The Merrimack High School Theatre Department will be performing William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” on Friday and Saturday, Feb. 3 and 4, at 7 p.m., at 38 McElwain St. Merrimack. Tickets, which will be sold at the door, are $10 for students and seniors and $12 for adults. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and seating is general admission.

Shakespeare’s shortest and bloodiest tragedy, “Macbeth” tells the story of a brave Scottish generals Macbeth (played by Travis Gilliam) and Banquo (Conor Hannon), as they receive a prophecy from sinister witches that one day Macbeth will become king of Scotland. Consumed with ambitious thoughts and spurred to action by his wife (Katie Sibley), Macbeth murders King Duncan and seizes the throne for himself. His tyrannical rule is racked with guilt and fear which leads him to commit more and worse murders to protect him from enmity and suspicion. The bloodbath swiftly propels Macbeth and Lady Macbeth to arrogance, madness and death.

“We’re doing a scaled down production which brings a real focus to the language,” Director Timothy L’Ecuyer said. “We’re exploring the concept of Macbeth being able to see the results of his actions before they happen. The witches enact scenes from the future while Macbeth either watches or gets pulled into them.”

The three witches, who also play the myriad of supporting characters, are each played by multiple actors.

“We want to create a sense of the witches as an amalgamation of the worst traits of humanity – the same traits that both lead Macbeth to seize power, and are ultimately his undoing – so the witches themselves are an amalgamation” L’Ecuyer said.

The first witch is played by Sierra Jones and Tabitha Whatcott, the second witch is played by Emily Harnedy, Kaitlyn McGee and Jared Reynolds, with the third witch played by Adam Beauparlant and Nathan Floyd.

The production uses modern dance choreographed by Alexander Davis to bring the witches to life. The design team includes lighting design by Alex Trombly, costume design by Beth Shwartz and set design by JoAnn Wegman. Stage Manager, Alex Williamson will guide this seamless production with the help of assistant stage manager Jenna Ives. Behind the scenes you will find Production Manager Linda Mandra and Director of Theatre Fran White.