ENCORES: ‘Davenant’s Macbeth’ produced by Folger Theatre and Folger Consort (2018)

Folger Public Programs is pleased to present ENCORES, a weekly online series highlighting past performances and recalling the rich history of programming on the historic Folger stage. As many arts and cultural institutions remain closed during this time, these ENCORES provide a way to connect and revisit the breadth of Folger offerings with a wider audience.

ENCORES presents

Folger Theatre/Folger Consort
“Hecate! Oh, Come Away!”
Davenant’s Macbeth
From the play by William Shakespeare, as adapted and amended by Sir William Davenant
With music by John Eccles and others performed by Folger Consort
Directed by Robert Richmond for Folger Theatre/Folger Consort, 2018
Read the Music Director’s notes from this production

Performed by

• Dan Meyers, Voice of Hecate
• Rachael Montgomery, Witch
• Emily Noël, Witch
• Owen Peakes, Fleance
• Ethan Watermeier, Witch

Music by Folger Consort

• Risa Browder, Violin
• Nina Falk, Viola
• Dan Meyers, Multi-Instrumentalist
• John Moran, Cello
• Leslie Nero, Violin
• Webb Wiggins, Harpsichord

With

• Scenic Design by Tony Cisek
• Costume Design by Mariah Anzaldo Hale
• Lighting Design by Andrew F. Griffin
• Sound Design by Matt Otto
• Production Stage Manager, Becky Reed

Explore and compare Davenant and Shakespeare’s texts through this side-by-side script. Learn more through our series of YouTube videos on this production and the Performing Restoration Shakespeare project.

Like what you hear? Our Spotify playlist features a variety of music from Davenant’s Macbeth, with accompanying notes available through the Folger Spotlight. For an extra flourish of spooky fun, consider using one of our virtual backgrounds for your next Zoom meeting!

Read the introduction by cast member, soprano Emily Noël:

Hello and welcome to Folger ENCORES! I am Emily Noël and I was one of the three Witches in the company of Davenant’s Macbeth at the Folger.

The Folger has launched this new series, Encores, that brings plays, music and spoken word from the Folger archives directly to you.

You are going to see a scene from our Restoration version of Macbeth that incorporated Shakespeare’s words, John Eccles’ music and a fair amount of spookiness. This production, directed by Robert Richmond with musical direction by Robert Eisenstein, was a Folger-wide endeavor that engaged artists, scholars, and audiences in a unique collaboration. If you would like to know more about Folger Theatre and Consort please visit folger.edu. There, you will find performance histories, artist bios, and information about upcoming programs.

We hope you will join us for these weekly episodes of ENCORES, highlighting all that the Folger has to offer. Thank you for tuning in.

Check back each Friday for a new “from the archives” performance, introduced by some of our favorite artists, showcasing the best of Folger Theatre, Folger Consort, O.B. Hardison Poetry, and lectures.