The title “Throne of Blood” clearly reflects the plot of the play, a throne that is riddle with blood. The play presents two murders related to Washizu acquiring the position of the Lord of Spider Web castle and his attempt at keeping that position. Throne of Blood is entertaining to watch, even though without prior exposure to the film version or to Shakespeare’s MacBeth will leave a viewer confused for several scenes. Charles Isherwood, a writer for the New York Times states that the show is “as boring to look at as it is to listen to.” (New York Times) Isherwood also states that Mr. Chong, the director, “musters little in the way of innovative staging to propel the story forward.” I feel this is incorrect because Chong was able to use light to create a scene where no door was present. I was surprised at how well light was use with sound to simulate a door being opened and closed.
I feel that Isherwood is too critical of this show. He compares this show to the film version. While filming, the director is able to make each scene better by trying again and again. A live show does not have this luxury. Mr. Chong has to make sure the entire show is perfect the first time and that the show is complete within a certain time limit.
