MAKATI CITY — Ayala Land, Make It Makati, and Circuit Makati, together with CAST PH (Company of Actors in Streamlined Theatre), are bringing Shakespeare back to the city's open-air spaces this October with a staging of Macbeth. Moving away from the mistaken identities featured in last year's Twelfth Night, this production explores a darker story shaped by ambition, prophecy, and guilt. Performances will take place on October 2 and 3 at Ayala Triangle, followed by an October 4 show at Circuit Park. All performances start at 7:00 PM, with free admission.
A First for a Beloved Stage Actress
The production represents an important milestone for Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo, who will portray Lady Macbeth for the first time in a Shakespearean production. She stars alongside Tarek El Tayech, who returns to the title role he first portrayed in a 2019 production. The cast also features Topper Fabregas, Cholo Ledesma, Altair Alonso, Dippy Arceo, and director Nelsito Gomez. The streamlined staging aims to make Shakespeare's tragedy more approachable for audiences who may feel intimidated by the traditional theater experience.
Ambition, Prophecy, and the Darkness Beneath the Stars
Macbeth follows a Scottish general whose ambition, encouraged by prophecy and his determined wife, leads him down a violent path toward the throne. As he becomes consumed by paranoia and fear, he begins to unravel under the weight of his actions and unchecked ambition. CAST PH's production focuses on the play's central conflicts, highlighting the poetry and psychological complexity that have kept the tragedy among Shakespeare's most enduring works. Staged outdoors, the production gains an additional dimension as the night sky becomes the setting for its darkest scenes.
Part of a Bigger Celebration
The production serves as one of the major highlights of ARTober, Makati's month-long celebration of arts and creativity. It follows last year's successful staging of Twelfth Night, which drew thousands of Makatizens to Ayala Triangle for an outdoor theater experience. Throughout October, ARTober features performances, exhibitions, and other cultural activities held across the city. The festival underscores Makati's commitment to making art and culture accessible to the public.
Plan Your Visit
Admission to the performances is free, although donations are strongly encouraged to help support future productions. Guests are welcome to bring picnic blankets and enjoy the show with family and friends beneath the evening sky. Since both Ayala Triangle and Circuit Park are open-air venues, comfortable clothing is recommended. Whether you have long enjoyed Shakespeare or are discovering his work for the first time, the production offers an opportunity to experience live theater in the heart of Makati.
