We Work Again

Alternative title
Voodoo Macbeth Macbeth
Synopsis
The only known footage of the stage production of Macbeth produced by the Negro Theatre Unit of the Federal Theatre project of the WPA and directed by Orson Welles. The play was staged at the New Lafayette Theatre, New York, NY and ran from April 14-June 20 1936, later going on tour. Welles used all black actors and set the play in 19th century Haiti. The costumes and set were designed by Nat Karson.
The extract is from V viii showing Macduff’s killing of Macbeth. The full surviving extract may be downloaded free from http://www.mercurytheatre.info/
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Multimedia
Year of release
1937
Duration
5 mins

Credits

Director
Orson Welles
Costume
Nat Karson
Contributor
Nat Karson
Cast
Jack CarterMacbeth
Maurice EllisMacduff
Eric BurroughsHecate

Additional Details

Theatre company
Negro Theatre
Production type
Stage Recordings
Historical period
Victorian
Plays
Macbeth
Subjects
Drama
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Multicultural casting; Black actors

Notes

Notes
The film extract is part of WE WORK AGAIN (1937), a tribute to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) efforts to find jobs for African Americans during the 1930s economic Depression. This film in turn forms part of ‘Treasures from American Film Archives’ a DVD compilation by the National Film Preservation Foundation from 18 American film archives and available from Amazon.com. The extract is also included in MARCH OF TIME 3RD YEAR NO. 1 (British Edition) (1937), a 35mm viewing copy of which is held at the BFI National Archive. It is uncertain whether the extract is from the New Lafayette Theatre or the touring production. Jack Carter, playing Macbeth left after the initial run. Macduff, may be Maurice Ellis.

The Folger Shakespeare Library holds an undated cutting continuity script.

The Wisconsin Center for Theatre Research holds several related items in the Orson Welles papers include corrections, lighting notes, and cues.

Online Availability

Online URL
http://www.mercurytheatre.info/

Production Company

Name

Federal Works Agency

Archive

Name

Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting & Recorded Sound Division

Web
http://catalog.loc.gov/ External site opens in new window
Phone
(20) 707-8572
Fax
(20) 707-237’1
Address
Motion Picture & Television Reading Room
James Madison Building, LM 336
101 Independence Avenue, SE
Washington, D.C.
20540-4690
United States

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "We Work Again". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av36644 (Accessed 13 Nov 2024)