Podcast Summary: All Of It – Whitney White's 'Macbeth in Stride'

Episode Information

• Title: Whitney White's 'Macbeth in Stride'
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Release Date: April 21, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 26 minutes

Introduction In this episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight is on Whitney White, a multifaceted director, actor, and songwriter. Whitney discusses her innovative concert show, 'Macbeth in Stride', currently performing at BAM until April 27th, her previous works, creative processes, and future projects. This episode delves deep into how Whitney reimagines Shakespeare's classic 'Macbeth' through a modern, musical lens, blending contemporary beats with the Bard's timeless language.

Meet Whitney White

Whitney White is introduced as a versatile artist known for her diverse talents in directing, acting, and songwriting. She has garnered acclaim for her Tony-nominated work on Yaya's African Hair Braiding, directed the off-Broadway show Liberation, and the Broadway production The Last Five Years.

Whitney White [02:24]: "The trouble Better get it, better get."

The Genesis of 'Macbeth in Stride'

Whitney recounts her first encounter with Lady Macbeth during her graduate studies at Brown University's Trinity Rep's MFA program. Assigned the challenging dagger scene, Whitney found a profound connection with Lady Macbeth's ambition and desire for more, resonating with her personal aspirations.

Whitney White [03:10]: "Her first beat... I want to try for something else, for something more, it resonated with me. I think it resonates with all of us."

Shakespeare's Influence and Personal Connection

Whitney’s deep-rooted connection to Shakespeare began in high school, where she participated in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' as a fairy. She highlights the physiological impact of Shakespearean language on her, emphasizing how performing in his plays compels her to be "radically present with your body and the audience."

Whitney White [03:52]: "There's something physiologically that happens to me when I'm speaking in the meter or off the meter. It challenges you."

Reimagining Lady Macbeth: The Woman Character

In 'Macbeth in Stride', Whitney transforms Lady Macbeth into 'the woman', a composite of her ancestors, loved ones, and broader feminine experiences. This character serves as a collage of feminine emotion and ambition, challenging traditional portrayals by offering a backstory that portrays Lady Macbeth as a relatable, multifaceted woman striving for more within the constraints of her time.

Whitney White [05:11]: "The character is really a collage of feminine experience. And so what better to call her than woman."

Musical Integration and Genre Fusion

Whitney meticulously blends various musical genres—R&B, gospel, pop, and rock—to complement the emotional landscapes of 'Macbeth'. She draws inspiration from Nine Inch Nails, The Doors, and Trent Reznor, infusing the play with a rock and roll ethos that parallels the intensity of Shakespeare’s text.

Whitney White [09:23]: "When I first read that raven speech, I was like, gosh, this makes me feel like I'm at a Nine Inch Nails concert."

Costume and Visual Aesthetics

Collaborating with costume designer Queen Jean, Whitney ensures that the visual elements mirror the show's musical vibrancy. The spangly jumpsuits and leather belts evoke iconic performances from legends like Tina Turner and Cher, enhancing the show's electrifying stage presence.

Whitney White [10:16]: "We just looked at those iconic photos of Tina Turner, of Cher... When I step on stage, I feel fabulous and dangerous."

Audience Interaction and Evolution

A unique feature of 'Macbeth in Stride' is the interactive element where audience members are invited on stage, creating unpredictable and engaging moments. Whitney reflects on how audience responses have evolved over time, becoming more nuanced and reflective of contemporary societal shifts.

Whitney White [17:55]: "Audience response has really changed."

Creative Collaborations and Directing Philosophy

Whitney acknowledges the importance of collaboration, working closely with directors Tabi Magar and Tyler Dabrowski. Their partnership fosters a dynamic environment of support and critical feedback, essential for refining the hybrid theatrical piece.

Whitney White [18:59]: "The best theater, you cannot make it alone. We've been in this wonderful dialogue over the question of this show."

Future Projects and Artistic Vision

Looking ahead, Whitney shares her excitement about directing 'Saturday Church' at the New York Theatre Workshop. This musical, based on the film of the same name and featuring music by Sia, promises to be a modern odyssey rich in spectacle and body.

Whitney White [25:18]: "It's opulent and full of body and spectacle... a modern odyssey."

Balancing Motherhood and Artistry

Whitney discusses how becoming a mother has deepened her understanding of ambition and sacrifice, enriching her portrayal of the woman in her show. This personal evolution has broadened her perspective on power dynamics and feminine agency.

Whitney White [21:00]: "Becoming a mother... opens you up to new depths and new horizons."

Convergence of Multiple Projects

Whitney reflects on the serendipitous convergence of her projects—'Liberation', 'The Last Five Years', and 'Macbeth in Stride'—coming to fruition simultaneously. She attributes this success to collaboration, timing, and the support of various theatrical institutions.

Whitney White [22:07]: "It was a convergence of things much bigger than me."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Whitney White [03:10]: "Her first beat... I want to try for something else, for something more, it resonated with me."
• Whitney White [09:23]: "I feel like I'm Trent Reznor on stage."
• Whitney White [14:55]: "It's such a radical proposition that is such a radical ask to be un-gendered."
• Whitney White [15:57]: "That character's unsatisfied, probably with the realities of power."
• Whitney White [25:18]: "It's opulent and full of body and spectacle... a modern odyssey."

Conclusion This episode of All Of It offers an intimate glimpse into Whitney White's creative journey, her innovative fusion of Shakespearean drama with contemporary music, and her commitment to portraying complex female characters. Through 'Macbeth in Stride', Whitney not only honors the legacy of Shakespeare but also redefines it, making it resonate with modern audiences. Her discussions on gender, power, and personal growth provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of theater and the role of women within it.

For those interested in experiencing a fresh take on a classic tragedy enriched with diverse musical influences and powerful performances, 'Macbeth in Stride' at BAM is a must-see.

Additional Resources

• Listen to the Episode: All Of It – Whitney White's 'Macbeth in Stride'
• Follow Whitney White: [Social Media Links]
• Learn More About BAM Performances: BAM Official Website
• Upcoming Project - 'Saturday Church': Performing at New York Theatre Workshop starting September 2025.