DRAMATURG’S NOTE

On January 31, 2020, the United Kingdom of England, Wales, Scotland, and
Northern Ireland exited the European Union, which it had been a part of for almost 50
years. This exit of Britain from the EU is called, appropriately, Brexit. Brexit won a 52%
majority vote in the 2016 referendum, however, the majority of voters in Ireland and
Scotland voted to remain in the EU. Throughout the almost four years of negotiations,
Brexit has spiked much controversy in the UK, and support for an independent Scotland
and Ireland, where leaders push to hold their own referendums on Brexit.
With this current political atmosphere in Europe, the fate of the UK post-Brexit
looms mysteriously in the future. In our 2023 setting of Macbeth, we played with this
uncertain world to create a tense political climate between independent nations. The UK is
dissolved, with Scotland and Northern Island now independent from England and Wales.
Ireland is working to establish trade agreements and immigration protocols with Scotland,
as the current ones are hurting Ireland’s economy and customs. Scotland is refusing to
agree to any new terms. In response, numerous Irish protesters come to Glasgow,
Scotland to protest at the Glasgow City Chambers, and our story unfolds from there. A
dissolved union and political unrest lay the perfect grounds for our tyrant to take control
of the fate of his country.
A successful man, a leading government and military officer, one who fights for his
country, is encouraged to believe he can have the highest position of power, and actively
strikes down his opponents to achieve it. Our story is an exposé on leadership, ambition,
and corruption, and how individuals lose sight of what it means to lead. As we close in on
the presidential elections this year, it is important to remember that our votes can be the
Birnam Wood that will close in on Dunsinane. Our right to vote is our voice in this
country, no matter what you believe or who you support. Please exercise it.
Tyrant (noun): A cruel and oppressive ruler

- Sophia Cannella