ACT 1
King Duncan is joined by his most trusted advisors, Cawdor, Macbeth, and Banquo, in devising their military strategy against invading armies. Though the group is initially unable to find a solution, they ultimately prevail with a winning idea from an unlikely source – Lady Macbeth. A traitorous Cawdor escorts King Duncan to the site of a would-be ambush only to find the tables have been turned on him. Cawdor’s treason has been revealed and King Duncan condemns him to death.
Enroute to join their forces, Macbeth and Banquo encounter the Three Witches. They predict Macbeth’s ascension to the role of Cawdor and ultimately of King.
All hail Macbeth, that shalt be king hereafter!
When the Witches are immediately proven right, Lady Macbeth’s ambition bubbles over and she convinces her husband to take matters into their own hands by killing King Duncan in order to overtake the throne.
Look like the innocent flower,
But be the serpent under’t.
King Duncan and his daughter, Mal, are honoured guests at Macbeth’s castle as they celebrate Macbeth’s promotion. Lady Macbeth must convince Macbeth to follow through with their plan.
Screw your courage to the sticking place,
and we’ll not fail.
The next day, Mal is reeling from the horrifying discovery of her father’s murder. Convinced by Lady Macbeth that her safety is at risk, Mal flees. Banquo begins to question his friend, as once again the Witches’ predictions come true.