MacBeth

Distributed by Chip Taylor Communications, 2 East View Drive, Derry, NH 03038-4812; 800-876-CHIP (2447)Produced by TVOntarioDirector n/a1999, VHS, color, 30 min. This video is part of the Exploring Shakespeare Series originally seen on Canadian TV as Exploring Shakespeare with Richard Ouzounian. Ouzounian serves as narrator for the program, providing a fine introduction to MacBeth as well as telling viewers what is important and what to look for in each of four key scenes from the play. Ouzounian currently is Creative Head of Arts Programming at TVOntario, and is an accomplished director, artistic director and playwright. The four scenes explore the depth of Shakespeare's understanding of the human psyche and his ability to make his insights important to his audiences. The scenes are well played by Ted Atherton (MacBeth) and Lisa Rider (Lady MacBeth). Those familiar with Atherton's work as Panhandle Phillips on the CBC Television program Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy will have a deeper appreciation of his acting once they have seen him as MacBeth. Ouzounian's commentary combined with the fine acting in the selected scenes makes this Macbeth an extraordinarily entertaining and informative 30 minutes' viewing. Though the opportunity to see a stage or film production of Macbeth is comparatively rare outside one's education, viewing this video before seeing the full-length play is guaranteed to enhance the experience. Viewers of the video may even be drawn to a rediscovery and re-reading of the text. Macbeth is highly recommended and is appropriate for audiences from junior high through adult.