MACBETH

Dates & times

4 - 19 September
Live at His Majesty's Theatre, Perth with
West Australian Symphony Orchestra

View performance times

Audio Described/ Tactile Tours will be available for the
performance on Saturday 19 September, 2.00pm
Contact His Majesty's Theatre Box Office to book

Synopsis

Act I

Macbeth is a rising star in the cut and thrust world of politics, destined for high office. His ambitions are supercharged by a demonic trio of Influencers, who convince him he’ll one day achieve absolute power, while his close ally Banquo’s descendants will rule after him.

Basking in the glory of winning party leadership, Macbeth is shocked when Duncan, the president, chooses his own son Malcolm to succeed him. But Lady Macbeth, steely in her hunger for power, convinces her husband that by killing Duncan and blaming Malcolm for the murder, he can snatch the ultimate prize.

The couple host Duncan and his children at a dinner celebration, and together they administer poison to the president. Duncan’s violent death and Lady Macbeth’s false accusation prompt Malcolm and his sibling Donalbain to flee for their lives, while Duncan’s close ally Macduff, suspecting the couple of foul play, escapes to seek support elsewhere.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth try to wash away the bloody signs of their crime, before Macbeth assumes total power over the nation.

Act II

Macbeth is installed as president, but his fear that Banquo’s descendants will oust him spurs the decision to have Banquo murdered, along with Banquo’s son, Fleance. Macbeth hires assassins, who kill Banquo in a pool-room brawl, but Fleance escapes.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host an extravagant banquet in their own honour, but the bloodied ghost of Banquo suddenly appears and confronts a horrified Macbeth. Lady Macbeth struggles to restore him to sanity, but finally in despair drives the bewildered guests away. Alone together, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth confront the wreckage of their dreams.

Appalled by the lawlessness and violence of Macbeth’s regime, his former allies turn on him. Determined to know more about his destiny, Macbeth returns to the Influencers, who reassure him he cannot be defeated by any but Macduff. Reckless and paranoid, Macbeth orders the death of Macduff’s family as a warning to the rebel, and in so doing creates his nemesis in the grieving Macduff.

Tormented by guilt, Lady Macbeth takes her own life. Malcolm’s supporters gather as Macbeth prepares to confront his enemies. Believing himself indestructible, he is stunned to meet Macduff who will, he knows, fulfil the final prophecy. Macbeth rises to face his foe and bring to an end his own suffering, along with his brutal regime, leaving the innocent child, Fleance, with the final word.

Production credits

Choreographer Alice Topp
Set and Lighting Designer Jon Buswell
Costume Designer Aleisa Jelbart
Dramaturgy Ruth Little
Composer Christopher Gordon
Principal Conductor Jessica Gethin

A co-production with Royal New Zealand Ballet

Please note: Latecomers will be admitted at a suitable break in the performance.

Smoke, haze and lighting effects will be used during this performance. This production contains mature themes and scenes that some audience members may find distressing. These include stylised depictions of violence (including murder and suicide), themes of death and grief, representation of drug use, sexual themes and suggestive content, and psychological manipulation and distress. This production is classified as M – Suitable for mature audiences. We recommend it is suitable for viewers aged 16 and over. Parental discretion is strongly advised, particularly for younger or more sensitive audience members. We encourage audiences to consider these themes when deciding if the performance is appropriate for themselves or those in their care.

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