One actor plays Macbeth, his victim, AND his killer? The chaos is intentional.
A Bochum Schauspielhaus production. In ancient Scotland, after a victorious war, Macbeth and Banquo return home. Macbeth’s name is celebrated for his prowess in battle, and witches predict he will become king. Driven by ambition and his wife’s encouragement, Macbeth kills the king, his friends, and their families to seize power. Despite achieving the prophecy, he and his wife are overwhelmed by guilt. The second part of the prophecy will also come true, leaving Macbeth isolated and seeking liberation.
Acting
Jens Harzer juggling Macbeth, Duncan, AND Malcolm? Absurdly committed.
Direction
Simons strips Shakespeare to bones and dares you to watch.
Production
Ancient Scotland via Bochum — deliberately wrong, deliberately raw.
Director
Johan Simons
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Simons' casting collapse — actors as witches AND all roles — forces you to see Macbeth as a fever dream of interchangeable violence.
Bochum's 2024 Macbeth premiered with audiences walking out during the cross-cast banquet scene — Simons reportedly called it 'the correct response.'
DE
