VIDEO // Macbeth returns to stage of Satiricus Theatre of Moldova, reimagined by Japanese director Motoi Miura

The thirst for power, ambition, and its consequences are the central themes of the production, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, directed by Japanese theatre creator Motoi Miura at the Ion Luca Caragiale National Satiricus Theatre. According to him, this contemporary staging, which reinterprets the tragedy written 500 years ago, offers the audience a reflection on today’s social and political realities.

“Together with Alexandru Grecu, we came up with the idea of bringing to the audience in Chisinau a completely different Shakespeare production. We chose this play, because it explores themes that are still current and relevant to our times: the struggle for the throne, for power – situations that, in a way, mirror what we are living through today. Although the work was written 500 years ago, the show is adapted to the present, and the parallels between Shakespeare’s era and our own century are striking. I want the audience to perceive these moments and understand them,” director Motoi Miura told MOLDPRES.

Japanese director Motoi Miura, known for his unconventional approaches to classical theatre, praised the dedication and professionalism of the actors from the Ion Luca Caragiale National Satiricus Theatre.

“As for the theatre’s troupe, I can say they are extremely busy and talented actors. I appreciate the dedication with which they do their work. I thank them for their welcome and openness, especially since I know that some critics consider me a director with unusual methods. Even so, they were very kind, and the collaboration was very easy,” he added.

According to the director of the National Satiricus Theatre, Alexandru Grecu, Japanese director Motoi Miura chose to collaborate with the Chisinau-based theatre two years ago, after being impressed by the actors’ performance in the production, Gorky’s House, and this staging of Macbeth provides a modern reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s classic.

“The director was impressed by the actors’ performance and by the institution’s artistic activity, and he accepted the proposal to collaborate. In 2026, he managed to include the National Satiricus Theatre in his very busy schedule. The staging of ‘Macbeth’ starts from the social and political realities of the contemporary world and offers a reflection on the crises and dangers that threaten civilization. The performance is conceived as a warning, with a strong message and a modern vision of Shakespeare’s classic text. The Japanese director is known for his contemporary reinterpretations of major classical works and for his distinctive style, close to the aesthetics of Japanese theatre. The collaboration is not only an important artistic event for the Chisinau audience, but also a valuable formative experience for the actors, who have the opportunity to work in a different cultural and aesthetic context and to come into direct contact with the tradition of Japanese theatre,” the director of the Ion Luca Caragiale National Satiricus Theatre, Alexandru Grecu, told MOLDPRES.

The premiere of the production is scheduled for January 31, 2026, at the Ion Luca Caragiale National Satiricus Theatre and is expected to attract not only the regular theatre audience, but also young people interested in contemporary reworkings of the classics.

Macbeth is one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies, exploring ambition, power and its consequences. The play tells the story of Macbeth, a Scottish nobleman loyal to King Duncan, who, after receiving a prophecy from three witches that he will become king, succumbs to the temptation of power. Together with his wife, Lady Macbeth, he commits murder to achieve his goal, but guilt, fear and paranoia ultimately lead him to destruction.