The inaugural production for 1s1 Theatre, Lady M (Margaret), is a vibrant addition to the Summerworks programme. Co-produced by Why Not Theatre and written/directed by Ramesh Meyyappan, Lady M (Margaret) looks at the heartbreaking origins of Shakespeare’s most alluring power couple: the Macbeths. Featuring a Deaf-lead cast who give brilliant performances, Lady M (Margaret) is a must-see this weekend!

Lady M (Margaret) covers a part of Shakespeare’s story which is referenced during Macbeth, but isn’t shown on stage: Macbeth’s military career and the loss of their child. It blends some moments which we witness in the play with these factionalized ones to create a cohesive and tension-filled narrative that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. What’s more is that they do all of this with very little dialogue; and it’s not like the rest is being signed, either. There is some use of sign language, but the majority of the play occurs without the need for speech or narration; it just IS and it makes for a moving and visceral experience.

I really enjoy the set for this production; the wooden fencing and table give it a timeless, rustic feel. I was so pleased that the men were wearing kilts as part of their military regalia as it solidifies the Scottish heritage of the story. Lady Margaret’s simple black dress of first a nervous military wife and then of a grieving mother is perfect. The team of André du Toit, Jung-Hye Kim, and Carlyn Rahusaar Routledge create a cohesive and immersive ambiance for Lady M (Margaret) to inhabit.

Dawn Jani Birley leads this incredible cast as Lady Margaret. She gives an awe-inspiring performance, incorporating Lady Macbeth’s well known mannerisms into her emotionally charged performance. Her emotions radiate from her almost like a dancer; it was never a secret what her character was feeling in any given moment. Sturla Alvsvåg plays Macbeth with a ferocity unlike any I’ve seen. Kilt-clad and ready for a fight, Alvsvåg’s performance is the perfect accompaniment to Birley’s. Joshua Bosworth’s Duncan is likewise ferocious but in a different, slightly more sinister way than Alvsvåg, which makes them ideal foils for one another. The pure talent of this cast is beyond description, and they certainly prove that you don’t need the words to convey the same powerfully tragic tale.

Lady M (Margaret) is the kind of work that makes the Shakespeare scholar in me so happy; it is inventive, smart, and passionate. You definitely don’t want to miss this astounding work. There are only 3 performances left of this incredible show this weekend at Summerworks. For more information and tickets, visit: http://summerworks.ca/show/lady-m-margaret/

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Photo Credit: Mona Kumzaite, edited by Alice Lo