William Shakespeare's shortest, bloodiest tragedy, Macbeth, is a good starting point for those unfamiliar with the Bard's works. It follows the hero of the title, a Scottish general, as he schemes to become king of Scotland — encouraged by his wife, the manipulative Lady Macbeth. The play is not an easy ride: it is relentlessly dark, packing murder, madness and marital breakdown into its compact size. Yet it is one of Shakespeare's most enduringly popular plays — filming began on a new adaptation, starring Denzel Washington, until Covid-19 halted production.
Macbeth
Glossary
Complicit - To be involved with others in an unlawful or morally wrong activity.
Tyranny - Cruel and aggressive use of power, often used to describe countries under the grip of a single oppressive leader.
Calamitous - Disastrous.
Despotic - Tyrannical or using unlimited power over others in a cruel way.