There is Power in the Blood (three witches shakespeare)

Macbeth By William Shakespeare Directed by Tory Parker

Review by Lan Nguyen-Colgate Entire contents are copyright © 2025 Lan Nguyen-Colgate. All rights reserved.

three witches shakespeare returns with a uniquely themed and creatively executed performance of Macbeth directed by Tory Parker. The Woodbine Chamber, formerly the Chapel of St. Philip Neri, provides the perfect setting for this story about blood, power, and sacrifice. The partially dilapidated church, banners portraying Byzantine figures, stained glass windows, and hardwood accents give off the dark and eerie ambiance needed.

Differing from most productions, the show begins with a funeral procession as opposed to a battle scene. Duncan (Robert McFarland) presides over the service as a priest, wearing a somber suit with a red patterned stole over top. Following the short sermon, Macbeth (Neill Robertson) is called up to bear witness to the power of God. He is given a snake to hold--a skillfully designed puppet created by Amy Davis. It wriggles and slithers through Macbeth's hands in lifelike fashion. The snake is red--similar in shade to the stole worn by Duncan. Macbeth is able to hold the snake and present it up high above head without being bitten. The song "Power in the Blood" begins to play. The music is expertly performed live by a group of musicians (Griffin Cobb, Clarity Hagan, Brooke Morrison, Ellie Ruth, Trevor O’Loughlin, and Dylan Weber-Owens). The distinctly bluegrass, Appalachian sounds reverberate through the space. Macbeth has been marked as a chosen one, and the audience now understands, the struggle will be for religious power and control of the church--taking place within its very walls.

The production's lighting (designed by Lindsay Krupski) accentuates the storytelling. The bright overhead lights in the church reveal all and provide a sense of normalcy. Darkness, illuminated by sickly green light and smoke, heralds the appearance of the witches and the plotting of evil deeds. Targeted colored spotlights cast dramatic shadows and indicate characters’ mental and emotional states. Costuming emphasizes the conservative and rustic setting. Male leaders are clothed in plain suits in opposition to the soldiers wearing overalls and plaid workshirts. Women wear plain long dresses with shoulders covered by a sweater or shawl. The witches are cloaked in quilts and crocheted blankets.

The casting challenges preconceived notions of who should be cast in what role. Some roles are gender swapped, the script altered to make note of it. Other roles are purely gender neutral. Neill Robertson provides a standout performance as Macbeth. Amy Davis, Ian Fitzgerald, Alfie Jones, and Hannah Scott are entrancing as the witches. Occasionally, the language is difficult to understand, even for a seasoned Shakespeare audience member. The volume is uneven throughout the show which further lends to this issue. At times, the music overpowers the speaking. More frequently than not, the actor's voices simply do not carry through the space. To not be able to hear all the words during the play's most famous scenes is a notable disappointment. It is difficult to truly evaluate the strength of the entire cast due to audio issues.

There are a number of bold, creative decisions director, Tory Parker, makes that should be highly applauded. In the second half of the show, the church setting is uniquely used to highlight the themes and create an immersive experience for the audience. Contradictorily, other directorial choices raise a significant amount of questions--some which the audience may find confusing or intriguing. Towards the end, the production seems lost in its concept. Scenes are drawn out. Missing is the heightened tension and fervor that culminates in the final confrontation. The most important battle feels static–lacking the energy needed to captivate the audience.

Regardless of the issues, three witches shakespeare's performance of Macbeth is definitely worth experiencing. The Appalachian religious concept may not resonate with everyone, but it is certainly exceptional. The music, lights, and costumes all blend to form a cohesive production. Cast members are committed to bringing the play to life. The show is reminiscent of an old story passed through generations and calls to memory the lines from the Lord's Prayer "And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil."

Macbeth three witches shakespeare April 18, 19, 21, 24-26 @ 7:30 pm

Chapel of St Philip Neri

236 Woodbine St

Louisville, KY 40208

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