Shakespeare’s Macbeth

  • Directed by Dr Sofie Qwarnström.
  • Duration: approximately 1 hour 20 minutes.
  • Recommended age: 13+.
  • Language: English with French surtitles.

Why Macbeth, and why now?

Macbeth is a man who chooses, under pressure from those around him and his own fantasies, to break the deepest moral laws in order to reach the top.

In an international climate where disinformation reshapes truth, where authoritarianism is justified by force, and where international law becomes fragile, Macbeth speaks with renewed urgency.

About the Production

Macbeth is the timeless mirror of tyranny.

Hoops of Iron’s adaptation is intense, physical, and contemporary. It brings Shakespeare’s tragedy into dialogue with the world we live in now – a world shaped by political violence, manipulation, ambition, and misinformation.

This production highlights the raw power of Shakespeare’s text while making the play accessible to international and French-speaking audiences through French surtitles and strong visual storytelling.

For schools

This production is designed to support teachers before and after the performance.

The play can be explored through literature, English language, philosophy and ethics, civic education, history, psychology, media literacy, and critical thinking.

Before the performance

Teachers may prepare students through preparatory debates, relationship mapping, historical research, and language work based on famous Shakespearean expressions, key vocabulary, and selected listening extracts.

After the performance

  • Scene analysis
  • Theatre criticism
  • Debate around Macbeth’s responsibility
  • Discussion with the actors and creative team
  • Reflection on the production’s staging choices
  • Links between the play and contemporary society

Learning objectives

Identify the characteristics of Shakespearean tragedy

Analyse the motivations of a complex character

Connect a classic work to contemporary issues

Develop a critical reading of speeches about power

Use theatre as a tool for interpretation and reflection

Discuss moral responsibility, manipulation, ambition, and political violence

Teacher Resources

  • Act-by-act summary
  • Character presentation
  • Shakespeare timeline and historical context
  • Bilingual glossary English/French
  • Key quotes and analysis prompts
  • Major themes of the play
  • Preparation and follow-up activities
  • Bibliography and additional resources

Technical and booking information

The production is adaptable to theatres, schools, universities, and cultural venues.

Suitable venues include theatres from 100 to 500 seats, schools and universities, cultural centres, international spaces, and educational or intercultural venues.

Technical requirements include standard lighting and sound equipment, plus a projector for French surtitles.

For booking information, technical details, or educational resources, please contact Hoops of Iron.

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