Macbeth, RSC, Stratford Review
A recent visit to Belfast and Glasgow has left a lasting impression, with the cities' unique atmospheres and histories proving unforgettable.
The differences between these cities and others, such as Manchester or Birmingham, are difficult to put into words, but they are palpable. From the architecture to the accents, there is an unmistakable energy that sets them apart.
Visiting Glasgow's Citizen's Theatre, for example, involved navigating the infamous Gorbals area, while a brief moment of distraction in Belfast led to a startling transition from the Falls Road to the Shankhill Road, with the contrasting murals a stark reminder of the city's complex past.
For an outsider, these places are inextricably linked with a history of transgression and insurrection, and although they have changed significantly since their violent heydays, a lingering sense of unease remains, one that cannot be shaken by mere reality.
the (in)famous murals rather contrasting
Author's summary: Glasgow and Belfast's unique atmospheres are shaped by their complex histories.