Keith Tomasek, May 25, 2025

Power, loyalty, blood, and brotherhood. In Robert Lepage’s electrifying new vision of “Macbeth” at the Stratford Festival the medieval world of kings and thanes is transposed onto the shadowy realm of outlaw motorcycle gangs. Here, ambition burns on two wheels and the tragic arc unfolds in a world where the line between justice and law is blurred.

Graham Abbey as Banquo, Tom McCamus as Macbeth, Lucy Peacock as Lady Macbeth. Photo: David Hou Scroll down for a first look at more photos from the production.

Writing in the Stratford Festival’s program Lepage argues that directors working on “Macbeth” “should not try to ‘modernize’ it but rather choose a context in which contemporary audiences can better grasp the twists and turns of the intrigue and the psychological complexities of the characters.”

Tom Rooney, André Sills, Austin Eckert, with members of the company. Photo: David Hou 

Lepage’s reimagining finds unexpected kinship between Shakespeare’s medieval power structures and the modern-day outlaw code. Bikers seem to be ruled by medieval systems of hierarchy and rank, with codes of conduct and honour. “It is a patriarchal system of governance where members show respect and loyalty to their leaders” writes Lepage.

André Sills, Emilio Vieira. Photo: David Hou 

In this world, camaraderie coexists with brutality.

Austin Eckert. Photo: David Hou 
 

Lucy Peacock. Photo: David Hou. Is it possible biker gangs are populated by some good-hearted people who have simply chosen a different, adventurous way of life? This production of Lepage’s “Macbeth” at the Stratford Festival asks that question, with Lepage noting that while some might be good-hearted “some are also highly skilled when it comes to murdering, drug dealing, arms trafficking as well as countless other illicit activities. And, of course, it is often a world of toxic masculinity where violent acts are normal rites of passage.”

Tom Rooney, Tom McCamus. Photo: David Hou. Macbeth’s ruthless ambition appears to be eerily familiar in this unique setting. Much like Lepage’s 2018 production of “Coriolanus” tickets to this ambitious production will sell fast, so book yours early to avoid disappointment.

Check out this story, by Kate Croome, about the Lepage’s “Coriolanus”: Shakespeare’s ‘Coriolanus’ and Robert Lepage’s ethical fumbles

DETAILS DETAILS
Macbeth
Through Nov. 2
Avon Theatre
99 Downie St, Stratford
Book Online: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/WhatsOn/PlaysAndEvents/Production/Macbeth#ScheduleTickets
Call the box office: 1 800-567-1600