William Shakespeare is universally acknowledged as one of literature’s greatest storytellers, but when most people recall his work, they don’t think in terms of plot twists or story construction. Rather, they recall his use of words.
Which is why it takes some major chutzpah to stage a Shakespeare play with all of the dialogue eliminated. Leave it to Synetic Theater, the Washington area’s most spellbinding theatrical troupe, to take up the challenge. In 2002, they premiered with their production “Hamlet…the rest is silence.”
Now, Synetic is presenting a wordless version of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.” Directed by Synetic founder Paata Tsikurishvili and adapted by Nathan Weinberger and Tsikurishvili, this silent presentation of “Macbeth” retains the power of traditional productions while bringing new dimensions to the story.
Presumably still set in Scotland (although the costumes suggest Czarist Russia), the tale begins when three witches (Philip Fletcher, Meghan Grady and Katherine E. Hill) prophesize that General Macbeth (Irakli Kavsadze) will eventually assume the throne.
Lady Macbeth (Irina Tsikurishvili, who also did the choreography), conspires with her husband to make the prediction a reality by murdering King Duncan (Dan Istrate). Once the deed is done, the Macbeths become the royal couple, but fear of being usurped draws them into a perpetual cycle of assassination and reprisal.
Tsikurishvili’s staging once again shows an eye for dazzling lighting and visual compositions worthy of Orson Welles or Alfred Hitchcock. Like Hitchcock, Tsikurishvili is a master of conveying a story in purely visual terms, so the actions and motivations of the characters are always clear, despite the absence of dialogue.
The actors all give performances of great physical grace and stamina. (Acting in a Synetic production makes the most extreme workout look like a walk in the park.) In one particularly amusing translation, the comic relief role of the drunken porter becomes a wonderful bit of physical comedy performed by Courtney Pauroso.
No other stage company in Washington has consistently pushed the envelope as often, and with as much imagination, as Synetic has. There is no mistaking their work with anybody else’s. If seeing their silent “Macbeth” sufficiently whets your appetite, you’ll be pleased to learn that they will be reprising their “Hamlet” this summer at the Kennedy Center.
IF YOU GO
Synetic Theater’s production of “Macbeth” runs through February 25.
Venue: The Rosslyn Spectrum Theater, 1611 N. Kent St., Arlington
Performances: 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday; 3 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $25 to $30
More info: 703-824-6200 or www.classika.org
