THEATRE CO.

The tragedy of Macbeth begins with celebrated generals, Macbeth and Banquo, returning to their homeland of Scotland after their victory against Norway and the rebel Macdonwald. Out on the moors, they encounter three witches, who prophesies that Macbeth will become Thane of Cawdor (a rank of aristocracy) King of Scotland. Banquo's sons will be kings, but is not promised a kingdom himself. Macbeth writes of this news to his wife, Lady Macbeth. She plots to make him king by murdering King Duncan, who will be spending the evening in their home.  ​ After the king is dead, his sons flee to exile and Macbeth is crowned king. Due to the witches' prophecy, Macbeth now fears Banquo's descendants will take over his kingdom, and has Banquo murdered. His son, Fleance, escapes. At a dinner that evening, Macbeth sees Banquo's ghost sitting in his chair. Macbeth returns to the witches for reassurance and they tell him, "No man of woman born shall harm Macbeth.", and he will be safe until Birnam Wood comes to Dunsinane Castle. Feeling secure in his rule, Macbeth returns home.  ​ Meanwhile, Macduff, a nobleman, has followed King Duncan's son, Malcom, to England. Macbeth, driven to madness by Banquo's ghost and his own guilt, hears this news and orders Macduff's castle to be seized and his entire household murdered. When Macduff meets with Malcom, they discuss the state of the country. Another nobleman, Ross, interrupts their conversation to deliver the news that Macduff's family has been murdered. Macduff swears revenge, joining with Malcom to raise an army against Macbeth, a war that has the backing of the Scottish nobles, who are frightened by Macbeth's tyrannical and murderous behavior. ​ Malcolm's army cover their advance with branches cut from the trees of Birnam Wood, making it appear that Birnam Wood is coming to Dunsinane. As Macbeth prepares to defend his throne, he learns that Lady Macbeth has committed suicide. On the battlefield, Macbeth encounters the vengeful Macduff, who declares that he was not “of woman born” but was instead “untimely ripped” from his mother’s womb (what we now call birth by c-section). Macduff beheads him, and Malcom is declared King of Scotland.