The Crowned Machiavellian: The Tragic Tale of Macbeth

The story begins with General Macbeth of Scotland, in his mid-sixties, living out the rest of his days in relative contentment. He is aware of the whispers surrounding him, but is not bothered by the legends of his younger, wilder days as a leader of men unleashed upon enemy nations upon the orders of the King of Scotland. But then one fateful day, three witches tell Macbeth in broad terms that he will be crowned King of Scotland. Unsure how to take the ‘prophecy’, Macbeth dismisses it until one of his men turns up, breathless, to tell the aging general that a plot had been uncovered to overthrow him. With his primal warrior instincts stirred, Macbeth begins to seriously think about what the witches had said. His hesitance gives way when his wife, Lady Macbeth, insightfully piecing together the words uttered by the witches, encourages him to take matters into his own hands. She suggests murdering the current King, Duncan, which Macbeth reluctantly agrees too.

The night before the planned assassination, Macbeth confides in another warrior, Winston (an LGBTQIA diverse character), about what he is about to do. Winston argues passionately against Macbeth’s plan until - out of patience and firmly decided on the course of action - Macbeth commands him to take his painful warnings and keep his mouth shut or perish the consequences. Macbeth’s words seem like a cold dismissal to Winston, until Macbeth follows with a whisper of desperation he admires and respects Winston and his counsel, but due to the forces conspiring against him, he must act now. This moment of humanity gives an atmospheric cloud of presence to the story and Winston, understanding the complex situation, drops his protests, holds his speech and says only, “God save Scotland.”

The next night, Macbeth and his closest lieutenants go on to carry out the plan to overthrow king Duncan and take the throne. Against all odds and the objections of some of Duncan’s trusted allies, Macbeth succeeds and is crowned King of Scotland. But insecurity quickly set in as Macbeth begins suspecting betrayal – colored by paranoia and years of warring – from wilder, hunting England, from cunning, ambitious chiefs. God-fearing folks of Scotland, who were overcome with grief and anger at the thought of their God appointed leader Duncan, are slowly infiltrated by the intoxicating idea of revenge, while Macbeth’s memory of resistance lingers Winston’s fierce objection that fateful night. Therefore, with Lady Macbeth’s encouragement, Macbeth feels he must eliminate anyone who threatens to rebell against him. Soldiers and spies alike fall victim to Macbeth’s insidious efforts as he ruthlessly employs whatever means necessary to protect his own.

The forces of revolt, whether they began because of Macbeth himself or from a fraction of those around the crown, amass a unified and passionate resistance led by none other than Winston. Winston, with Thomas and Connan, both descendants of great clans, mount an insurrection. A ferocious battle ensues, soon leading to Macbeth’s demise and Winston declaring triumphantly that the oppressive rule of Macbeth is over. As Macbeth escapes with his surviving forces, Winston, Thomas and Connan mourn for the lives lost in the battle and also for the ones more permanently affected by Macbeth’s reign. The characters pause to reflect on the intensity of the unfolding events, but eventually push forward in their resolute mission to right the wrongs of the past and restore their home country. THE