From the director
Michael Attenborough - Wikipedia
Macbeth was written by William Shakespeare between 1603 and 1607. One of the greatest tragedies ever written, the play was based on the true story of Mac Bethad mac Findlaich, King of the Scots in the 11th century.
It is known that Shakespeare wrote Macbeth partially as a celebration of King James, who had just ascended the throne in 1603. King James had a great fascination with witches, and the witches of Macbeth were likely inspired by his interest. In addition, much of the plot of Macbeth is surmised to have been inspired by the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, when a group of English Catholics attempted to assassinate King James of England, as well as King James VI of Scotland.
Shakespeare's most popular play, Macbeth is performed more often than any of his other works. Its first public performance was in 1611 at the Globe Theatre in London. The first actor to play the role was the esteemed Richard Burbage.
Summary from another Macbeth
Cartoon summary of Macbeth
Complete text online
Macbeth movie - YouTube - Jason Connery
Macbeth movie - YouTube - Sam Worthington
Study guides
Macbeth
Macbeth
Study notes
