How much prep work went into Macbeth?
Nikolai Foster (the director) and I started our initial meetings for the project way back in December last year. From then on we’ve had many face-to-face meetings between ourselves and many Skype meetings with the Singapore team to get it ready.
What were some of the challenges you faced while recreating medieval Scotland at Fort Canning Park?
The extreme weather conditions at Fort Canning Park massively affect the way it is designed. We’ve a very shiny black glossy floor that will get very hot during the day, so it’s been constructed from a very heavy-duty fiberglass to hopefully withstand this. Also, the pyrotechnics and effects used during the show will be heavily affected by elements such as wind—something you don’t have to consider in a conventional theater.
What were some unusual inspirations for the production design?
I look for inspiration everywhere. One of the costumes for the witches came from a music video I was watching while on the treadmill at the gym. Other design elements were borrowed from everywhere, including the architecture of the Park where the audience will be watching the performance—see if you can spot them.
Your favourite scene from the play?
The Banquet. The tension that Nikolai has created is thrilling to watch.
Catch Shakespeare in the Park—Macbeth through May 1, May 4-8, May 11-15, May 18-22, 7:30pm at Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace., 6332-1302 $38-75 from Sistic.
