DESTINY TAKES A DARK TURN

Macbeth, Shakespeare’s tale of ruthless desire set to some of Verdi’s most magnificent music, takes the stage to open Opera Orlando’s season of Destiny + Desire. This all-new production will be led by conductor Mark Sforzini leading the Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra and stage director Matt Haney, both making their Company debuts.

Consumed by the promise of political power and propelled by his ambitious wife, Macbeth, sung by international baritone Norman Garrett, gets caught in a murderous web to claim the throne. A powerful and emotional work, Macbeth is the opera Verdi himself declared to be “unlike any other!” There is no love story here, just a darkly riveting scramble to grab power at any cost.

A pre-show talk, free for all ticket holders, will be held on stage 50 minutes prior to each performance. Opera Orlando Ambassadors receptions will be held before each performance at Dr. Phillips Center.

photography by Ashleigh Ann Gardner

CAST

SOMETHING WICKED THIS WAY COMES

Opera Orlando and Orlando Shakes combine forces to promote their artistic endeavors around one famous title, Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Join hosts Jim Helsinger and Gabriel Preisser as they discuss the play and opera with performances of arias, monologues, scenes, and duets.

Tuesday | October 8 at 6:30 p.m.
Mary Palmer Rehearsal Hall at Plaza Live

MASTERCLASS WITH THE MAESTRO

Conductor Mark Sforzini will discuss Macbeth and work one-on-one with members of the Studio Artists program in a masterclass setting.

Friday | October 11 at 6:30 p.m.
Central Florida Public Media

FREE and open to the public

WHY SHAKESPEARE?

UCF Burnett Honors College Panel Discussion

Explore the timeless relevance of William Shakespeare whose works continue to inspire modern productions, including our upcoming presentation of Macbeth.

Wednesday | October 16 at 12:30 p.m.
UCF Campus

FREE and open to the public

SYNOPSIS

A fantastical medieval Scotland 

ACT I

Generals Macbeth and Banquo meet with a cult of witches who prophesy the future. They address Macbeth as Thane of Cawdor and soon to be King, and tell Banquo that he will be the father of kings. The two men try to learn more, but the witches are interrupted when messengers arrive with news that Duncan, the current King, has indeed made Macbeth Thane of Cawdor. 

At Macbeth’s castle, Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband telling her of the events that have just transpired. She resolves to follow her ambitions, while a servant announces that Duncan will soon arrive at the castle. When Macbeth enters, she tells him that they must kill the king to hasten his ascension to the throne. After having a vision of a dagger he agrees and leaves to murder Duncan. Upon his return, he tells his wife how the act has terrified him, and she chastises him for his lack of courage. They both leave as Banquo enters with Macduff, another general, who has discovered the murder. Macbeth and Lady Macbeth pretend to be horrified and join the others in condemning the horrific loss of Duncan.

ACT II

Macbeth has become King. Duncan’s son, Malcolm, is suspected of having killed his father and has fled to foreign lands. Worried about the prophecy that Banquo’s children will rule, Macbeth and his wife now plan to kill him and his son, Fleance. As Macbeth leaves to prepare the double murder, Lady Macbeth hopes that it will finally secure the throne for them and their lineage.

Outside the castle, assassins wait for Banquo, who appears with his son and is apprehensive of strange forebodings. Banquo is attacked and killed, but Fleance escapes.

Back at the castle, Lady Macbeth welcomes the court to the great hall and sings a drinking song. Meanwhile Macbeth receives news that Banquo is dead and his son has escaped. As Macbeth goes to rejoin the celebration, Macbeth has a terrifying vision of the dead Banquo accusing him. Lady Macbeth is unable to calm her unsettled husband, and the courtiers wonder about the king’s strange behavior. Macduff vows to leave the country, which is now ruled by criminals.

– INTERMISSION – 

ACT III

The witches gather again, anticipating Macbeth’s visit. They summon Hecate and apparitions appear to warn Macbeth to beware of Macduff but assuring him that “...no man of woman born…” can harm him. They also tell him that he will be invincible until Birnam Wood marches on his castle. In another vision, he sees a procession of future kings, followed by Banquo. Horrified, Macbeth collapses. The witches disappear and Lady Macbeth finds him. They resolve to kill Macduff and his family.

ACT IV

In the borderlands, Macduff has joined with refugees and dissenters of Macbeth. He grieves the murder of his wife and children, but Duncan’s son Malcolm arrives with foreign troops to overthrow Macbeth.

Back at the Macbeth castle, Lady Macbeth’s doctor and her Lady in Waiting observe her sleepwalking, wringing her hands, and attempting to clean them of blood. She raves about the deaths of both Duncan and Banquo, descending into madness. At the same time, Macbeth has learned that an army of rebels is advancing against him. He is reassured by the witches’ prophecies, but alone in his throne room, he contemplates the fact that he is hated and feared. He receives the news of the Queen's condition with indifference, and rallies his forces as Birnam Wood does indeed advance towards his castle. 

A battle rages, and Macduff clashes with Macbeth, pursuing him to his death. Triumphant over Macbeth, Macduff turns to Malcolm, hailing him as King. The people sing a hymn to victory, and Malcolm and Macduff vow to restore the realm to greatness.