This resource has been developed to support sign language interpreters in preparing for interpreted performances of Shakespeare’s gripping Scottish tragedy. Macbeth is rich with potent imagery, compressed poetic language, and supernatural elements, as well as themes of ambition, power, kingship, guilt, and moral collapse. Interpreting this work calls for a careful balance of theatrical awareness, linguistic creativity, and cultural sensitivity, particularly when navigating fast-moving plot turns, eerie prophecy, and the intimate psychological texture of the soliloquies.
The aim of this pack is to empower interpreters to deliver performances that are not only accurate and expressive, but also accessible, engaging, and aligned with the artistic vision of the production. It has been designed with the needs of Deaf audiences in mind and recognises the unique contribution that signed language brings to the storytelling process.
Inside, you’ll find:
A detailed breakdown of the plot, characters, and themes
Analysis of symbolic and poetic elements in the play
Guidance on role-shifting, visual storytelling, and performance interpreting strategies
Space to document team coordination, rehearsal notes, and your own reflective practice
Whether you’re preparing to interpret on-stage, off-stage, in feed roles, or in ensemble collaboration, this preparation pack offers a structured foundation to guide your work. It is intended to be a living document - something you can adapt, annotate, and make your own.
Thank you for your dedication to making Shakespeare’s work come alive through sign language. Your preparation, insight, and artistry help ensure that Macbeth can be experienced in full by all audiences.
This resource has been developed to support sign language interpreters in preparing for interpreted performances of Shakespeare’s gripping Scottish tragedy. Macbeth is rich with potent imagery, compressed poetic language, and supernatural elements, as well as themes of ambition, power, kingship, guilt, and moral collapse. Interpreting this work calls for a careful balance of theatrical awareness, linguistic creativity, and cultural sensitivity, particularly when navigating fast-moving plot turns, eerie prophecy, and the intimate psychological texture of the soliloquies.
The aim of this pack is to empower interpreters to deliver performances that are not only accurate and expressive, but also accessible, engaging, and aligned with the artistic vision of the production. It has been designed with the needs of Deaf audiences in mind and recognises the unique contribution that signed language brings to the storytelling process.
Inside, you’ll find:
A detailed breakdown of the plot, characters, and themes
Analysis of symbolic and poetic elements in the play
Guidance on role-shifting, visual storytelling, and performance interpreting strategies
Space to document team coordination, rehearsal notes, and your own reflective practice
Whether you’re preparing to interpret on-stage, off-stage, in feed roles, or in ensemble collaboration, this preparation pack offers a structured foundation to guide your work. It is intended to be a living document - something you can adapt, annotate, and make your own.
Thank you for your dedication to making Shakespeare’s work come alive through sign language. Your preparation, insight, and artistry help ensure that Macbeth can be experienced in full by all audiences.
