Macbeth

“By the pricking of my thumbs, something Foolish this way comes …”

Director’s Note
Welcome to a Company of Fools’ 2024 Torchlight production of Macbeth! As the company celebrates its 34th anniversary this year, there are many new and exciting things happening! First, can you believe that this is the first time the Fools are performing Macbeth? Also new: me! It is my honour to take on the role of the company’s new Artistic Director (AKA The Big Fool). I have been involved with the Fools since 2008 and am thrilled to take over the leadership of this storied and beloved company that provides such a vital contribution to Ottawa’s cultural landscape. We continue in the tradition of bringing innovative, entertaining, and accessible theatre to parks across the city.

Back to Macbeth: It’s 1606 and King James VI of Scotland and I of England and Ireland has recently ascended to the throne of England, replacing the long-reigning Queen Elizabeth I. He immediately institutes The Witchcraft Act (the guy is terrified of witches), which sparks the hunting of women in Scotland for centuries to come. This in no small way inspired Shakespeare to write Macbeth. We were curious: who were these women, and what were their “crimes?” In our production, we conjure the spirits of these ordinary women, forced to endure acts of cruelty inflicted on them by men in positions of power who feared their bodies, intellect, and power.

Our Witches gather at an ancient site of a long-forgotten ruin for a ritual telling of the story of the doomed tyrant Macbeth. Convening with other witches from near and far (that’s you, by the way!), they perform the play as both a warning and an act of defiance. Their performance cautions us against blindly following those in power or risk facing dire consequences.

We are grateful for the milk of human kindness of our audience and donors, and encourage you to give generously to help us continue to bring live theatre to the many diverse communities across our city. So settle in with your coven, cuddle up to your familiar, grab your broomstick and get ready: something wicked this way comes…

Kate Smith
Artistic Director