The different adaptations of the Scottish play we have studied are both similar and different. The one that is most similar to the real Scottish play written by Shakespeare would be uMBatha. This is because the plot and characters are still in the same as in the original. There is the same ending and storyline, only the play takes place in Africa and that version of Macbeth is trying to become the chief of his clan. In this adaptation of the Scottish play, there is not a lot that is lost or gained because it is so similar to the original. For the same reasons, it was my least favorite of the three versions of the play. It was basically the same as the original, only not written quite as well as Shakespeare had. The adaptation that is the least like the original play is probably the Japanese version, Throne of Blood. It has a completely different ending, in that the last scene of the movie is Macbeth being killed by the army. Instead of the last one being Malcolm, son of Duncan, being crowned king (and therefore ending the play more heroically rather than tragically). Also, they left out the character of Macduff, who is the true hero of the play and goes to England to bring back an army which kills Macbeth. Without him, the movie was a lot more depressing. Mostly because of those reasons, my favorite adaptation of the Scottish play is the Travesties. This is because they are very funny and made the play a lot lighter and happier, rather than being the heavy tragedy that Shakespeare had intended for.
Scottish Play Adaptations
November 7th, 2006 · 2 Comments
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1 Sarah // Nov 8, 2006 at 7:57 pm
I couldn’t agree more about the Throne of Blood Anna, but I found my favorite was uMbatha actually. Though it is true the Travesties make a lighter cheerier tone to the dark and evil story that is The Scottish Play, I think they take it a bit too far. I would even say they came pretty close to creating a mockery for what the play really is; it is a portrayal of what man wants but fears. Also it teaches a lesson on don’t believe every thing you hear or don’t let what others say sway you. The rhyming scheme in the real Shakespeare was just to make the lines flow better, and they made it sound Dr. Seuss ish. Malcolm I would also agree is the main hero, and he is what helps restore order. Without him in the Throne of Blood, what ever happens after Washizu is slain? It never says.
2 Norma // Nov 10, 2006 at 9:49 pm
I must admit Anna, I did not really like the Travesties, only because I didn’t find it that great, and it didn’t do anything for me really. I just read it and thought, “Oh, okay,” and that was it. I do agree however with uMabatha. I also thought it was really similar to the actual Scottish Play, except for the location, the names, and wanting to be chief, instead of king. Also, because uMabatha was so similar to the original version, and didn’t have much of an impact on me. When reading it, the only thing going through my mind was that this is almost close to the same as the Scottish Play.
Don’t you think it was better that Throne of Blood was almost different? For me, it made me more willing to watch it and it also made me more alert to find the differences between the Scottish play. It was quite different, but that is what made it so much better.