Macbeth, poisoned by "vaulting ambition, which o'erleaps itself," remains one of Shakespeare's most arresting characters. Given the size of the bloody Scottish king's ego, and his fears, he's a natural for operatic treatment. Same for his ethically challenged wife.
Giuseppe Verdi provided that treatment, resulting in one of his earliest (and often undervalued) masterworks. Washington National Opera's new production of Macbeth at the Kennedy Center - presented in conjunction with the citywide Shakespeare in Washington festival - underlines the theatrical flair and sweeping melodic power of Verdi's faithful homage to the Bard.
MACBETH -- Will be performed at 2 p.m. today, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and May 29, and 7 p.m. June 2 at the Kennedy Center. $45-$300. 800-876- 7372 or dc-opera.org.