Macbeth

Poster for "Macbeth" by A Company of Fools, showing dates from July 8th to August 24th. Features an illustration of hands reaching for a dripping crown. Directed by Kate Smith, with set and props by Andrea Steinwand, costumes by Bonnie Garland, and performances by listed actors. Show at 7 PM, suggested donation $20.

July 8th - August 24th, 2024

“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

PRODUCTION PHOTOS

Five women in long dresses stand in a dark forest setting, framed by an arch of intertwined branches. One woman holds a white lily.
Group of women in medieval-style costumes performing a play outdoors, with stone-like backdrop.

Joy Mwandemange, Leanna Williams, Kate McArthur,
Rebecca Russell, Ananya Antony
Photo: JVL Photography

Joy Mwandemange, Kate McArthur, Leanna Williams,
Rebecca Russell, Ananya Antony
Photo: Andrew Alexander Photography

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM

Person with curly black hair smiling, wearing a black top and a gold necklace with a small pendant, against a green background.
Person with brown wavy hair, wearing a black leather jacket and gray shirt, smiling at the camera.
Smiling person with short hair wearing a denim jacket and necklace against a green background.
Person with short curly hair wearing a green jacket and black top against a neutral background.

Leanna Williams
Cast

Kate Smith
Director

Portrait of a young woman with long brown hair, wearing a maroon top, smiling at the camera.
Person with short pink hair wearing glasses and a green sweater, smiling in front of a patterned background.

Bonnie Garland
Costume Designer

Andrea Steinwand
Set & Props Designer

Woman with curly hair wearing a turquoise shirt, smiling, in a seated pose against a gray background.
Portrait of a smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a blue top, resting her chin on her hand.

Erin Eldershaw
Fight Choreographer

Angela Schleihauf
Composer

Smiling person with curly hair in a dark green shirt against a plain background.
Person with brown hair and a green shirt posing for a headshot.

Kate McArthur
Cast

Ananya Antony
Cast

Rebecca Russell
Cast

Joy Mwandemange
Cast

Portrait of a person with a short hairstyle wearing a blue shirt against a purple background.
Person with short brown hair wearing a light blue shirt, looking directly at the camera.

Molly Vanderburgh
Assistant Director

Abigaile Gagnon
Stage Manager