You can spectate at a ball honoring doomed King Duncan, observe a darkly wicked gathering of witches and, in one of the show’s most unsettling moments, be a bystander to Macbeth’s vicious murders in pursuit of power. Guests to “Sleep No More” experience Shakespeare’s text from inside the work itself.

The production is largely wordless, letting expressive dance and sound design communicate Shakespeare's themes in a freshly compelling way. “And yet, (there are) the insights and truths, Shakespeare’s brilliance in capturing these human themes that seem to repeat over and over throughout history.”Ī staple of the New York City cultural scene since 2011, 'Sleep No More' remixes elements of 'Macbeth' with Alfred Hitchcock's telling of 'Rebecca' by Daphne du Maurier to craft an experience that is mysterious, alluring and downright bewitching.įree-roaming audience members have three hours to take in the story however they please across 100 rooms and 100,000 square feet. “It’s extraordinary, when you think about a play that’s now more than 400 years old,” said Jonathan Hochwald of “Sleep No More” producers Emursive. Sleep No More transports you from New Yorks Chelsea neighborhood into an ornate and otherworldly landscape, where youre required to wear a full-face mask. The body count rises as Macbeth clings to his ill-gotten power, resulting in one of Shakespeare's most violent stories. “And I think that because ‘MacB’ is so much a play about the massively corrupting power of power that it is very much at the forefront of people’s minds.”įor those who did not read it in high school or need a refresher, the plot of 'Macbeth' (spoiler alert) concerns the titular Scottish lord, driven to a regicidal quest for power following a portentous encounter with a trio of witches. “There are certain plays that just seem to rise to the top when whatever it is that the play’s themes embody seems to be rippling throughout our current world,” Monte said.

Monte, artistic director of the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, who in conversation adheres to the long-standing theatrical tradition of not saying the play’s name, has some thoughts on why this play, why now. Giving back: Emilio Delgado channels 'Sesame Street' spirit to support NJ social justice organizationīonnie J.

Sleep no more plot explained