DRAMATURGY NOTE
Shakepeare’s Macbeth has been an iconic tale for over 400 years and continues to hold relevance on the global stage today. Macbeth details the rise of Scottish thane Macbeth to king, and his subsequent descent into tyranny and eventual fall from power that began with three witches and a mysterious prophecy.
Scholars believe that Macbeth was created for King James I of England due to his heavy interest in witchcraft and references to the King’s Scottish background. Macbeth was first performed in 1606, 17 years before it was a published written work, holding its roots and relevance in live theatre for nearly two decades. While the play was originally created in the 1600s, it deals with themes that follow humanity into modern day—the struggle for power and ambition and the moral consequences that follow corruption.
Macbeth has affected much more than the stage, even shaping how we speak English. The phrases “be all and end all” and “at one fell swoop” originally came from Macbeth, as do words such as “harbinger.” With at least 94 film adaptations and countless stage productions, it is clear that for centuries, audiences around the world have enjoyed the tale of Macbeth. We hope that you do too!
— the Dramaturgy Team
SPECIAL THANKS
FHS Administration, FHS Fine Arts Department, FHS Custodial Staff, Cristina Adelman, Colleen Hilliker (Production Photographer), Matt Davis (3D Printer Extraordinaire & Fog Machine Wizard), Kim Gould, Tanya Amme, Ben Pawson, Gina Fink, Sara Enos, James Gould, John Montgomery (TD Understudy), Shane Wickham, John Caniford, Chad Nicolardi, C.T. Mooney, Damla Christo, Costco, Burger IM, Chin Chin Cafe, South Riding Subway, Anita's, Olive Garden, Reston Shirt & Graphic Co, Inc., Minuteman Press Herndon, Freedom Theatre Boosters, Tech Theatre 1 & 2 Class, Parents of the Cast and Crew, The Cast and Crew of The Importance of Being Earnest
