Something wicked this way comes; new Macbeth exhibition to open in April

Perth Museum today announced that their summer show will be Macbeth: An Exhibition. Famously known as The Scottish Play, the exhibition explores the historical origins of the King of Scotland and the continuing influence that William Shakespeare’s iconic play has had on art, theatre, music, and film.

Macbeth: An Exhibition, will take visitors on a journey through time, connecting the legendary figure to the very landscape of Perthshire. From the haunting forests of Birnam Wood to the imposing Dunsinane Hill, the exhibition will unveil the deep-rooted connection between this dramatic tale and the region.

Visitors will be invited to uncover the enduring power of Shakespeare’s Macbeth against a backdrop of national identity, monarchy and James VI and I’s fear of witchcraft during his reign, as well as the enduring influence that William Shakespeare’s masterpiece has had on audiences and performers across centuries.

On display for the first time will be a rare 11^th century sword from the time of the real King Macbeth, as well as an example of William Shakespeare’s First Folio, where the tragedy of Macbeth was first printed, on loan from the National Library of Scotland. From Innerpeffray Library there will also be a selection of rare documents and books on witchcraft, including Dr John Dee’s Spiritual Diary, and a first edition of James VI/ I’s Dæmonologie. More modern representations of Macbeth will also be on display, including an Arabic translation and a Japanese script from the 1985 performance of Macbeth. London based artist Charlotte Rose has been commissioned to create a new work for the exhibition.

Helen Smout, Chief Executive Officer at Culture Perth and Kinross, said “As we approach our first anniversary, we are thrilled to announce this new exhibition bringing together history, legend and art to explore one of Scotland’s most enduring and enigmatic figures. From the real 11^th century king to Shakespeare’s tragic character, this exhibition offers a fascinating insight into the myths and reality of Macbeth all set in the heart of Scotland.”

JP Reid, Exhibitions and Interpretation manager at Culture Perth and Kinross, added “Visitors will be surprised to learn just how much the play draws on Scottish history. The extent to which (Shakespeare) is pulling out of historical sources is really interesting. The witches are in the historical record. They’re not a literary invention by Shakespeare. So, these are very old stories. These have very deep roots in Scottish history. And I think that aspect, the connection of that literary character to Scottish history, is something that will really surprise people.

Different creative people over the past 200 years have taken Shakespeare’s material and run with it in totally surprising, inspiring, challenging, baffling directions. And at the core of them is this story of power and the abuse of power, and where an individual stands in relation to these huge tides of prophecy and history, and really whether they have any control over that kind of environment. This is such a rich seam for the world’s best theatre producers and directors, actors, film directors, artists, and writers. This is an endlessly rich seam to mine. The topics and themes that Shakespeare is writing about 550 years after the historical king are topics that resonate and are relevant today. So, drawing that thread from the 11th century through the late 16th and early 17th centuries, and exploring themes like power, superstition, betrayal, and how these inform broader ideas around Scottish identity and monarchy, is something that’s absolutely relevant. These are big themes which we have the luxury of being able to contextualise within some specific locations in Perth. And that’s very exciting for us”

Tickets for Macbeth: An Exhibition are available to book now through Perthshire Box Office. Visitors can purchase at the Museum on the day of their visit, but advance booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Under 16s and Members of the Culture Perth and Kinross Supporters Scheme receive free entry.

Perth Museum has welcomed over 225,000 visitors since opening in March 2024. The museum is open every day: Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm, and Sunday from 11am to 4pm. Entry to the permanent galleries and the Stone of Destiny exhibit is free.