Invictus Theatre Company’s ‘Macbeth’ Is A Tragedy With Passion

Macbeth is the classic Shakespeare play about what happens when ambition goes too far. With an excellent new production at the Invictus Theatre Company, it’s time to revisit these three witches.

There aren’t many pieces of literature that are as prevalent in society as Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Whether you read the play in school, have heard the lore of never saying “Macbeth” in a theater (it’s called the Scottish play), or know the Hamilton soundtrack by heart (“They think me Macbeth, ambition is my folly…”), it’s familiar. But do you really know Macbeth?

Macbeth is the story of Macbeth, a Scottish thane (a nobleman) who serves the king. When he and his friend Banquo happen upon three witches, they tell him that he is destined to be king, after which, Banquo’s descendants will take over. While Macbeth decides to wait for everything to happen naturally, Lady Macbeth, his wife, manipulates him into killing the king so that he may ascend more quickly.

When the king’s son, Malcolm (the rightful heir), escapes while fearing for his life, Macbeth takes the throne. After hearing from the witches a confirmation that Banquo’s heirs will indeed be royalty, Macbeth commits to killing Banquo’s children, all while both Macbeth and his wife are being driven to madness. He also learns that Macduff has been aiding the king’s son in a possible revolt and kills Macduff’s wife and children. In the end, the ultimate battle for the throne ensues.

The new production of Macbeth at the Invictus Theatre Company is beautiful. With incredible lighting, costumes, and scenery, it is clear that director Sarafina Vecchio had a vision for what she wanted and she made it come to fruition with the help of a talented team.

The preshow begins with the three witches, clad in tie-dyed frocks, painting and petting each other while making noises reminiscent of a click language combined with shrieks and whines. This all takes place as the audience is taking their seats, but the witches are never far away. Throughout the show, when the witches are not on stage, they can be seen hovering at various locations near the audience seats. It is clear that their prophecies are not just made, but hang over the entire show.

The cast is very talented and invested. Mikha’el Amin’s Macbeth is passionate and tormented, Michael B. Woods’ MacDuff is pained and fierce, Michaela Shapiro’s bit parts are engaging and memorable, and the three witches (Julia Rowley, Christy Arington, and Tessa Dougherty) are fascinating and creepy.

Carolyn Kruse’s Lady Macbeth is a stand-out. Calculated, seductive, and captivating, Ms. Kruse is everything you would want from this part. An unintentional scene stealer, you can’t help but watch her when she is on the stage.

The costumes and forest sets help to create the world. As Macbeth sits at his stone table with his wife and guests surrounded by trees or wears a purple body wrap over his black shirt to signify royalty; as Lady Macbeth enters in her blood red dress early in the show to foreshadow her downward spiral near her end; as the witches wear layer upon layer of muted, but colorful clothing, dirt and paint on their faces, and unkempt hair all around – we feel the world that we are supposed to be a part of.

The stage lighting is stellar, with many moments of changing the mood, the time of day, or the general ambiance. A few of my favorites are the red glow on Lady Macbeth’s face as she waits for her husband and Macbeth’s face disappearing into orange light during his monologue.

This production of Macbeth is incredibly enjoyable. With great actors, lights, and scenery, be sure to see this classic play in the way it was meant to be done at the Invictus Theatre Company.

Macbeth runs for 2 hours 30 minutes including a 15-minute intermission. There are many deaths in this production, but nothing overly gory or upsetting. I would give this an age rating of 14 and up.

Invictus Theatre Company Macbeth Chicago Review – Macbeth is playing at Invictus Theatre Company through 12/15/2024. Tickets can be purchased on the Invictus Theatre Company website. Invictus Theatre Company is located at 3014 W Irving Park Road in Chicago.