Courtney McManus Interview: Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence

We caught-up with Courtney McManus –Writer, co-lyricist, & performer in Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence and co-director of Crash Theatre Company… to talk Macbeth!

Welcome to Impulse Gamer Courtney! Tell us a little about Lady Macbeth in Wing Defence?

Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is an original musical by Crash Theatre Company that explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and celebrates the strength and athleticism of teenage girls on the netball court, underpinned by electronic pop-synth music composition by Perth-based artist & award-winning musician Project BEXX. It’s a cautionary tale, portraying the importance of teamwork and the power of women in sport.

Who came up with this ingenious idea?

The original concept was devised and script written by Courtney McManus, original compositions by Project Bexx with lyrics by Ana Ferreira Manhoso, Courtney McManus and Project Bexx.

Music, Shakespeare and comedy? Biggest challenge? 

The biggest challenge was integrating Shakespeare quotes from Macbeth into the original script and music for the musical. It was hard to find a balance initially but working together enabled us to find a good rhythm in determining how much Shakespeare and how much sport to use in each scene.

Most rewarding aspect?

The most rewarding aspect of this production is the mixing of Shakespeare, sport and feminism. It is great to see a production led by an all female and non-binary team that encompasses how much girls need sport and how important it is to be a great team player and stick up for your mates. Mixing these elements was initially quite challenging but has resulted in a creative triumph that has a really important message of risk, resiliency and resourcefulness which is what Crash Theatre Company is built on.

Explain a little about your role?

I am the writer, one of the lyricists and I play the role of Coach Duncan in Lady Macbeth played Wing Defence. This character is a lovable bogan-esque stereotypical coach that loves the game of netball and her team, the Dunsinane Hell-Hounds. She is an iconic legend and I am very lucky to get to play her.

And your favourite line?

My favourite line is actually one of Mac’s lines when she says “I dare do all that may become a captain; Who dares do more is none” because it really encapsulates the whole show and Mac’s drive as a character. It’s great to see how some lines from Shakespeare can translate so well into sports – who would have thought?

What do you think old Bill Shakespeare would think? 

I think that he would be happy to see Lady Macbeth have an alternative ending considering she is such a powerhouse character in Macbeth. This show gives her an opportunity to write her wrongs and continue slaying on her path to greatness.

Lastly, what are you most looking forward to in bringing Lady Macbeth in Wing Defence to The Melbourne Fringe? 

It is so amazing to see the different audience reactions to the show. We love hearing the crowds’ thoughts about what they saw, what jokes they found funny, which of the songs they enjoyed so we are really excited to bring the show to a fresh audience.

Photos – K Darius Photography