In mediaeval Scotland, the ambitious nobleman Macbeth receives a prophecy from three witches that he will one day become king. Spurred on by his ambitious wife, Lady Macbeth, Macbeth commits regicide, murdering King Duncan and seizing the throne for himself. However, as Macbeth ascends to power, his guilt and paranoia consume him, leading to a reign marked by bloodshed and tyranny. As the play unfolds, Macbeth's actions spiral out of control, ultimately leading to his downfall and death at the hands of those he has wronged. Macbeth, or The Scottish Play as it is sometimes superstitiously called, is one of the world's most famous tragedies. Its iconic characters, haunting imagery, and memorable lines, including »Out, damned spot!,« have shaped western culture since its first performance in 1606. As a chilling portrayal of the human capacity for ambition and its consequences, Macbeth remains a cornerstone of Shakespeare's canon and a testament to the enduring power of his works. WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE [1564-1616], born in Stratford-upon-Avon in Warwickshire, England, is known as the greatest playwright of all time, with his name attached to a long line of immortal plays, including Othello, Romeo & Juliet, Hamlet, King Lear, and Macbeth.