"It will have blood, they say. Blood will have blood."
Reference image from Shakespeare & Company's 2018 production.
Photo by Daniel Rader. |
MACBETH
Presented by Shakespeare & Company March 19, 2020 at 7:30pm Shakespeare’s psychological thriller, Macbeth, tells the story of an army general who receives a prophecy from three witches that he will one day be the king of Scotland. Compelled by his own ambition, and the influence of his wife, Macbeth will stop at nothing—not even murder—to protect his power. TICKET INFORMATION $15 Youth (18 and under) | $20 Adults RUNNING TIME: Approximately 1 hr 30 min No children under the age of 4 will be permitted in the theatre including babes in arms. |
Show Synopsis
On his return from a successful series of battles, Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, learns that he has been given the title and lands of the Thane of Cawdor. His compatriot and brother in arms, Banquo, hears from spirits that he will be progenitor to a line of kings. While Macbeth himself is stirred by the prophecy that he may be king, King Duncan declares that his son, Malcolm, the Prince of Cumberland, shall be the heir to the throne, and Macbeth is shaken to the core. Lady Macbeth learns of these developments as she prepares to host King Duncan in her castle, and she plots to have him die there. By morning the king is dead, stabbed in his sleep, and his guards are murdered and posthumously blamed for the king’s death. King Duncan’s sons, fearing for their lives, flee to England and Ireland, and their flight is perceived as an indication of their having killed King Duncan. Macbeth is therefore crowned king, but he immediately suspects Banquo, whose issues were prophesied to be kings, as a threat to his rule and has him assassinated. Macduff heads off to England to join forces with Malcolm, leaving his family vulnerable in Fife, where they are promptly murdered on orders from Macbeth. On visiting the spirit voices in solace, Macbeth leaves thinking he’s invincible and prepares for battle at Dunsinane against Malcolm’s army. The spirits have told him that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” and that Macbeth shall never be vanquished unless the forest of Birnham Wood advances upon his castle, a ridiculous notion. As the walls close in around Macbeth, and as Lady Macbeth becomes devoured by the guilt of their actions, the prophesies become devastatingly clear.
About William Shakespeare
(Playwright, Macbeth) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. His works, including some collaborations, consist of about 37 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the leading Shakespeare festivals of the world. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to an internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.
On his return from a successful series of battles, Macbeth, the Thane of Glamis, learns that he has been given the title and lands of the Thane of Cawdor. His compatriot and brother in arms, Banquo, hears from spirits that he will be progenitor to a line of kings. While Macbeth himself is stirred by the prophecy that he may be king, King Duncan declares that his son, Malcolm, the Prince of Cumberland, shall be the heir to the throne, and Macbeth is shaken to the core. Lady Macbeth learns of these developments as she prepares to host King Duncan in her castle, and she plots to have him die there. By morning the king is dead, stabbed in his sleep, and his guards are murdered and posthumously blamed for the king’s death. King Duncan’s sons, fearing for their lives, flee to England and Ireland, and their flight is perceived as an indication of their having killed King Duncan. Macbeth is therefore crowned king, but he immediately suspects Banquo, whose issues were prophesied to be kings, as a threat to his rule and has him assassinated. Macduff heads off to England to join forces with Malcolm, leaving his family vulnerable in Fife, where they are promptly murdered on orders from Macbeth. On visiting the spirit voices in solace, Macbeth leaves thinking he’s invincible and prepares for battle at Dunsinane against Malcolm’s army. The spirits have told him that “none of woman born shall harm Macbeth” and that Macbeth shall never be vanquished unless the forest of Birnham Wood advances upon his castle, a ridiculous notion. As the walls close in around Macbeth, and as Lady Macbeth becomes devoured by the guilt of their actions, the prophesies become devastatingly clear.
About William Shakespeare
(Playwright, Macbeth) was an English poet, playwright, and actor, widely regarded as the greatest writer in the English language and the world’s pre-eminent dramatist. His works, including some collaborations, consist of about 37 plays, 154 sonnets, two long narrative poems, and several other poems. His plays have been translated into every major language and are performed more often than those of any other playwright.
About Shakespeare & Company
Located in the beautiful Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the leading Shakespeare festivals of the world. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to an internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and award-winning Education Program. More information is available at www.shakespeare.org.
