This week we present the third title under our “Social Order and Leadership” theme: Macbeth. Directed by Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino, this chilling production takes you back to the stark reality of the 11th century, when a murderous king clawed his way to power. It has been praised as “a thrilling terror” (Globe and Mail), “a bold and brutal take on the Scottish King’s tragic tale” (Toronto Star), and “a brilliant, terrifying show” that leaves people “gasping in the dark” (Chicago Tribune). Starring Ian Lake in “a galvanizing performance as an unusually young and sexually magnetic Macbeth” (New York Times) and Krystin Pellerin as “a standout Lady Macbeth … at once adorable yet devious” (Postmedia), this is a production that will haunt your dreams and leave you tingling.

Watch HERE.

PRESHOW WITH IAN LAKE AND KRYSTIN PELLERIN

Thursday, May 7, at 6:30 pm EDT

Antoni Cimolino interviews the film's lead actors about their experience bringing Macbeth to the stage.

MACBETH LIVE VIEWING PARTY

Thursday, May 7, at 7 pm EDT

Surrender to a haunting story of ambition and its dark consequences, as a military hero and his wife conspire to seize the throne of Scotland.

MEET THE FESTIVAL: VIRTUAL ROUNDTABLE

Saturday, May 9, at 10 am EDT

Join members of the cast and creative team as they take your questions during this live Q&A. 

With special guests: Ian Lake, Krystin Pellerin, Thomas Ryder Payne, Michael Blake, Brigit Wilson, Deidre Gillard-Rowlings, Lanise Antoine Shelley. Moderated by David Prosser.

BONUS CONTENT

CREATIVE CONCEPTS

Streaming Free On Demand

Literary and Editorial Director David Prosser interviews director Antoni Cimolino and designer Julie Fox about the creative direction for this production of Macbeth.

WITCHES’ BREW

Streaming Free On Demand

An entertaining visit with the weird sisters in their pandemic kitchens, followed by an interview with Brigit Wilson, Deidre Gillard-Rowlings and Lanise Antoine Shelley, led by Antoni Cimolino.

IN CONVERSATION: STEPHEN GREENBLATT

Streaming Free On Demand

Artistic Director Antoni Cimolino discusses Macbeth with Stephen Greenblatt, one of the world’s most renowned and engaging Shakespeare scholars and author of thirteen books, including Tyrant: Shakespeare on Politics.

IN GOOD COMPANY

Streaming Free On Demand

Geraint Wyn Davies chats with fellow actors Scott Wentworth and Seana McKenna, who played Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in the Festival’s 1995 production of the play.

SOUND DESIGNER’S STORY   

Streaming Free On Demand

Thomas Ryder Payne talks about creating the sound design for this production of Macbeth.

MACBETHS’ APPEAL   

Streaming Free On Demand

The infamous couple (Ian Lake and Krystin Pellerin) appeal to the Supreme Court of Stratford (presided over by the then Chief Justice of Canada, the Right Honourable Beverley McLachlin, joined by her Supreme Court of Canada colleagues Justices Andromache Karakatsanis and Russell Brown), contending that political ambitions have rendered them not criminally responsible for the murder of King Duncan. Expert witness Bob Rae addresses the alleged deleterious effects of political ambition on the workings of the human mind – a novel defence! Famed lawyers Marlys Edwardh and Donald Bayne act as counsel.

IN THE MIND OF THE ARTRIST 

Streaming Free On Demand

A panel discussion considering the artist’s mind and the extraordinary demands of their work: factors that make them both brilliant and often vulnerable to diseases of the psyche. The panel features Dr. David Goldbloom, senior medical advisor at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, and veteran company member Steve Ross in a discussion moderated by the Festival’s former Head of Voice and Coaching, Janine Pearson.

Photo: Ian Lake as Macbeth. © 2016 David Hou.