Makbet

For Dzieci’s chamber version of Macbeth, the ensemble has learned all of the lines, of every part, through a process
of oral transmission, so as to create maximum improvisational possibilities. As presented by
a traveling family of Gypsies, this one-act presentation creates the impression of a ritual or ceremony.

A very dark ceremony.

Employing haunting folk songs and chants from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, Theatre Group Dzieci explores (and explodes),
the very essence of theatre and storytelling in their exuberant rendition of Shakespeare’s classic.

“A powerful, immediate work that left the audience in a stunned silence at the end.”
- David Gimpelevich -

“The sheer force and depth of their commitment shines through
and transforms the audience’s consciousness.”
- Antero Ali -

With the combination of ceremony, improvisation, and Shakespeare,
Dzieci has created a fascinating, risky, and original work.”
-  Mitchell Conway, nytheatre.com -

“They are all so deliciously skilled and charismatic!”
- Lauren Elder -

Absolutely extraordinary. Stunningly breathtaking.
- Cecile Pineda -

Transcending!
- Rita Jain -

“Absolutely liberating!”
- Russ Hudson, executive director of Enneagram Personality Types, Inc. -

“Wonderful!” “Unexpected!” “A true experience.” “Wowing, engulfing, just wow!” “Spellbinding!” “Wow!”
“Romantic!” “Amazing!!!” “The best!” “My God!!!” “Wow!” “Remarkable!”
–  Students from The International Schools Theatre Association -

“Witnessing Dzieci’s Makbet and the ecstatic and organic and deeply ceremonialized process of the play
unlocked places in me that I had been longing to find in the theatre but didn’t know how to create.
Dzieci had found the sacred and were weaving it into everything they did. As an audience member, when you see their work,
you are not simply a witness. You are on the journey with them, invited into the tribe and embraced as community.”
- Isis Phoenix -

“A profound, exhilarating experience that I will never forget.”
- Katherine Kettle, Saranac Lake -

6 Rules of Engagement

1- Actors must know the entire text.

2- Actors may not play the same role in successive sequences.

3- Roles can be taken or given, embraced or refused.

4- Three actors alone must play all the roles.

5- We begin in ceremony and remain in ceremony.

6- Nothing else is planned.

Makbet can be presented in any space, indoors or out, with a minimum of four performers. Audience and performance space should be intimate. There are absolutely no set, lighting, or sound requirements.

On Makbet:
Photos from The Episcopal Actor’s Guild performances: Makbet 4/29/11 (13) & Makbet-5/1/11 (12)
A photo gallery by Jim Moore from the private Casa Duse performance: http://vimeo.com/17702324

Report from the Front Lines
An interview with Matt Mitler for NCPR
Another interview for Twelfth Night Theatre
Review: Dzieci’s Makbet | Friends Coming Together
I’m Seeing Green: The Unnamable Play at the Old Stone House
Park Slope Food Coop Article on Makbet
Rockaway Artists Alliance Hosts Dzieci’s Makbet