Towards Dunsinane: examining Macbeth’s witchcraft in intercultural adaptations through an interspiritual framework

Chong, Isaac Shien Chung (2026). Towards Dunsinane: examining Macbeth’s witchcraft in intercultural adaptations through an interspiritual framework. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Across the globe there are belief systems that connect communities with the spiritual, supernatural, and divine. Surviving texts such as William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Christopher Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus, and Ben Jonson’s The Devil is an Ass are a few plays that allow modern readers a glimpse of how Early Modern theatres perform these belief systems for their audiences. The question, then, is how accurate are these reflections of Early Modern spirituality and how do adaptations outside of the Early Modern English context culturally translate these beliefs for their own understanding? This thesis seeks to explore, specifically, Macbeth’s cultural fidelity to Early Modern spiritual beliefs, and how localised adaptations from various cultures choose to translate it for their own context. In doing so, this thesis will also delve into the ways in which these translations navigate the new interpretation of Macbeth as a result of incorporating their local belief systems into the narrative through the use of Spiritual Capital.

The first chapter explores Macbeth within the Early Modern context, comparing the various performances of witchcraft in the play with surviving magical documents such as sixteenth and seventeenth-century grimoires (books with spells written or copied into them) and documented spoken/lyrical charms. The second chapter will look at Welcome Msomi’s uMabatha, studying its depiction of sangomas in the adaptation while also considering their role in South African history and communities. The third chapter will examine Los Colochos Teatro’s Mendoza and how their Bruja is situated historically and socially. Ryutopia’s Macbeth will be the focus of this thesis’ fourth chapter as it explores the incorporation of Shintoist and Buddhist ideology into addressing Macbeth’s moral failings. Lastly, the fifth chapter will look at Theatre Moollee’s Lady Macbeth and how the adaptation attempts to use Korean Shamanism alongside psychotherapy to alleviate Lady Macbeth from her guilt. This thesis will conclude with a consideration of further implementations of the Interspiritual framework, especially in global events such as at International Festivals.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):