Playing Macbeth

An Actor's Journey into the Role

This is an autobiographical account read by the actor himself about all that goes into playing one of Shakespeare's greatest and most taxing roles. It is amusing, instructive, empowering, and a great listen that's full of theatrical anecdotes. We are taken on a fascinating journey through the emotional, physical, and intellectual challenges involved in creating one of Shakespeare's darkest and most captivatingly tragic characters. The book also includes a journal, The Golden Notebook, with commentary on how other actors have approached the role and all the history and theatrical techniques involved in playing Macbeth.

©2015 Tim Dalgleish (P)2015 Tim Dalgleish

Fantastic Insider's Account

I have always loved Macbeth. It has been my favorite play to teach and I think it has encouraged my students to actually enjoy Shakespeare (instead of forcing them to slog through Romeo and Juliet and passionless student reading of the text). And as someone who aspires to act, I loved this insiders account, not only of a great play, but of the dynamics of acting. I was pleased by what I hope was the candor of the author and I hope to find more books of this type. Too, the author has a splendid voice (not surprising) which enhances the experience. If I did have a complaint it would only be that I was sorry for it to end so soon. I would have loved a longer book, but I still would recommend this book to anyone who loves the language of Shakespeare and just wants to spend a few hours with someone who got what I think is the greatest part of all. Hamlet was such an indecisive schmuck, who could prefer him to Macbeth, the tormented regicide? And there's the joy of Lady Macbeth. But I digress. Still, enjoy a tale of a professional who documents the wonder and woe of performing this masterpiece.

Just plain excellent

Insightful, entertaining, a lesson in process of any kind, really honest assessments, beautiful language, authentic alive reading by author. Loved it.