With ABA Productions’ “Macbeth by William Shakespeare” running from 21 to 24 Nov at Singapore’s Victoria Theatre, it got us here at Catch thinking: does a modern twist on this centuries-old masterpiece invalidate Shakespeare’s work? Or does it still hold relevance today?
Hex appeal: Watch Macbeth’s twisted ambition come to life at the Victoria Theatre Singapore
20 November 2024
By Larissa Santhana Nair
Event Details
21 Nov 2024 (Thu) - 24 Nov 2024 (Sun)
Victoria Theatre
Of course there are the evergreen fun facts: like did you know that the trio of mean girls trope allegedly originated from the “Three Witches”? Also another favourite: saying "Macbeth" is thought to be a curse because real witches hexed the play on its opening night, protesting Shakespeare’s use of incantations.
As someone who spent much of Secondary Two poring over "Macbeth", I was surprised to discover how misunderstood it often is. Whenever someone mentions Macbeth, I’m reminded of the line that resonates most: “Fair is foul, and foul is fair.” Spoken by the “Three Witches” in the opening scene, it sets the stage for the moral ambiguity that permeates the play.
THE PLOT AND FATE OF MACBETH
Set in the 11th Century in Scotland, three witches prophesy that Macbeth, a loyal Scottish general, will become king one day. Driven by ambition and spurred on by his wife, Lady Macbeth, he murders King Duncan and ascends the throne – fulfilling the prophecy. However, guilt and paranoia consume him and he starts hallucinating, leading him to kill his friend Banquo and others to secure his power and eradicate any threats to his rule.
Macbeth's tyranny causes unrest, and nobleman Macduff leads a rebellion. Lady Macbeth, plagued by guilt, spirals into madness, leaving Macbeth to grieve before his final battle with Macduff. In this climactic fight, Macduff kills Macbeth, fulfilling the witches' prophecy that Macbeth would fall to a man not born of a woman (Macduff was delivered by C-section).
The rightful heir, Malcolm, ascends the throne, restoring order. "Macbeth" explores themes of ambition, fate, and the moral consequences of unchecked power, portraying the tragic downfall of a man corrupted by his desires.
THE RIGHT PERSON IN POWER
Shakespeare meticulously researched to accurately present political history while avoiding offence to King James I, an avid supporter of Shakespeare’s work and a supposed descendant of Banquo.
“Macbeth” can be seen as social commentary on England at the time, reflecting tensions and power struggles after Elizabeth I’s death left the throne to James I. Shakespeare presented the importance of having a strong monarch in power through a monarch’s ability to maintain social order and avoid civil unrest. While Macduff’s authority remained because he was regarded as one of the people, Macbeth’s rule was continuously questioned as his subjects realised his unhealthy attachment to power.
Shakespeare’s play highlights the consequence of unchecked ambition among those in power. These themes of ambition and conflict remain relevant today, making Macbeth a timeless classic that endures in modern day classrooms and beyond.
AMBITION AND ITS MANIFESTATIONS
The central theme of "Macbeth" is ambition and its ripple effects when untethered from morality and conscience. At the start of the play, we see Macbeth as a courageous and honourable Scottish general who is not naturally inclined to wrongdoing. However, under Lady Macbeth’s influence, he murders King Duncan and is overwhelmed with guilt.
This act is often interpreted to depict women as cunning and ruthless, although Lady Macbeth’s achievements feel undeserved, borne from manipulation rather than merit. As the play suggests, once violence is used to gain power, it becomes difficult to stop. There are always potential threats to power — such as Banquo and Macduff in this case—and it is always tempting for further violence.
In contrast, Macduff’s ambition is rooted in defending and safeguarding his country from the tyranny of Macbeth’s kingship, making his pursuit noble and selfless. His loyalty to his country is also clearly outlined in the play, and this source of ambition is different from Macbeth’s solely because it isn’t self-serving or harmful to the people around. Ambition remains a timeless theme as it continually evolves, driven by ever-expanding markers of wealth and success.
WE CANNOT BE A MACBETH IN TODAY’S WORLD
Amidst global turmoil and power manipulation, we must embody the integrity of Macduff and Banquo in a world of Macbeths. Banquo, who is Macbeth’s friend, had a similar strive for ambition and even started on the same path as he asked for a prophecy from the Three Witches. However, unlike Macbeth, he resisted actualizing his ambition through foul means, even declaring, “Retain in me the cursed thoughts that nature gives way to in repose".
Banquo understood that quicksand pull of giving in to ambition in its varying degrees and the repercussions it reaps against others and one’s morality – and even recognised that the Witches’ prophecy was the driving force to the evil deeds that Macbeth committed.
And in today’s world, this can be seen through social media and the ongoing narrative promoting more consumption or a luxurious lifestyle. Banquo, in contrast to Macbeth, also understood that the reward of his work will be experienced by his son in due time and there was no need to hasten that process.
"Macbeth" teaches us the importance of securing our identity and trusting in our ability to create success through moral and ethical means. It’s a reminder to strive for greatness without sacrificing our integrity.
Image credits: ABA Productions
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