Macbeth

A new production of Shakespeare’s tragedy by ETT (English Touring Theatre), now touring after it opened a few weeks ago at Shakespeare North Playhouse in Britain. Directed by ETT’s Artistic Director, Richard Twyman, the play speaks to a world we find ourselves living in now, asking why Macbeth has haunted our fears and nightmares for centuries and what lessons this cautionary tale is still trying to communicate to us …

The production emphasises the politics – “a struggling and divided nation, tearing itself apart. So, when the Macbeths see their chance at the crown, why shouldn’t they take it?” – but looks beyond the naked opportunism that seems so familiar to Western audiences: “Dreams quickly turn to nightmares, humanity erodes, nature stirs. As society strives to make sense of the darkness that sits inside it, how long will it take for people to fight back against the endless cycle of violence and corruption?”

It’s a co-production with Northern Stage, Shakespeare North Playhouse and Théâtres de la Ville de Luxembourg. There are further performances at at 3pm and 8pm on 4 November, and at 3pm on 5 November.