Plot Synopsis

 

Act I

Macbeth is a rising star in the cut and thrust world of politics, destined for high office. His ambitions are supercharged by a demonic trio of Influencers, who convince him he’ll one day achieve absolute power, while his close ally Banquo’s descendants will rule after him.

Basking in the glory of winning party leadership, Macbeth is shocked when Duncan, the president, chooses his own son Malcolm to succeed him. But Lady Macbeth, steely in her hunger for power, convinces her husband that by killing Duncan and blaming Malcolm for the murder, he can snatch the ultimate prize.

The couple host Duncan and his children at a dinner celebration, and together they administer poison to the president. Duncan’s violent death and Lady Macbeth’s false accusation prompt Malcolm and his sibling Donalbain to flee for their lives, while Duncan’s close ally Macduff, suspecting the couple of foul play, escapes to seek support elsewhere.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth try to wash away the bloody signs of their crime, before Macbeth assumes total power over the nation.

 

Act II

Macbeth is installed as president, but his fear that Banquo’s descendants will oust him spurs the decision to have Banquo murdered, along with Banquo’s son, Fleance. Macbeth hires assassins, who kill Banquo in a pool-room brawl, but Fleance escapes.

Macbeth and Lady Macbeth host an extravagant banquet in their own honour, but the bloodied ghost of Banquo suddenly appears and confronts a horrified Macbeth. Lady Macbeth struggles to restore him to sanity, but finally in despair drives the bewildered guests away. Alone together, Macbeth and Lady Macbeth confront the wreckage of their dreams.

Appalled by the lawlessness and violence of Macbeth’s regime, his former allies turn on him. Determined to know more about his destiny, Macbeth returns to the Influencers, who reassure him he cannot be defeated by any but Macduff. Reckless and paranoid, Macbeth orders the death of Macduff’s family as a warning to the rebel, and in so doing creates his nemesis in the grieving Macduff.

Tormented by guilt, Lady Macbeth takes her own life. Malcolm’s supporters gather as Macbeth prepares to confront his enemies. Believing himself indestructible, he is stunned to meet Macduff who will, he knows, fulfil the final prophecy. Macbeth rises to face his foe and bring to an end his own suffering, along with his brutal regime, leaving the innocent child, Fleance, with the final word.