A captivating new exhibition at Perth Museum delves into the world of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, with a special focus on the play’s historical connections to Perthshire and its surrounding areas. While the infamous king takes center stage, the exhibition explores the historical Macbeth, the ancient kingdom of Alba during his reign, and the backdrop of Scotland during Shakespeare’s era.
This fascinating display features a diverse range of artifacts, spanning from an 11th-century sword to a young Birnam Oak sapling—a symbolic representation of the forest prophesied to play a pivotal role in Macbeth’s downfall. The exhibition also delves into the darker side of the era, examining the historical context of witchcraft and its influence on Shakespeare’s work, particularly highlighted through chilling accounts of the Perthshire witch trials. Perthshire’s Macbeth: Fact, Fiction, and Local Lore
Shakespeare crafted Macbeth to resonate with the superstitions and beliefs of his patron, King James VI of Scotland and I of England. The exhibition sheds light on the king’s fascination with witchcraft, a theme deeply woven into the play’s narrative. The exhibition also reveals the harsh realities faced by those accused of witchcraft during this period, with graphic descriptions that parallel the dramatic events of “the Scottish play.” The names of numerous local victims of the witch trials are displayed, serving as a poignant reminder of the era’s dark history.
Exhibitions officer David Freeburn emphasizes the significance of Perth Museum as the ideal setting for this exhibition, given the region’s deep roots in the Macbeth story. He notes, “We are committed to showcasing stories with both global and local significance,” highlighting the exhibition’s focus on connecting the Macbeth narrative to Perthshire’s unique historical context. A Journey Through Perthshire’s Macbeth Country
Further enriching the visitor experience, a detailed map within the exhibition marks key locations across Perthshire linked to the Macbeth story. These sites include Dunkeld Cathedral, depicted as Duncan’s seat of power in the play, and the iconic Birnam Oak, believed to be a surviving remnant of Birnam Wood. The map extends beyond these well-known landmarks to include Moot Hill at Scone, a historic site for royal coronations dating back to Pictish times. It also features other locations with Macbeth connections, such as Dunsinane Hill, Glamis Castle, and Loch Leven Priory, inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich heritage and uncover the real-life inspirations behind Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
Beyond the local history, the exhibition also pays homage to some of the most renowned actors who have portrayed Macbeth, showcasing memorabilia and costumes from various productions, including the 2015 film starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. A rare first edition of Shakespeare’s First Folio, on loan from the National Library of Scotland, stands as a centerpiece of the exhibition, adding to its literary and historical value.
The Macbeth exhibition runs from April 25th to August 31st. Tickets are available for purchase directly at the museum or can be pre-booked through Perthshire Box Office. While the Macbeth exhibition requires a ticket, access to the museum’s permanent collections, including the Stone of Destiny exhibit, remains free of charge. Perth Museum is open daily from 10 am, offering a welcoming and accessible experience for all.
This fascinating display features a diverse range of artifacts, spanning from an 11th-century sword to a young Birnam Oak sapling—a symbolic representation of the forest prophesied to play a pivotal role in Macbeth’s downfall. The exhibition also delves into the darker side of the era, examining the historical context of witchcraft and its influence on Shakespeare’s work, particularly highlighted through chilling accounts of the Perthshire witch trials. Perthshire’s Macbeth: Fact, Fiction, and Local Lore
Shakespeare crafted Macbeth to resonate with the superstitions and beliefs of his patron, King James VI of Scotland and I of England. The exhibition sheds light on the king’s fascination with witchcraft, a theme deeply woven into the play’s narrative. The exhibition also reveals the harsh realities faced by those accused of witchcraft during this period, with graphic descriptions that parallel the dramatic events of “the Scottish play.” The names of numerous local victims of the witch trials are displayed, serving as a poignant reminder of the era’s dark history.
Exhibitions officer David Freeburn emphasizes the significance of Perth Museum as the ideal setting for this exhibition, given the region’s deep roots in the Macbeth story. He notes, “We are committed to showcasing stories with both global and local significance,” highlighting the exhibition’s focus on connecting the Macbeth narrative to Perthshire’s unique historical context. A Journey Through Perthshire’s Macbeth Country
Further enriching the visitor experience, a detailed map within the exhibition marks key locations across Perthshire linked to the Macbeth story. These sites include Dunkeld Cathedral, depicted as Duncan’s seat of power in the play, and the iconic Birnam Oak, believed to be a surviving remnant of Birnam Wood. The map extends beyond these well-known landmarks to include Moot Hill at Scone, a historic site for royal coronations dating back to Pictish times. It also features other locations with Macbeth connections, such as Dunsinane Hill, Glamis Castle, and Loch Leven Priory, inviting visitors to explore the region’s rich heritage and uncover the real-life inspirations behind Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy.
Beyond the local history, the exhibition also pays homage to some of the most renowned actors who have portrayed Macbeth, showcasing memorabilia and costumes from various productions, including the 2015 film starring Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. A rare first edition of Shakespeare’s First Folio, on loan from the National Library of Scotland, stands as a centerpiece of the exhibition, adding to its literary and historical value.
The Macbeth exhibition runs from April 25th to August 31st. Tickets are available for purchase directly at the museum or can be pre-booked through Perthshire Box Office. While the Macbeth exhibition requires a ticket, access to the museum’s permanent collections, including the Stone of Destiny exhibit, remains free of charge. Perth Museum is open daily from 10 am, offering a welcoming and accessible experience for all.