I have given suck, and know how tender 'tis to love the babe that milks me: I would, while it was smiling in my face, have pluck'd my nipple from his boneless gums, and dash'd the brains out, had I so sworn as you have done to this." With these words Lady Macbeth spurs Macbeth into killing King Duncan.

 

So, where’s this ‘babe’ that milked her?

 

Indeed, the historical Gruoch, or Lady Macbeth, was mother to Luloch. Her first husband killed Macbeth's father and was, in turn, killed by Macbeth. Gruoch and her son thus became Macbeth’s property, to keep or to kill as he chose. In Death & Pretzels' world premiere of Gruoch, the future Lady Macbeth and her child escape the conflagration which kills her first husband; they find safety in shelter for homeless families run by three other witches. Romance and betrayal follow. And dark comedy. And tragedy.

 

Production Details:

Charnal House

March 5th-28th of 2015

 

Director: Madison Smith, Playwright: Paul Pasulka, Set Design: Kenton Jones, Sound Design: Matt Orenstein, Lighting Design: Stephanie Vera, Stage Management: Jordan Weed, Running Crew: Jack Burr

 

Cast: Lexi Alioto (Hekate), Clare Carl (Gruoch), Charlet Dupar (Belladonna), Nick Strauss (Timothy)