Welcome to the free Digital Learning Toolkit for our production of Macbeth. Here you’ll find a variety of resources, inspired by and connected to our retelling of Shakespeare’s tragedy. It’s a collection that we hope you’ll find intriguing, engaging and a kickstart for further exploration, discussion and discovery. They are all about uncovering more details about the show and how we made it, all the while encouraging you to think deeper about the themes of the play and the ideas investigated in our work.
This is a live page that will be added to throughout the rehearsal and touring of our production, so keep checking back to see what new things appear. If you have any questions about any of the resources, or would like to inquire about booking an education workshop with imitating the dog, email ben@imitatingthedog.co.uk
For information on chargeable workshops related to Macbeth, please see our Learning homepage.
‘You know your own degrees’: Curriculum Connections
Our bold retelling of Macbeth provides multiple opportunities for creative learning, wider analytical reading and enriched understanding at GCSE, AS/A-Level and undergrad level across a number of subjects, including Drama, Theatre Studies, English Literature, Film Studies, Media Studies, Art, Design, Technology and more. Find out more about how below.
‘We might have met them’: A bitesize intro to imitating the dog
A brief background to imitating the dog, introducing participants to who we are as a company, what we do and a little bit of our recent history.
‘Near approaches the subject of our watch’: What to look out for in ITD’s Macbeth
Here are some questions to help students get the most out of watching the production. It might be helpful to consider them before, during, and after your visit to the theatre.
‘The labor we delight in’: Macbeth R&D Reflections
Our appropriately named Associate Practitioner and company producer Morven Macbeth offers some insight into the research and development (or ‘R&D’) stage of Macbeth and reflects on the early stages of putting the production together.
Read it here: Macbeth: R&D Reflections
‘… in form as palpable as this which now I draw’: Where to begin with designing Macbeth
Artistic Director and UK Theatre award-winning video designer Simon Wainwright details the process and thought that goes into creating an imitating the dog production – and how for Macbeth, that involves the technical wizardry of both computer programs and Zinedine Zidane.
Read it here: Where to begin with designing Macbeth
‘Macbeth Shall Never Vanquished Be’: Retelling Shakespeare’s story for a contemporary audience
Alison Findlay, Professor of Renaissance Drama at Lancaster University and Chair of the British Shakespeare Association, reflects on the enduring legacy of the original play, and ITD’s adaptation of the tale.
Read it here: Retelling Shakespeare’s story for a contemporary audience
‘My voice is in my sword’: The Violence of Adaptation – ITD & Macbeth
Andrew Quick, co-writer and director of Macbeth, reflects on language, violence, and the process of adapting and reinterpreting Shakespeare’s classic text.
Read it here: The Violence of Adaptation
‘To trade and traffic with Macbeth’: Cultural influences and references
A short guide to some of the cinematic and televisual references drawn on in ITD’s production by Ben Mellor, ITD’s Creative Engagement Manager.
Read it here: Cultural influences and references
‘And question this most bloody piece of work To know it further…’ A list of further recommended reading and viewing
For those who want to know more about the books, films, TV shows and other artistic and cultural reference points that have influenced and informed ITD’s production of Macbeth.
‘So Well Thy Words Become Thee’: Reflections on making Macbeth from the cast and creative team
These videos feature:
- Maia Tamrakar (Lady Macbeth) and Benjamin Westerby (Macbeth)
- Co-writers and directors Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks
- Laura Atherton, Stefan Chanyaem and Matt Prendergast (Witches/Ensemble)
- Andrew Crofts (Lighting Design)
- Davi Callanan (Co-Video Designer) and Laura Spark (Video Associate)
- James Hamilton (Composer and Co-Sound Designer) and Rory Howson (Co-Sound Designer and Technical Manager).
Captions are available on the videos.
“I have learned by the perfect’st report”
Suggested classroom activities and discussion points to deepen and embed learning after the show.
“If th’ hadst rather hear it from our mouths”: Quotes from interviews given by co-writers/directors Andrew Quick and Pete Brooks, with questions to stimulate class discussion
“Out, damned spot” (the difference!): Can you recall the plot/character changes in ITD’s Macbeth and complete the table to compare them to Shakespeare’s original, and vice versa? [Warning: Contains spoilers!]