From the director of last spring’s Ragtime, this Shakespearean thriller bursts at breakneck speed with more suspense, murder, and madness than a blockbuster film. Tempted by the eerie visions of three mysterious witches and pushed by his ruthless wife, Macbeth is determined to grab what he wants — the throne of Scotland. Unchecked greed and ambition fuel his bloody rise to power, but his ego ultimately brings about his brutal end, while Lady Macbeth’s guilt and paranoia lead to one of theater’s most riveting descents into madness.
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"...a wild and exciting night of theater....a pulsing production...riveting tale of power and madness... some of the best Shakespeare..."
"Curt Columbus... showing once again his creative genius by concentrating on the details and adding touches of music to fortify the action and sooth the soul."
This view of the old and the modern is carried out powerfully by a first-rate cast led by Trinity veteran Mauro Hantman as Macbeth and a newcomer, Julia Atwood as Lady Macbeth.
Macbeth synopsis courtesy of Folger Shakespeare Library
Macbeth, set primarily in Scotland, mixes witchcraft, prophecy, and murder. Three “Weïrd Sisters” appear to Macbeth and his comrade Banquo after a battle and prophecy that Macbeth will be king and that the descendants of Banquo will also reign. When Macbeth arrives at his castle, he and Lady Macbeth plot to assassinate King Duncan, soon to be their guest, so that Macbeth can become king.
After Macbeth murders Duncan, the king’s two sons flee, and Macbeth is crowned. Fearing that Banquo’s descendants will, according to the Weïrd Sisters’ predictions, take over the kingdom, Macbeth has Banquo killed. At a royal banquet that evening, Macbeth sees Banquo’s ghost appear covered in blood. Macbeth determines to consult the Weïrd Sisters again. They comfort him with ambiguous promises.
Another nobleman, Macduff, rides to England to join Duncan’s older son, Malcolm. Macbeth has Macduff’s wife and children murdered. Malcolm and Macduff lead an army against Macbeth, as Lady Macbeth goes mad and commits suicide.
Macbeth confronts Malcolm’s army, trusting in the Weïrd Sisters’ comforting promises. He learns that the promises are tricks, but continues to fight. Macduff kills Macbeth and Malcolm becomes Scotland’s king.
1/22/19 By Caitlin Howle, digital marketing coordinator The Scottish Play! Or, if you please, Mackers. McB. MacBee. The-Play-That-Must-Not-Be-Named. Just say...
