‘Yours was a wonderful performance,’ said Alleyn. ‘It was a brilliant decision to use those antipodean postures: the whole body working evil.’

‘I’ve been wondering if I should have done it. I don’t know what my Elders would say: the strict ones. It seemed to be right for the play. Mr Sears approved of it. I thought maybe he would think it all nonsense but he said there are strong links throughout the world in esoteric beliefs. He said all or anyway most of the ingredients in the spell are correct.’

‘I’m sure you’re right,’ Alleyn said. He saw that round his neck on a flax cord Rangi wore a tiki, a greenstone effigy of a human foetus. ‘Is that a protection?’ Alleyn asked.

‘In my family for generations.’ The brown fingers caressed it.

‘Really? You’re a Christian, aren’t you? Forgive me: it’s rather confusing – ‘

‘It is really. Yes. I suppose I am. The Mormon Church. It’s very popular with my people. They don’t “Mormonize”, you know, only one wife at a time and they’re not all that fussy about our old beliefs. I suppose I’m more pakeha than Maori in ordinary day-to-day things. But when it comes to this – what’s happened here – it – well, it all comes rolling in like the Pacific, in huge waves, and I’m Maori through and through.’

‘That I understand. Well, all I want is your signature to this statement. You weren’t asked many questions but I wonder if you can give me any help over this one. The actual killing took place between Macbeth’s exit fighting and Malcolm’s entrance. Those of you who were not on stage came out of your dressing-rooms. There were you three witches and the dead Macduffs and the King and Banquo under his ghost mask and cloak. Is that correct?’

Rangi shut his large eyes. ‘Yes,’ he said, ‘that’s right. ‘And Mr Sears. He was with the rest of us but as the cue got nearer he moved away into the OP corner with Macduff, ready for their final entrance.’

‘Was anyone following you?’

‘The other two witches. We were in a bunch.’

‘Anyone else?’

‘I don’t think so.’

‘Sure?’

‘Yes,’ said Rangi firmly. ‘Quite sure. We were last.’

He read the statement carefully and signed it. As he returned it to Alleyn he said: ‘It doesn’t do to meddle with these things. They are wasps’ nests that are better left alone.’

‘We can’t leave a murder alone, Rangi.’

‘I suppose not. All the same. He made fun of things that are tapu – forbidden. My great-grandfather knew how to deal with that.’

‘Oh?’

‘He cut off the man’s head,’ said Rangi cheerfully. And ate him.’

The tannoy broke the silence that followed. ‘Members of the company are requested to assemble in the greenroom for a managerial announcement. Thank you,’ it said.

II