Macbeth Act 3 Scene 4 Image Colm Hogan

Macbeth Act 3, Scene 4 Image © Colm Hogan Drama Activity 1

Scene 4 ACT 3 Drama Activity Macbeth, directed by Trevor Nunn Act 3, Scene 4 Watch the following performance (at the time of writing, this is available on You. Tube): www. youtube. com/watch? v=Dc. RBKv. HECvw (12: 23) NOTE There is no definitive version of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. Over the past 400 years, the text of the play has been printed in several formats. Directors of theatrical productions, such as this one, often make changes for dramatic effect. As a result, stage versions can differ in many ways from the written text that is being studied in school, and lines are sometimes omitted. 2

Scene 4 ACT 3 If I Were the Director … Macbeth is at the very pinnacle of success and the state banquet is held to celebrate his accession to the throne. Yet he begins to lose control, and order begins to be undone. Having watched the banquet scene, how would you instruct the actor playing Macbeth to perform at this pivotal moment in the play? The first segment is done for you. 3

The Banquet Scene (lines 9– 12) DIRECTIONS Macbeth: See, they encounter thee with their hearts’ thanks. Both sides are even. Here I’ll sit, in the midst. Be large in mirth; anon, we’ll drink a measure The table round. Approaches the door. Aside, to First Murderer There’s blood upon thy face. Macbeth turns to his seated guests and speaks loudly and directly to them. He smiles broadly and places his hand on his heart at the words ‘hearts’ thanks’. He gestures towards the middle of the group to indicate where he will sit. He is very pleased with himself. He mimics downing a drink at the words ‘we’ll drink a measure’. Seeing the murderer, he goes to the door. His expression changes. He is stern-faced. He stands sideways, half towards the murderer, halfway towards his guests. He grimly whispers the words ‘There’s blood upon thy face’. 4

The Banquet Scene (lines 46– 51) Macbeth: The table’s full. Lennox: Here is a place reserved, sir. Macbeth: Where? Lennox: Here, my good lord. What is it that moves your highness? Macbeth: Which of you have done this? Lords: What, my good lord? Macbeth: Thou canst not say I did it. Never shake Thy gory locks at me. DIRECTIONS Students fill in the stage directions in their copybooks. 5