New Macbeth at the Met

The Metropolitan Opera opened its 2026-2027 season with a new production of Macbeth, directed by Louisa Proske, marking the first time the opera had been staged in its new production since 2007.

Lise Davidsen's Lady Macbeth

Lise Davidsen took on the role of Lady Macbeth for the first time, following a concert performance in Copenhagen. Her performance was credible but lacked the full intensity and vocal range needed for the role, especially in the coloratura passages.

Quinn Kelsey's Macbeth

Quinn Kelsey played Macbeth with a strong baritone voice and dramatic presence. However, like Davidsen, his performance showed some shortcomings in the Italianate style of singing, affecting the overall musicality of his portrayal.

Yannick Nézet-Séguin's Conducting

Yannick Nézet-Séguin conducted the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra, bringing out the dramatic power of Verdi's score. His interpretation emphasized the contrasts and ruptures in the music, though some tempi seemed to accommodate the singers' abilities.

Louisa Proske's Staging

Louisa Proske's direction was the most notable aspect of the production. She set the story in an indeterminate era, blending elements of Shakespeare's time with Spanish court aesthetics. Her staging featured sumptuous costumes and a mysterious atmosphere created through gray-dominated sets and a revolving stage.

Visual and Theatrical Elements

Proske's staging included a variety of visual and theatrical elements, such as a concrete wall with iron rods and a rotating stage that added fluidity to the performance. The banquet scene featured a large hall with mirrors, while the sleepwalking scene used reflections to enhance the drama.

The Role of the Witches and Ballet

The witches were portrayed by dancers with exceptional physical commitment, adding a protean element to the production. The ballet scene, which replayed the story of Macbeth in a burlesque style, served as a form of theater within theater. However, some elements, such as the intervention of Georgian dancers, left the audience perplexed.

Overall Reception and Availability

While Proske's direction did not offer a contemporary reinterpretation of Macbeth, it provided a visually seductive setting for Verdi's drama. The production was well-received and will be available to French audiences in cinemas on October 17 in partner theaters.