Thesis Project from NYU Tisch, Spring 2025
VERDI'S MACBETH
I chose Giuseppe Verdi's operatic adaptation of Macbeth as my thesis.
The Macbeths see the people around them not as human beings, but as consumable resources they can use to fuel their rise to power. With this in mind, I created a visual language of textiles and colors influenced by food.
Story Sequencing
Macbeth and Banquo meet the witches.
After hearing the prophesy that he will be King, Macbeth is consumed by want.
Lady Macbeth reads a letter from her husband and plots to murder King Duncan.
Duncan and his entourage stay the night at Inverness, during which the Macbeths murder Duncan.
Lady Macbeth convinces Macbeth to order the assassination of Banquo.
At Macbeth's coronation banquet, he sees a vision of Banquo, murdered.
Macbeth demands more prophesies from the witches and is granted three apparitions.
Lady Macbeth, plagued by guilt, sleepwalks.
After leading the march from Birnam Wood to Dunsinane, Macduff challenges Macbeth to a duel and slays him.
Setting
A BARREN HEARTH
In a world all about food, where candy and sugar stands in for power and wealth, who are the witches?
I designed them as figureheads of starvation. Massive, emaciated bodies that emanate power while also showing a lack of resources.
INVERNESS CASTLE
The Macbeths' first home is barren and wanting.
DUNSINANE CASTLE
The King's domain is bright and opulent, with pastry inspired furniture and a layer of sparkling sugar over everything.
BIRNAM WOOD
The site of Banquo's murder.
THE BANQUET HALL
The banquet hall of Dunsinane castle forms a gaping mouth, all of the courtiers within mimicking the candy feast on the tables.
THE WITCHES' DOMAIN
Where Macbeth receives three apparitions.
Macbeth's Progression
Lady Macbeth's Progression
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