Shogun Macbeth
at Lake Braddock Secondary

Reviewed on November 11, 2017

Tayah Frye
Potomac Senior High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Swords violently clash together, blood spews from fallen Samurai, leaving the final two Rikosho pitted against one another. "Macbeth! Macbeth!" the Yojo hissed in unison as Macbeth and Macduff drew their swords for the final battle. The stage bathed in an eerie mixture of red and subdued orange lights to capture the mood of anguish that haunted the rivals. Lake Braddock's artfully constructed rendition of "Shogun Macbeth" left audiences gasping and wide eyed as they anticipated the next scene.

Originally published in 1986 by John R. Briggs, the classic Shakespearean tale of Macbeth is given a new setting with the same themes of corrupt power and spiraling ambition. Now set in 13th century Japan, Macbeth is consumed by ambition as the Three Yojo cast a spell upon him. With the help of his wife, he commences a plot to slaughter his way to be the new Shogun.

The cast and crew of "Shogun Macbeth" played off one another to deliver a seamless production incorporating the use of an intricate set, jaw-dropping technical aspects, and complex emotions from the actors. Authentic aspects of Japanese culture were well rehearsed and memorized by the entire cast to further enhance the delivery of the overall production.

The transformation of Macbeth descending into his own madness was captured by J. Carlin Decker III as he sprang to life in the second act. Following the harrowing death of Fujin Macbeth, Decker did not miss a beat as he continued with his deranged monologue in preparation for battle. Carrying on with one of the most powerful scenes within the production, Emily Smith left audiences gasping as she took her own life as Fujin Macbeth. An audible gasp echoed through the audience following Smith's gut wrenching scream as she impaled herself.

The embodiment of the Three Yojo by Gillian Church, Natalie Hill, and Erin Mullins practically stole the show. The trio flawlessly delivered lines in unison all while contorting their bodies to entice their prey. Their enunciation rang out into the audience making them even more intimidating. The makeup of the Three Yojos stood out amongst the rest of the female cast, it stayed intact throughout the entirety of the production, popping from the curtain opening to closing.

The set of "Shogun Macbeth" also stayed true to traditional Japanese culture. Set designer Erik Wells could incorporate the symmetry of Japanese architecture as well as the prominence of sliding doors. An intricate set was balanced out by an equally as enticing use of lighting to guide the mood of a scene. Light designer Brian Wolf could successfully highlight the moods of characters by bathing them in a variety of colored lights. For instance, bathing Banquo (played by Roger Clanton) in red lights after his death depicted the violence and betrayal surrounding him.

Lake Braddock's "Shogun Macbeth" leaned heavily on the flawless execution of technical aspects to support the tortuous emotional delivery from the cast, leading to an overall awe-striking production.

Olivia Parker
Teens and Theatre Company
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Blood seeps across the land like ink spilt on a scroll when the Scottish Play unfurls in feudal Japan. Shogun Macbeth follows the enterprising titular character's rise to pernicious power, aided by mystical beings and a manipulative spouse, that ends in complete devastation. Combining a classic tale with centuries old traditions, Lake Braddock's performance of John R. Briggs' adaptation corroborates the theory that Shakespeare's tales enthrall - no matter the setting.

Mystical, eerie, and alarming, the three Yojo witches – literally translated as screw or twist - demanded attention. Gillian Church, Natalie Hill, and Erin Mullins, oscillated between a single unit and three distinct entities with vicious grace. The famous "Double double toil trouble" scene was effortlessly performed in Japanese, accompanied by other-worldly movement that blended seamlessly with their malicious deeds.

Macbeth is introduced in an account of his valor told by a soldier. By the end, the ambition, strength, and stratagem that made him an honorable samurai have warped his character into a cruel tyrant. J. Carlin Decker III navigated both the ideal representation of nobility, and the power-drunk madman with tact. Drawing on the symmetry found throughout Japanese culture, his counterpart, Fujin Macbeth (Emily Smith), begins as steely and tenacious, but takes her own life because she cannot bear the weight of the lives she has taken.

While the actors strove to Shakespeare's words, the production teams labored honoring a culture predating the Bard by a thousand years. Countless details added vital authenticity to the show. Nodding to a style of Japanese dance-drama in which makeup and movement denote character, the Yojo wore stark white and blue Kabuki makeup. Shyanne Hall's focus on respectfully applying all the makeup worn elevated looks past appropriation. Erik Wells' set included platforms, ramps, stairs, and traditional Japanese sliding doors. Even the artful drape of Lauren Porter's kimonos (34 of 131 handmade pieces) was researched. More graphic touches, provided by Sarah McDaniels, included blood packets and squeeze devices for several battles, and one shockingly effective severed head.

The final bloody crescendo began with the Yoko whispering "...Macbeth…" in the aisles as the violent battle raged. They gradually became louder until none but now Shogun Macbeth and his foe MacDuff still fought. Black shrouded versions of those felled in Macbeth's quest for power join the three Yoko in chanting, "Macbeth." The Shogun is thrown to the ground. "Macbeth!" A katana flashes through the air. "Macbeth!" The gripping silhouette of a severed head is held aloft in front of a red sky, and fate has run its bloody course for "Macbeth!"

Ian Kirkland
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Through the rolling fog of the Japanese islands of Honshu and Kyushu lie the malicious spirits of the Yojo. They feed off the destruction of mortals and prey on the over-ambitious. Next on their list: the Ryoshu of Nikko also known as... Macbeth.
Adapted from the original Shakespearean drama Macbeth, Shogun Macbeth transforms the medieval European stage into one of feudal Japan. Lake Braddock Theatre's interpretation of this timeless show was both innovative and seamlessly faithful to the original plot of the story.

J. Carlin Decker III, Shogun Macbeth, not only fully understood his complex role as a man of high ambition and low morality, but also found subtleties in his soliloquies to draw the audience into a false sense of trust. Decker manipulated this trust by becoming increasingly more manipulative and omnipotent until the true violence of his reign is exposed when he orders Macduff's family's death.
Fujin Macbeth, played by Emily Smith, paralleled her husband's descent into madness after encouraging him to slaughter his way to becoming Shogun. Although she reveled in the chaos of war at the beginning of the show, Smith developed her character's arc through increasing humanity and regret for her actions. Throughout the show, Smith contrasted with her husband's ambition while maintaining the support and loyalty of his wife.

Supporting the Macbeth family was the humble Macduff household. Kaden Rigsbee, Macduff, showed an evident change in character as he realized his friend Macbeth was going insane with the lust for power. Rigsbee's determination to protect his wife and children even after their slaughter was heart wrenching and drew ample sympathy from the audience. Fujin Macduff, Carolyn Willmore, matched her husband in her determination to find justice and peace in the shogunate and played the perfect protective mother to her children.
Causing this turbulent decline into destruction were the Yojo, also known as the Witches. Each step Gillian Church, Natalie Hill, and Erin Mullins took was curiously alluring and repulsive. However, not only were the Yojo loyal to their terrifying physicality and their victim Shogun Macbeth, but also to the entirety of the cast, enrapturing everyone that crossed their wicked path—even the audience!

To portray these vicious spirits and complex characters in a Japanese setting, the technical crew of the show truly displayed their skill masterfully. The set, led by Eric Wells, furthered the realism of the show through its minimalist design yet broad versatility. From an extravagant Shogun palace to the Macduff's humble home to a demon's lair, the set lent itself to many interpretations. The Japanese setting was furthered by transformative lighting by Brian Wolf and terrifying props including a severed head and demon puppets by Roger Clanton. Transforming the characters was also a well-executed feat through innovative costumes by Lauren Porter from soldiers' armour to fujins' robes that perfectly captured the feudal period. Each death scene was thrilling and tense thanks to the haunting music composed and recorded by Natalie Hill and the expert special effects team led by Sarah McDaniels who even concocted their own recipe for edible blood.

At its bloody heart, Lake Braddock Theatre's performance of Shogun Macbeth exposed the horrors of wartime and dictatorship in feudal Japan as Shakespeare's original backstory fell neatly into place.

Abbigail Alm
Potomac Senior High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

Fair is foul and foul is fair in Lake Braddock Secondary School's play, Shogun Macbeth. Originally written by John R. Briggs, this rendition of Shakespeare's Scottish Tragedy takes place in 13th century Japan. Replacing witches with Yojo, captains with samurai, and lords with Ryoshus, this rendition still has a hold on the integrity of the original play, keeping next-to all of the original dialogue.

The story follows Macbeth, a successful soldier, and his thirst for ambition. Three Yojo tell him that he is destined to be the next Shogun, but warns him of the trail of blood leading to the throne. Macbeth, despite his ambitious drive, is reluctant to go so far as to kill, but Fujin Macbeth, Macbeth's wife, convinces him to assassinate Shogun Duncan. Macbeth is promptly proclaimed as the next shogun, but the Yojo ascertain that future heirs to the throne will not be from Macbeth's bloodline, but from Banquo's, a fellow soldier. Macbeth sends the Yojo to murder Banquo and his son, Fleance. The Yojo succeed in killing Banquo, but allow Fleance to escape by accident. Despite assassinating Banquo, the Yojos do not recant their prophecy but instead add a third one; Macbeth will be invincible in battle until he fights an opponent who is ‘not born of woman'. Macbeth disregards both oracles and prepares for battle.

J. Carlin Decker III, playing Shogun Macbeth, handled the difficult role well, exhibiting Macbeth's descent into overwhelming guilt exceptionally. Fujin Macbeth, played by Emily Smith, had many impressionable moments, captivating the audience, especially during her soliloquy and suicide. Kaden Rigsbee's portrayal of Macduff created a formidable opponent to juxtapose Macbeth, forming an overwhelming sense of dread and suspense during the final fight sequence. The Yojo, played by Gillian Church, Natalie Hill, and Erin Mullins, stole the show with their fluid movements and character choices, occasionally running down the aisles of the theater and interacting with the other characters and their environment.

The grandiose set tied the show together, bridging the gap between fight sequences and the more intimate scenes with its functional sliding doors and engaging set-up. The lighting crew made the most out of the spotlight and their cyc, using various colors to symbolize emotions to truly immerse the audience. Special effects were particularly exceptional, despite being on a budget. The team filled plastic bags with fake blood to give the illusion of real gore during fight scenes. They even went so far as to create a replica of Macbeth's decapitated head, with extraordinary resemblance. Student-composed period-appropriate music played throughout every scene, adding the final touch to the show.

Ambition, whether in 11th century Scotland or 13th century Japan, has captured the minds of humanity all throughout history. Be warned, heads will roll with this unforgettable tale.

Kennedi Roland
Robert E. Lee High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Student Voice

Blood lust, sword fights, and kimonos. What do all these things have in common? Lake Braddock's take on Shogun Macbeth proves that taking on all these aspects in a Shakespearean play is intricate and rewarding when implicated well.

Shogun Macbeth, the adaptation of Shakespeare's original Macbeth, written by John R Briggs, is set during 13th century Japan, It is centered around a soldier convinced by his wife to kill his way to the highest rank of power, the Shogun. Throughout the duration of the play we see Shogun Macbeth haunted by those he has murdered; yet by the end of his life the audience sees his sanity decrease and his thirst for blood increase.

Shogun Macbeth, played by J. Carlin Decker III showed nice character development throughout the show. Believably portraying a sadistic ruler in the end by using actions such as licking the blood of his enemies off of his hands. This was an interesting choice because earlier in the show we see Shogun Macbeth desperate to wash the blood off his hands to get rid of any reminders of his treachery. On the other hand we see Fujin Macbeth played by Emily Smith indulge in the action of killing early on in the show by licking the blood off her own hands and convincing her husband to do more. In the end she is shown violently scrubbing her hands to rid herself of blood that is no longer there and this leads to her suicide.

Perhaps the most committed and well executed in this show was The Yojo. Their whimsical movements and slow articulate speech provided the show with something the audience felt was not yet seen; a comfortable understanding of their character. The actresses Gillian Church, Natalie Hill and Erin Mullins worked well off of each other, truly creating the feel of a solid ensemble. The unison, in their lines and movements was almost impeccable showing a professionalism not too common in high school shows.

On the technical side of the show, the audience was captivated by the use of the cyc to create simple yet elegant silhouettes. This, among other technical details is what sold the ancient Japanese theme. In Act 2 scene 3 the Tea Server, played by Mariko Nojima-Schmunk takes her time in preparing the tea and it is immediately apparent to the audience that there was some previous knowledge or research done on the art of Japanese tea making. Another example of technical details reflecting the theme well was in one of the first scenes of the show there were two soldiers yielding their swords in perfect unison.

Overall Lake Braddock's production of Shogun Macbeth had aspects that truly set the tone for the show such as The Yojo, lights and parts of the set. They are all what made the production one to remember.

Brianna Handford
Wakefield School
Submitted for publication to Connection

A scream pierces the night as a knife finds its target, the trembling fingers of the murderer now coated with fresh blood... The creative Japanese spin on Shakespeare's Macbeth enraptured the crowds Saturday night at Lake Braddock Secondary. The author, William Shakespeare, wrote Macbeth to show that ruthless ambition faces inevitable consequences. "Shogun Macbeth" stars J. Carlin Decker III as Macbeth, where he confidently fulfills the role of a man driven mad by murder and greed. Pronouncing each word with care, Decker puts his all into the role, bringing us to ancient Japan.

The lights open on a simple, symmetrical, and traditional set. The plot unravels as Macbeth is confronted by the three "Yojo" (a stunning performance by Erin Mullins, Gillian Church, and Natalie Hill) and they tell him a prophecy -- that he will one day take the throne for his own. "Fujin" (Lady) Macbeth's (played by the endearing Emily Smith) greed and impatience overpower the uncertainty of Macbeth, and he commits the murder of the Shogun, washing the blood off his hands. Thus, Macbeth takes over the throne. Overcome with greed, he orders the murder of anyone who imposes a threat to his royal authority, including Banquo (Roger Clanton), Fujin Macduff (Carolyn Willmore), and her son. Soon, his lust for power fades into insanity as he envisions Banquo's ghost at his dinner table. Driven mad by guilt, Fujin Macbeth murders herself, followed closely by the death of Macbeth, who is beheaded by the bitter Macduff, revenge for the murder of his wife and son.

Pulling off the Shakespeare play with Japanese twists is no easy feat, a task the cast took on with determination. The Japanese elements of the play are seamlessly woven into the plot line, with creative costumes, Japanese language, and traditional scenery. The scenery helps emphasize the classic Japanese elements while still staying true to the story. The makeup, especially on the three Yojo, was thoroughly thought out and creative, standing out with a definite "pop". The lines are flawlessly memorized -- there wasn't a single stutter, pause, or "um" among the cast, something that deserves credit, especially when dealing with the intricate language of Shakespeare. All of the voices are crisp and clear, even without the aid of microphones. The cast often comes off stage, intermingling with the audience, compelling the audience to lean in closer. The costume transitions on Macbeth demonstrate his decreasing sanity, dark grays replacing the fiery oranges; a simple but creative touch to add to the drama. The blood is highly realistic and well executed in the fighting scenes, causing several gasps from the crowd. The special effects are well above average for a high school play, and helped bring the audience in closer to the action.

Three actresses stood out as superb -- the three Yojo. All three of them truly fulfilled the role and stayed in character consistently. They brought fluid dancing, dehumanized voices, and original character to the stage. Their dynamic body movements, the precision of their synchronization, and energy they put into the roles was truly stellar. They acted not as individuals but as a single body, working like parts of a machine. They flow stealthily across the stage, walking in a spider-like fashion to their victim, deadly accurate and merciless.

Lake Braddock Secondary delivered Shakespeare in a way that was both traditional and original. The cast brought Shakespeare to life in a distinct and riveting way that couldn't be easily duplicated. In all, a thumbs up performance with superb acting, a charming set, and awe-inducing special effects.

Anna Zakreski
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

With bone-chilling screams, splatters of blood, gore, and the supernatural, Shogun Macbeth left the audience in awe of the production at Lake Braddock Secondary.

Adapted from the world-renowned Shakespearean tragedy, Shogun Macbeth is set in 13th century Japan. The show, written by John R. Briggs, provides a new look at the classic play. It first premiered off-Broadway in 1986 and returned in 2008. The show follows Macbeth, led by three Yojo (witches) who foresee and motivate Macbeth's future and motivate him to kill and commit treason in his quest to get the crown.

Leading the show is J. Carlin Decker III playing Macbeth and Emily Smith playing Fujin (Lady) Macbeth. Decker and Smith left the audience on the edge of their seats with their strong character choices, honest emotion, and mature understanding of the difficult text. Also standing out were Macduff and Fujin Macduff, played by Kaden Rigsbee and Carolyn Willmore. Rigsbee and Willmore contributed to the eerie theme with their strong reactions to Macbeth and added their own new level of insanity and discomfort to the show.

Perhaps the most influential characters, the Yojo, portrayed by Gillian Church, Natalie Hill, and Erin Mullins, control and shape the plot by showing Macbeth his future, using their otherworldly powers. Church, Hill, and Mullins constantly intrigued and drew the attention of the audience with their physicalization, vocal inflections, and overall commitment to the character. Alongside the Yojo, Young Macduff and Shinsha, performed by Andru Nylander and Lina Baumann, affect the plot and develop the show through their memorable performances and interaction with other cast members, especially towards the end of the show.

Lake Braddock, renowned for their tech and special effects, certainly lived up to expectations in Shogun Macbeth. The special effects, led by Sarah McDaniels, were appropriate, realistic, and contributed to the plot beautifully, altering the way the audience perceived Macbeth and the rest of the cast. The sets, designed by Erik Wells, were appropriate to the setting and beautifully constructed, while still providing functional use for the actors. Makeup, by Shyanne Hall, was minimalistic, yet bold and appropriate to the period, especially on the Yojo, creating a supernatural effect with the makeup and adding an additional layer to the character. Music, written and recorded by Natalie Hill, was creative, fun, and added to the plot and action on stage.

The production at Lake Braddock was inventive, engaging, entertaining, and filled to the brim with special effects and talent. Lake Braddock brought new perspective to the play, providing an enjoyable experience to all who saw it.