Macbeth

By William Shakespeare, adapted by Danielle Rosvally
Directed by Danielle Rosvally

In the spring of 2026, three college students in the United States are struggling. With mounting discourse and legislative action from politicians putting their identities, their communities, and their safety in jeopardy, they turn to a hobby to help themselves escape: Dungeons & Dragons (D&D). These three “witches” and their Dungeon Master (Hecate) use role-playing games as a way to process living in a world that is hostile to them, and to fantasize about what a better world might look like. In UB’s production, Shakespeare’s parable about ambition and power is brought into direct conversation with contemporary politics and the ideological fight to belong faced by Americans whose identities remain marginalized. In Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth is driven mad by his lust for power and control, and mounting violence eventually leads Macbeth’s Scotland to a bloody civil war. Accordingly, Macbeth asks us to consider what qualities a good leader needs, how leaders can have healthy relationships to the power they wield, and the importance of protecting a nation from greed and corruption.

Content Advisory: Macbeth contains graphic depictions of murder and violence, including war and infanticide.

*The general public is welcome to attend the morning program. Tickets may be purchased online or in person at the Box Office. Schools and senior centers may purchase discounted group tickets for $8 each by contacting: rjf3@buffalo.edu. Backstage tours for groups are available upon request.

The UB Theatre and Dance 2025-2026 season is sponsored in part by Fox Run at Orchard Park, celebrating its seventh year in support of the department.