Macbeth (opera)

Macbeth [1] is an opera in four acts by Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi (1813-1901) [2] based on William Shakespeare's play of the same name. First performed in Florence, Italy in 1847.

The original text

Verdi's opera is based on the stage play Macbeth (full title The Tragedy of Macbeth) by William Shakepeare.

Translations and adaptations

The opera was adapted into an African setting by Brett Bailey in 2014. "Shakespeare's story of ambition, treachery and witchcraft is set in the Great Lakes region of Central Africa, amongst the wars and ruthless exploitation that tear this invisible corner of the world apart." (Programme note at premiere production)

Performance history in South Africa

2014: The premiere production of Brett Bailey's African adaptation was staged by Third World Bunfight at the Artscape in Cape Town, designed and directed by Bailey, with a cast of ten black South African opera singers, including Owen Metsileng (Macbeth), Nobulumko Mngxekeza (Lady Macbeth) and Otto Maidi (Banquo) and twelve South African musicians. Verdi's music was arranged for the African setting by Fabrizio Cassol and conducted by Premil Petrovic. Choreography by Natalie Fisher. The same production was subsequently staged in various countries across Western Europe. In 2015 it was staged in Australia, New Zealand, South America and Europe.