Macbeth directed by Orson Welles at Harlem's Lafayette Theate, New York City, and featuring an all-Black cast, in 1936.

   Scenes from Macbeth directed by Orson Welles at Harlem's Lafayette Theate, New York City,  and featuring an all-Black cast, in 1936.

   “Voodoo” Macbeth opened at the Lafayette Theatre on April 14, 1936. Directed by a 20-year-old Orson Welles for the Federal Theatre Project’s Negro Unit, the production was an immediate, historic sensation – drawing 10,000 spectators to the street outside the theatre on opening night.
   The  production  was an overwhelming success, winning  rave reviews from both the New York Times and New York Daily News when it opened on April 14, 1936.  Macbeth played for 10 sold-out weeks at the Lafayette Theatre before moving to the Adelphi Theatre and  then embarking on a national tour.

Macbeth in the jungle with the Three Witches and the voodoo men and women in Act II, Scene 2 of the Federal Theatre Project production of Macbeth at the Lafayette Theatre, Harlem

Lady Macbeth calming the guests at Macbeth’s palace in Act II, Scene 1

Charles Collins (Macduff) and Maurice Ellis (Macbeth) in Act III, Scene 4

Macduff hailing victory over Macbeth in Act III, Scene 4

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