a harsh sound, making each blow wincingly effective.

This is the latest classic to be taken on tour by Tara Arts as a catalyst for cross-cultural theatre. It certainly gives a fascinating new take on this well loved play.

Shakespeare’s Macbeth continues at the Theatre Royal, Windsor, until Saturday April 11.

Visit www.theatreroyalwindsor.co.uk to book tickets.