Macbeth

This article is about Shakespeare's play. For other uses, see Macbeth (disambiguation).

In 1603, James VI of Scotland ascended the English throne, becoming James I of England. London was alive with an interest in all things Scottish, and Shakespeare turned to Scottish history for material. He found a spectacle of violence and stories of traitors advised by witches and wizards, echoing James's belief in a connection between treason and witchcraft.

In depicting a man who murders to become king, Macbeth, one of William Shakespeare's plays, teases us with huge questions. Is Macbeth tempted by fate, or by his or his wife's ambition? Why does their success turn to ashes?

Like other plays, Macbeth speaks to each generation. Its story was once seen as that of a hero who commits an evil act and pays an enormous price. Recently, it has been applied to nations that overreach themselves and to modern alienation. The line is blurred between Macbeth's evil and this opponents' good, and there are new attitudes toward both witchcraft and gender.

Shakespeare wrote Macbeth in about 1606 or 1607. It was published in the 1623 First Folio.

Productions at the Folger

• Macbeth (Folger Theatre, 2008)

Helen Hayes Awards

Nominations: "Outstanding Resident Play," "Outstanding Sound Design, Resident Production" for Karing Graybash and Kenny Wollesen, and "Outstanding Director, Resident Play" for Teller and Aaron Posner

• Macbeth (Folger Theatre, 2001)

Helen Hayes Awards

Nominations: "Outstanding Lead Actress, Resident Play" for Lucy Newman-Williams and "Outstanding Lighting Design, Resident Play or Musical" for Dan Covey

• Macbeth (Shenandoah Shakespeare Express, 1999)

Early editions

First Folio

LUNA: First Folio: 2l6r - 2n4r

Hamnet: STC 22273 Fo. 1 no. 68

Second Folio

LUNA: Second Folio: 2n4r - 2p2r

Hamnet: STC 22274 Fo. 2 no. 07

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  The title page of Macbeth printed in the 1623 First Folio. STC 22273 Fo.1 no.68.

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  The title page of Macbeth printed in the 1632 Second Folio. STC 22274 Fo.2 no.07.

Modern editions

Macbeth can be read online with Folger Digital Texts and purchased from Simon and Schuster.

Hamnet link to Folger Edition: PR2753 .M6 2004 copy 2 v.21

Other media

Audio edition

Macbeth Audio Edition from Simon & Schuster available on CD and as an audio download.

CAST
Macbeth	Ian Merrill Peakes
Lady Macbeth	Rachael Holmes
Duncan	Eric Hissom
Macduff	Cody Nickell
Lady Macduff	Karen Peakes
Malcolm	Aubrey Deeker
Banquo	Richard Sheridan Willis
Ross	Chris Genebach
Captain	Louis Butelli
Lennox	Todd Scofield

Other parts were played by members of the cast.

Directed by Robert Richmond.

Original music composed by Jessica Witchger.

In partnership with Simon & Schuster Audio

Audio

Listen to this Folger podcast that offers an introduction to the play via Folger actors and directors.

Video

Hear Barbara Mowat, co-editor of the Folger Shakespeare Library editions, discuss the problems she faced while editing Macbeth.

Listen to Mowat talk about her approach to word choice and spelling issues in the play.

Below, Mowat discusses the different names for the three mysterious beings whose prophecies set the play in motion.

Luminary app

The Folger Luminary Shakespeare App can be purchased on iTunes.

Notes

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