Macbeth, in full colour

Director Chin San Sooi delves further into a curious meld of Shakespeare and Chinese Opera.

“THEY must come and see if it works or doesn’t work,” says director/ producer Chin San Sooi of his restaging of the Chinese Opera- styled Macbeth.

Marrying these two art forms has long been a dream of his ... since the 1970s, he claims. And now being able to reprise last year’s production, in conjunction with Shakespeare’s 400th death anniversary this year, Macbeth is not just timely but has also provided more avenues for exploration.

Known for his unique interpretations of famous theatre texts, Chin will once stir up some fun with two of his favourite stage traditions.

“I am a dilettante of Chinese Opera. Though I don’t know much about it, I love Chinese Opera. Back in the old days, I would go and see any show I could on the streets,” said the 75- year- old veteran theatre personality and founder member of Five Arts Centre, the Chinese Opera Club, Kuala Lumpur, as well as artistic director for The Canticle Singers.

“It’s not your regular performance, it’s unique,” he said of this interpretation of the classic tragedy, and why people should make a point of watching it. The play combines the full Shakespearean text with operatic costumes, makeup, gestures, as well as the musical interludes and percussive accompaniment that go with the Oriental artform.

Chin claims that, to his knowledge, no