Act I, Scene 1
Setting: The setting of this scene is outside in a very isolated or private area. It's outside due to the thunder and lightning in the background (which occurs numerous times throughout the play).
Background: There isn't much of a background prior to this scene, other than basic knowledge on witch craft. During the Elizabethan era it was thought that witches were the cause of random, horrendous
events. Also no one trusted these mysterious people (usually ladies) and "witch hunting" was an event that took place at the time.
Characterization: For this particular scene the actors should be familiar with the appearance and behaviour of the witches. Often they were gruesome or manly looking, and very uncomfortable to be around due to their capabilities and powers.
Act II, Scene 1
Setting: The setting in act 2, scene 1 takes place late at night after everyone has gone to bed in Macbeth's house. Apparently the moon has set according to Fleance.
Background: The background needed to fully understand this scene is how lack of sleep during the Elizabethan era was frowned upon. At this time, lack of sleep was a signal that someone is not in their right mind, and they may be stressed or going insane.
Characterization: For the role of Macbeth it is important that the actor is aware that Macbeth is going crazy and that he is hallucinating. Also the ambition he has to kill Duncan has him excited. The actor for Banquo would have to know that his deprived sleep is from the fear of what the witches said, and how Macbeth is interpreting it.
Act III, Scene 3
Setting: Prior to sunset, on a route that Banqou often uses to walk to the palace.
Background: In order for the actors to be successful in this scene, it is important that they're dramatic during the murder and killing scenes. During this time period it was key that violence and murder was a big component of the play, using only the best props and actors must be at their best.
Characterization: Actors who are playing the role of Banquo must put forth his best effort and create a realistic death, while slowing muttering his last words to Fleance to leave the scene. Once again it is important that all killing is realistic as possible to please the crowd otherwise food will be thrown at them.
Act IV, Scene 2
Setting: The scene takes place at Macduff's house, after Lady Macduff has learned that Macduff has fled.
Background: The background needed for this scene is just the role of the female in a marriage during the Elizabethan era. The husband was relied on a lot at this time, and Lady Macduff is having a very hard time being realistic about what will happen now that Macduff is gone. It would be very hard for her to find a decent job, and it would be hard for her to keep her family satisfied without food. Also, a good background on violence at the time.
Characterization: Lady Macduff has to be aware of her role in society at the time, therefore she would have to be unsure and startled over her husband fleeing. Once again the actors for the murderers would have to be flawless and able to put themselves out on the line during every show for a great performance.
Act V, Scene 5
Setting: This scene takes place at Macbeth's castle in Dunsinane, prior to the battle led by Malcolm and Macduff.
Background: The background which is necessary for this scene is the basic definition of a tragic hero, and that all tragic heroes lives come to an end. Usually with a "V8" moment where they notice their major flaw.
Characterization: The actor for Macbeth stars in his most important scene here. The speech after his wife's death has to be deep, and show sorrow as he finally comes to grip with mortality. Then a major mood switch as Macbeth quickly comes to realize he is probably the next to die, lastly he realizes his fatal flaw and that his death is nearly seconds away.
Setting: The setting of this scene is outside in a very isolated or private area. It's outside due to the thunder and lightning in the background (which occurs numerous times throughout the play).
Background: There isn't much of a background prior to this scene, other than basic knowledge on witch craft. During the Elizabethan era it was thought that witches were the cause of random, horrendous
events. Also no one trusted these mysterious people (usually ladies) and "witch hunting" was an event that took place at the time.
Characterization: For this particular scene the actors should be familiar with the appearance and behaviour of the witches. Often they were gruesome or manly looking, and very uncomfortable to be around due to their capabilities and powers.
Act II, Scene 1
Setting: The setting in act 2, scene 1 takes place late at night after everyone has gone to bed in Macbeth's house. Apparently the moon has set according to Fleance.
Background: The background needed to fully understand this scene is how lack of sleep during the Elizabethan era was frowned upon. At this time, lack of sleep was a signal that someone is not in their right mind, and they may be stressed or going insane.
Characterization: For the role of Macbeth it is important that the actor is aware that Macbeth is going crazy and that he is hallucinating. Also the ambition he has to kill Duncan has him excited. The actor for Banquo would have to know that his deprived sleep is from the fear of what the witches said, and how Macbeth is interpreting it.
Act III, Scene 3
Setting: Prior to sunset, on a route that Banqou often uses to walk to the palace.
Background: In order for the actors to be successful in this scene, it is important that they're dramatic during the murder and killing scenes. During this time period it was key that violence and murder was a big component of the play, using only the best props and actors must be at their best.
Characterization: Actors who are playing the role of Banquo must put forth his best effort and create a realistic death, while slowing muttering his last words to Fleance to leave the scene. Once again it is important that all killing is realistic as possible to please the crowd otherwise food will be thrown at them.
Act IV, Scene 2
Setting: The scene takes place at Macduff's house, after Lady Macduff has learned that Macduff has fled.
Background: The background needed for this scene is just the role of the female in a marriage during the Elizabethan era. The husband was relied on a lot at this time, and Lady Macduff is having a very hard time being realistic about what will happen now that Macduff is gone. It would be very hard for her to find a decent job, and it would be hard for her to keep her family satisfied without food. Also, a good background on violence at the time.
Characterization: Lady Macduff has to be aware of her role in society at the time, therefore she would have to be unsure and startled over her husband fleeing. Once again the actors for the murderers would have to be flawless and able to put themselves out on the line during every show for a great performance.
Act V, Scene 5
Setting: This scene takes place at Macbeth's castle in Dunsinane, prior to the battle led by Malcolm and Macduff.
Background: The background which is necessary for this scene is the basic definition of a tragic hero, and that all tragic heroes lives come to an end. Usually with a "V8" moment where they notice their major flaw.
Characterization: The actor for Macbeth stars in his most important scene here. The speech after his wife's death has to be deep, and show sorrow as he finally comes to grip with mortality. Then a major mood switch as Macbeth quickly comes to realize he is probably the next to die, lastly he realizes his fatal flaw and that his death is nearly seconds away.
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