Macbeth (portrayed by Jordyn Hawkins-Rippie)
Macbeth's intentions throughout Act 4 Scene 1 were to assert his kingly authority in order to obtain information about his future and to reevaluate the ramifications of the events that transpired. The portrayal of Macbeth as arrogant and demanding gives the audience a sense that the people he is talking to (the witches) do not possess his great status and are considered inferior and mystical in their thoughts. As Macbeth is portrayed as pondering over the apparitions of the kings, it shows us that the witches and apparitions have prophesies so great, it moves even Macbeth himself. Macbeth also is portrayed as the pure one compared to the witches in this case, and that helps recognize the intentions of the witches throughout the play. Macbeth shows his demanding side when he uses the word 'hag' twice throughout the play and when he says 'I will be satisfied', which show him as arrogant and powerful. Macbeth sets the way in which the witches should be seen when he states 'secret, black and midnight,' which evoke thoughts of evil and mystery within the witches. In addition, Macbeth uses words that are commands throughout the scene such as 'call' and 'tell' and 'conjure'. Macbeth illustrates his desperate nature when he says 'even till destruction sicken, answer me', which is extreme. Furthermore, Macbeth seems to be sure of himself and doubtful at the same time by saying 'what need I fear of thee' about Macduff, but then saying 'But yet I'll make assurance double sure'. Macbeth does not like the sight of the kings either; he says "Why do you show me this', a sign that he does not take comfort in viewing the kings.

Three Witches (portrayed by Adam Downing, Anthony Giancola, and John Chirikjian)
For our scene, Act 4 Scene 1, we decided to emphasize the deceit and dishonesty of the witches. Throughout the production, the decision was made to portray the witches as if they knew Macbeth's fate long before the play even began. They secretly taunt him like they are all taking part in an inside joke that excluded Macbeth. For dress, we decided the witches should wear all black, and be closely huddled around Macbeth who was in white to show the darkness closing in on him. When Macbeth asks, "How now, you secret, black, and midnight hags! What is 't you do?" the witches respond, "A deed without a name." Through this quote, Shakespeare exposes how the witches are plotting against Macbeth without his knowledge. Also, by saying "Speak. Demand. We'll answer," the witches appear to serve Macbeth and bow to his power, but in reality they are decieving him. Evidently, the witches are deceitful, manipulative, and corrupting, and we believe that our depiction of them brought this message across to the audience.

Apparitions (portrayed by Ben Roytenberg)
The intentions of the apparitions in Act 4, Scene 1 was to provide Macbeth with half-truths and false hope in hoping that he would actually believe the prophesies and that they would become self-fulfilling. As the second apparition states 'none of woman born shall harm Macbeth,' Macbeth believes that he is invincible against anyone, which he is not. The third apparition also states 'Macbeth shall never vanquished be until Great Birnam Wood to high Dunsinane Hill Shall come against him,' in which the witches use half truths to tell the prophesies to Macbeth, resulting in him accumulating false hopes. For in the end, soldiers carrying branches signal that his time has come to be defeated. The apparitions bearing these prophecies make Macbeth sure of himself and one could argue that his arrogance and him being to sure of himself led to his downfall.