Macbeth

Macbeth is a classic tragedy play that was written by William Shakespeare. It is the shortest of his tragedy plays. Shakespeare is believed to have written this play sometime between the years 1603 and 1606.http://library.thinkquest.org/2888/MacBeth tells the story of a lust for power that makes MacBeth's wife, Lady Macbeth, drive her husband to murder his king, in an attempt to gain the throne of Scotland.http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plots/macbethps.html<ref>

After MacBeth commits murder, he speculates that the blood of his victim (his king) will never wash off of his hands. This speculation is usually interpreted figuratively to mean that MacBeth will never rid himself of the guilt that he feels for taking another human life for his own selfish gain.<ref>http://www.shakespeare-online.com/plots/macbethps.html

Many actors believe that this play is cursed. They believe some terrible wrong will come to them if they are associated with the play in any way. Some of these actors will not say the title out loud. Instead, they call MacBeth "The Scottish Play" and they call the main character "Mackers". It is considered bad luck for anyone to say the word "Macbeth" backstage at any theater.http://www.broadway.tv/broadway-features-reviews/The-Broadway-Curses-Of-Macbeth

MacBeth has been adapted for film, television and the operatic stage. Orson Welles created a film version in 1948http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0040558/and Trevor Nunn's 1979 television version featured Royal Shakespeare Company members Ian McKellen and Judi Dench.http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079499/

The play begins with three witches chanting about bubbles, toils and troubles. They predict something evil will happen and, later, tell MacBeth that he will become King of Scotland. MacBeth tells his wife, Lady MacBeth, about the encounter. Lady MacBeth bullies her husband into murdering King Duncan so that MacBeth can become King of Scotland all the sooner.http://www.sparknotes.com/shakespeare/macbeth/summary.html

• Macbeth-the main character, a Scottish noble who wishes to be king
• Lady Macbeth-Macbeth's wife
• Duncan-the current king of Scotland
• Malcolm-the prince, Duncan's oldest son and successor
• Donalbain-Duncan's younger son
• Banquo-Macbeth's friend and a commander in Duncan's army
• Fleance-Banquo's son
• Macduff-the Thane of Fife

• Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.

• 1914: When Macbeth Came to Snakeville (Silent) (Comedy Short)

• 1955: Joe MacBeth

• 1991: Men of Respect

• 2001: Scotland, Pa.

• 2001: The Real Macbeth (TV)

• 2004: Shakespeare 4 Kidz: Macbeth (V)

• 2005: Dogg's Hamlet, Cahoot's Macbeth

• 2005: Macbeth 3000: This Time, It's Personal

• 2006: Lady Macbeth

• 2007: Never Say Macbeth

• 2008: MacBett (The Carribean Macbeth)

• Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.

• 1908: Macbeth (Silent)

• 1946: Macbeth First Sound Production

• 1948: Macbeth (Orson Welles) (Roddy McDowall)

• 1961: Macbeth (TV) (Sean Connery) (Telly Savalas)

• 1971: The Tragedy of Macbeth (Roman Polanski)

• 1979: Macbeth (TV) (Ian McKellen) (Judi Dench)

• 1981: Macbeth (V) (Piper Laurie)

• 1982: Macbeth (TV) (Kelsey Grammer)

• 1997: Macbeth

• 2001: Macbeth (TV) Recording of 1999 RSC Stage Performance

• 2006: Macbeth