The climate of evil in Macbeth is as potent as any 21st-century psychological thriller-perhaps even more so. Can an ensemble of youthful actors even come close to tackling Shakespeare's exploration of a murderous lust for power? This program follows British drama students as they take on the project, rehearsing and performing Act II, Scene 2, from the play. Mentored by professionals, the players are able to fine-tune the rising sense of panic that eventually overcomes the protagonist and his manipulative wife. Their discussion afterwards further illuminates the marital dynamic that drives the story.

Encoded with permission for digital streaming by Infobase on March 03, 2011. Learn360 is distributed by Infobase for Films for the Humanities & Sciences, Cambridge Educational, Meridian Education, and Shopware.

Shakespeare's Globe, London: Introduction to Shakespeare (1:00) -- "Macbeth": Climate of Evil and Summary (2:57) -- "Macbeth": Rehearsal, Act II, Scene 2 (2:25) -- "Macbeth": Performance, Act II, Scene 2 (5:28) -- Discussion About "Macbeth" (2:10) -- Credits: "Macbeth": Young Actors in Training (0:58).