UMF Theatre presents Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” Nov. 5-8

FARMINGTON, ME  (October 21, 2026)—The University of Maine at Farmington presents William Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” as its fall 2026 theatre production. Though originally set in Medieval Scotland, the play tells the timeless story of the fall of a hero general and how blind ambition acts as a destructive force that often leads to corruption and war.

First performed more than 400 years ago, Macbeth is Shakespeare’s shortest tragedy and among the most powerful. Adapted and directed by Jayne Decker, award-winning director and playwright and UMF theatre faculty member, this production features a cast and crew of talented and dedicated students and members from the UMF community.

Performances take place at the UMF Alumni Theater on Thursday – Saturday, Nov. 5, 6, and 7, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for high school students and $3 for UMF students with I.D. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling Shari Witham with the Division of the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at 207-778-7425.

In addition to current students, the cast includes visiting UMF theatre alumni Jonas Maines as Macbeth and UMF Professor Emeritus of English and former UMF Provost Daniel Gunn as Duncan, king of Scotland.

“Shakespeare’s language and story are unchanged in this production, however, the culture of war connects the historical telling of the story with current context,” said Decker. “The setting helps to continue this connection with a scene of bombed rubble next to a historical Scottish structure, and weapons of war transition from metal pipes to daggers and short swords.” 

“Our costume designer, Dante Capone, a UMF student of exceptional talent, created pieces that span time periods that not only represent character but the conceptual culture of war through time. Our extensive fight choreography and heavy stage weapons require that actors can move freely in their clothing. A real challenge in costuming,” said Decker.

Decker has directed numerous productions at UMF Alumni Theater. Her production “Coyote on a Fence” was awarded a Moss Hart Memorial Award by the New England Theatre Conference, New England’s oldest and largest regional theater association. She is an award-winning playwright and won the Maine Literary Award for “All the Good They Gave Us” in 2023. Decker has also presented workshop productions of her original plays “Good Medicine;” for Women’s Empowerment Network and Nicaragua’s Casa Materna; “Stars Falling,” winner of the 2002 Maine Playwriting Award; “Motherfish” and “Songbird,” a touring play about the Iraq War.

“Cracked Shells,” an original play by Decker that chronicles stories of domestic violence, was commissioned by Franklin County Network’s Peace in Our Families and was featured again at the 2009 Maine Women’s Studies Conference. Her play “Ruby Red, a Moment in the Life of” was a finalist in drama for the Maine Literary Awards in 2021 with a recent performance in Brunswick, ME, and “Migratory Birds” followed as a finalist in 2022. Her plays, “Duet” and “Uninvited” were performed at the Maine Playwright’s Festival in Portland in 2024 and 2025.

Crew:

Director and Fight Choreographer – Jayne Decker
Dramaturg – Daniel Gunn
Technical Director, Scene and Lighting Design – Stan Spilecki
Costume Design – Dante Capone
Assistant Director and Fight Assistant – Cam Veach
Stage Manager and Assistant Stage Managers – Jazmin Esparza
with Nicollette Wood and Zander Nepal

CAST:

The Company of Players – (multiple roles) -Marissa McLaughlin, Ginny Stokes, Libby Towne, Haley McFadyen, Seamus E.B.Miller, Dash O’Hanlon, Lilly Johnson Roy, Natalie Morton, Mia Chestnutt, Cam Veach, and Fian Burns

Battlefield Drummer – Jay Pagan
Witch 1 – Say Carnahan
Witch 2 – Ivan Shores
Witch 3 – Ravaka Eames

Duncan, king of Scotland – Daniel Gunn
Macbeth, thane of Glamis – Jonas Maines
Banquo, a commander with Duncan’s army – Trey Meader
Lady Macbeth – Reilly McCabe
Macduff – Sorrel Steele
Ross – Watts Watson
Malcolm – Tristan Samuelson
Lennox – Jace Pelletier
Captain, Gentlewoman, Messenger – Libby Towne
Attendant, Fleance – Natalie Morton
Donalbain, Caithness – Seamus E.B.Miller
Hecate, Porter, Siward – Marissa McLaughlin
Angus, Lady Macduff, Apparition 3 – Mia Chestnutt
Macduff’s Son and Boy on the Battlefield – Fian Burns
Mentieth, Messenger, Servant – Lilly Johnson Roy
Lord, Doctor, Servant – Dash O’Hanlon
Murderer 1 – Cam Veach
Murderer 2, Apparition 2, Young Siward – Ginny Stokes
Murderer 3, Apparition 1, Seyton – Haley McFadyen

The Battlefield Sound Instrument was designed and built by Felicia Cinquegrana, Sound Artist, Ohana Roots Maine

More on University of Maine at Farmington

A nationally recognized regional public university known for its commitment to the creative arts, teacher preparation, the health arts and sciences, the environment, business and public service, UMF provides a challenging yet supportive environment to prepare students for both careers and further study. Located in the heart of Maine’s four-season outdoor recreational region, UMF is a welcoming, close-knit academic community that prepares students for enriching professional careers, engaged citizenship and an enduring love of learning.

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EDITOR’S NOTE:
Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/10/RP267-013A.webp
Photo Caption: Jonas Maines (Macbeth) and Reilly McCabe (Lady Macbeth) rehearse a scene from Shakespeare’s Macbeth.
Photo Credit: UMF Image

Image: https://farmington.edu/app/uploads/2026/10/RP267-013C.webp
Photo Credit: UMF Image