Mariposa Arts Theatre – Macbeth

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Mariposa Arts Theatre (MAT) opens its 2026-2027 season with William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, inviting audiences into a world of prophecy, ambition and betrayal. The production runs November 5–15, 2026, at the Orillia Opera House.

One of Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedies, Macbeth follows a celebrated Scottish warrior whose encounter with three witches sets him on a fatal path toward the throne. Set in a post-collapse world marked by chaos and a return to the old gods and mysticism, MAT’s production offers a distinctive interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tale. Macbeth explores the consequences of unchecked ambition, the struggle between fate and free will, and the lengths people will go to secure and maintain power.

Patrick Voo, Shannon Howes, Samantha Cole, and Colton Farro rehearse a scene.

Bringing Shakespeare’s iconic characters to life is a cast of 30 performers, led by Colton Farro in the role of Macbeth and Shannon Howes as Lady Macbeth. Joining them are Nick Nahwegahbow as Macduff, Patrick Voo as Banquo and Tara Schell as Malcolm. The ensemble features a mix of new faces and MAT veterans, including Taylor Ballantyne, Lori Scholten and Veronica Van Muyen as the three witches.

Helming the production is director Stevie Baker. Macbeth has been a significant part of her lifelong relationship with Shakespeare, having been the first Shakespeare play she read as a child. “It invited me into a whole new literary world and new language,” says Baker. “Macbeth kickstarted my lifelong love of Shakespeare’s works, which has been a large part of my career.”

Baker’s vision transports the play into a post-collapse society where resources are scarce, modern technology has long been forgotten, and the old gods have made their presence known, ushering in an era of mysticism, real magic, violence and chaos.

“I’ve been curious about what ways of life we would revert back to, how would magic and superstition mesh with religion, and what does it mean to be a leader responsible for others in a time of scarcity and uncertainty,” says Baker.

Patrick Voo, who plays Banquo in Macbeth, rehearses a scene.

This world has been central to the rehearsal process, with Baker working alongside the cast and creative team to establish the history, relationships and circumstances that shape the characters before the play even begins. “We’re interested in exploring, of course, identity and how our choices shape who we become, fate versus self-determination, and the cost and benefit of power,” says Baker.

Baker hopes the production will offer something new to audiences familiar with Shakespeare while welcoming those experiencing the play, or Shakespeare, for the first time.

Director Stevie Baker and Assistant Director Josh Tennant lead table work with Farro and Howes.

“Hopefully we challenge a preconception they might have about a character or circumstance and that it ignites curiosity,” says Baker. “For those new to the show, or Shakespeare, I hope they take away a feeling of excitement and energy, and feel welcomed into the world of classics.”

“If our version of the show has a specific message, it might be: remain true to yourself. When you abandon your values, and who you know yourself to be, there will be consequences in every aspect of your life,” Baker adds.

Performances of Macbeth run November 5–15, 2026 at the Orillia Opera House, Thurs-Sat 7:30p.m. & Sun 2 p.m. Post-Show Q&A Sun, Nov 8 and Understudy performance Thurs, Nov 12. Tickets: $35. Youth/Seniors/Groups 10+: $30. Purchase via the Orillia Opera House website, Box Office at 705-326-8011, or through: www.mariposaartstheatre.com/macbeth.