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

Director

Orson Welles

Costume

Nat Karson

Contributor

Nat Karson

Cast

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: 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.

British Universities Film & Video Council