Name: Macbeth 2024
Start: 2024-07-18T19:30:00
End: 2024-11-23T19:30:00
Location: Blackfriars Playhouse

July 18, 2024 – November 23, 2024

“By the pricking of my thumbs, something wicked this way comes.” – ACt 4, SCene 1

Step into an ominous world of witches, warfare, murder, and madness this season at the Blackfriars Playhouse with Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a relentless examination of the darkest depths of the human condition. This twisted tale begins with a supernatural prophecy that sets in motion a bloody course of events for Macbeth and his Lady as they descend into treachery and turmoil. Fueled by their own ambition and encouraged by haunting visitations from three otherworldly figures, the Macbeths cling desperately to their ill-gotten throne, and their sanity, as battle looms and they must face the tragic consequences of their tyranny and betrayal.

Secure your tickets now for this unflinching portrayal of ambition’s destructive path, directed by José Zayas–a gripping experience that will leave you haunted by the gruesome echoes of Macbeth’s undoing.

“Director José Zayas has created a Macbeth for our moment at the American Shakespeare Center, and for all its spectacle and poetry, its heart is as gritty and grimy as a tale of regicide, and ghostly revenge, can be.” – Andrew Walker White, DC Theater Arts

Read the Full Review

Run time: 2 hours, including one 15-minute intermission

Age requirement: 7 and up (read full policies here)

Read more about our Staging Conditions and Casting Practices here.

Happy Friday the 13th! Use code FREAKYFRIDAY13 at online checkout for $13 off Diamond and Platinum tier seats (pink and teal on our seating chart) for any upcoming performance of Macbeth.

FINE PRINT: Flash sale is only valid until 11:59 p.m. ET on Monday, September 16. The sale is not valid for orders that have already been placed, so please double-check the code has been applied correctly before processing payment. Contact tickets@americanshakespearecenter.com with questions.

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Stuff That Happens

Three “weïrd sisters” plan to meet with Macbeth.
Macbeth (Thane of Glamis) and his friend Banquo are victorious in battle against Norway and the Scottish rebels. When Duncan (King of Scotland) receives this news, he orders the execution of one of the rebels, the Thane of Cawdor.
Macbeth and Banquo encounter the weïrd sisters, who predict that Macbeth will be pronounced Thane of Cawdor, then King; and that Banquo’s children will be kings.
News arrives that the first prophecy has come true: King Duncan has named Macbeth the new Thane of Cawdor.
Duncan names his son Malcolm heir to the throne and invites himself to Macbeth’s castle.
At Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth reads a letter from Macbeth telling her about the weïrd sisters’ prophecies. Macbeth arrives, and she urges him to take the throne.
Macbeth agrees to the “deed,” and kills Duncan in his sleep. Lady Macbeth frames the King’s guards by putting the bloody daggers in their hands while they sleep.
Macduff discovers the murdered King in the morning, and Macbeth kills the guards out of “violent love” for the dead King.
Malcolm flees to England, fearing he will be blamed for Duncan’s murder.
Macbeth becomes King and orders the murders of Banquo and his son, Fleance. Banquo is killed, but Fleance escapes.
Banquo’s ghost appears, but only Macbeth can see him. Macbeth revisits the weïrd sisters.
The weïrd sisters use their magic to conjure apparitions who assure Macbeth that he cannot be defeated by anyone “of woman born” or vanquished until the Birnam Forest itself attacks him at his castle on Dunsinane hill.
Ross reveals that Macduff has fled to England. In response to this perceived treason, Macbeth orders the death of Macduff’s family.
Macduff joins Malcolm’s army in England. Ross reports the savage murder of Macduff’s family, and Macduff swears to kill Macbeth.
Violence and death ensue…