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Macbeth
CAST. Actors will be considered for possible replacements if needed. L30’s – E40’s. A brave soldier, married to Lady Macbeth, his ambition begins to run wild after hearing a prophecy by three witches that he will be made King. Impetuous, passionate, susceptible to dreams of power and glory, he puts aside all morals in order to fulfill his ambitions. Deeply in love and connected to his wife, with whom he plots the murders of all who stand between himself and the crown.
Lady Macbeth
L20’s – E40’s. Macbeth’s wife, poised, well bred, fiercely intelligent, ultimately a deeply ambitious woman who wants position and power, but later falls victim to guilt and madness over her complicity in plotting the murders of Duncan, Banquo and others. Deeply in love and passionately connected to her husband.
The Three Witches
30s-60s. May all be played by men or possibly 2 men and 1 woman. Three very powerful, otherworldly and androgynous creatures who prophesize that Macbeth will be king, setting into motion the plot of the play. They can cast spells and influence people and events. They are not completely human, but may often may take on the specific characteristics of humans. They are neither male nor female, so the actors playing them must be able to sublimate their gender in some way or another. They appear throughout the play as witches and as other characters, observing the action and exerting their powers. Blended with some of smaller parts, which they subsume, they are (along with Hecate) major players in the drama.
Hecate
Female. 30’s – 60’s. A powerful presence, a star turn, a mysterious figure woven throughout the play, she controls the witches and orchestrates many of the events of the play. Vivid, compelling, undeniable.
Macduff
30’s – 40’s. Powerful, vital soldier, who mistrusts Macbeth and his rise to the throne, even before Macbeth arranges the murder of Macduff’s wife and child. A formidable and worthy opponent, he leads the movement to remove Macbeth from the throne, in order to avenge the death of his family and to put the rightful heir on the throne. Athletic and fierce. In every way the ultimate protagonist.
Banquo
E30’s – E40’s. Another brave soldier, friend to Macbeth’s, he is with Macbeth when the witches make their fateful prophecy that Macbeth will be King and that his (Banquo’s) heirs will be kings. Unlike Macbeth, Banquo does not succumb to the temptation to engineer these prophecies. His character is a stark contrast to Macbeth’s in that he chooses the path Macbeth does not: a path in which ambition does not lead to betrayal and murder. After Banquo is murdered by Macbeth’s henchmen, he returns as a ghost to rebuke Macbeth for his actions. Straightforward, clear, uncomplicated, upstanding.
Duncan
60’s. The King who is brutally murdered by Macbeth..A strong and just ruler and a figure of indisputable authority. Generous with praise for Macbeth and Banquo, who have fought bravely for him.
Malcolm
E20’s. The Eldest son of Duncan and heir to the throne, we need to be able to see him initially as an attractive and somewhat inexperienced young man, with a reserved air of mystery about him. However, we need to believe him when he says he’s debauched and also believe him when he says he’s a virgin. Eventually, he ascends to the throne and should seem like he belongs there. A sensitive, young leading man of great potential and star quality.
Lady Macduff
Late 20s – Late 30s. Macduff’s wife and mother their young son. Warm, poised, lovely, loves her son, with whom she has a great rapport. Our hearts should ache to see her murdered.
Macduff’s Son:
8 -11 (the younger looking the better) Son to the Macduff’s, a bright, articulate boy, clever, sweet, feisty.
Fleance
To play12-15. Banquo’s son, who survives Macbeth’s attempt to murder him
Ross
30’s. A nobleman, serves Duncan and later Macbeth, because he must, but comes to understand Macbeth’s moral corruption. In the meantime, serves as a kind of consigliere, often bearing difficult news. Subsequently joins with Macduff and Malcolm to remove Macbeth from the throne.
Lennox
L20’s – 30’s. A nobleman, serves Duncan. Of good breeding with an essential goodness and an innocent, sweet quality.
Two Murderers
20’s – 40’s. Dangerous, volatile, a terrifying pair of criminals conscripted by Macbeth to murder Banquo, Fleance (whom they fail to kill), and Macduff’s wife and children.
Porter
L40’s – 60’s. A strange presence. A drinker, he’s a caretaker at Macbeth’s castle who must answer the door in the middle of the night. Will double as one of the witches.
Donalbain
(E20’s) Duncan’s son and Malcolm’s younger brother. Strong, Athletic, attractive.
Old Man
60’s+. An old man who discusses the ominous happenings of the past days with Ross.
Doctor
40’s-50’s. A doctor who observes Lady Macbeth’s strange behavior and is disturbed by what he sees.
Waiting Gentlewoman
any age. Attends Lady Macbeth and is deeply worried about her strange and erratic behavior.
Siward
L40’s – 50’s. A powerful warrior who leads his army in alliance with Malcolm and Macduff against Macbeth. Large, fearsome, gruff.
Young Siward
E20’s, athletic, solid as a rock and a born leader. Great fighter who fights Macbeth.
Seyton
E-M 20’s, serves Macbeth, he’s torn, as he must remain loyal to Macbeth, but sees his corrupt motives. Smart, intuitive, not a natural fighter, but not a wimp.
Performers of all ethnic and racial backgrounds are encouraged to attend.
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