Reimagining Macbeth: Courtney Stewart & Lisa Faálafi on La Boite’s Bold New Adaptation

This production of Macbeth is a reimagining that places the Witches at the centre of the story, allowing their voices to reverberate through the text in an entirely new way. Shakespeare’s tragedy cannot unfold without them—the Witches hold the key to Macbeth’s fate, yet their role often remains in the background. In this version, they are not just catalysts but narrators, conduits to the audience, guiding us through the tragic unravelling of ambition and power. At the heart of this reimagining is the question: what happens when ambition and power collide with the natural world?

In shaping the Witches as embodiments of the Earth’s voice, we have leaned into the environmental undertones that are ever-present in Shakespeare’s original text. The weather, the thunder, the dissonance between human ambition and nature’s fury—these elements are not just theatrical devices; they are essential to the play's core. Our Witches, connected to the rhythms of the Earth, stand as both observers and healers. They remind us of the delicate balance we must maintain with the world around us, and how unchecked ambition wreaks havoc on the planet and its people.

Opening on International Women’s Day carries significant weight, especially given the global struggles many women face today. Reimagining this story through a feminist lens allows us to challenge power structures and reflect the urgent realities we are living through - violence, inequality, and the rollback of rights. Macbeth is a story that resonates beyond time and place—its themes of power and violence are alive today, and through the lens of the Witches, we hope to provoke reflection on how we might shape a different future.

Balancing Shakespeare’s iconic language with the fluidity of dance, movement, and sound has been one of the most rewarding challenges in this process. We wanted each form—whether physical, spoken, or auditory—to coexist in harmony, telling the story in a way that feels both ancient and of the moment. Through this multidisciplinary approach, we connect with the deepest aspects of storytelling—where text and movement both amplify each other, creating a seamless experience for the audience. It’s a return to an ancestral way of weaving stories together.

The Witches, in their role as healers and knowledge keepers, urge us to reflect on the consequences of our own collective ambitions. In a world where the darkest parts of humanity are on display, we hope that by placing the Witches in the foreground, their wisdom and perspective will inspire audiences to reexamine the power structures that continue to shape our lives and our planet.

We could not have brought this vision to life without the support of an incredible team. The work of the cast, designers, and creative collaborators has been nothing short of virtuosic. From the masterful weaving of the set, to the movement that breathes new life into this centuries-old text, this production has been a true collaboration. Our cast, drawn from the local community, has infused this production with personal and cultural significance, creating a space where tradition and innovation meet.

As you experience our re-telling of Macbeth, we invite you to carry with you the sense of interconnectedness that permeates this story. Macbeth’s tale is timeless, and it echoes the struggles of today. Through the Witches’ voices, we urge you to question the cycles of violence and ambition that continue to shape our world and reflect on the balance that must be restored—for the Earth and for all of its people.

With deep gratitude for the collective efforts that made this production possible, we hope this experience leaves you with a renewed sense of connection, a deeper understanding of power, and a call to action.

Lisa and Courtney x

Macbeth runs from 6 to 22 March with its official opening night coinciding with International Women’s Day on Saturday 8 March.