"Voodoo" Macbeth, 1936, by Anthony Velonis

This striking poster for the Federal Theatre Project's 1936 production of Macbeth, directed by Orson Welles, features bold red and black tones with minimalist imagery. A ghostly, abstract figure with claw-like hands and a crown looms over the composition, exuding an ominous, supernatural presence. The angular shapes and stylised motifs, including a castle silhouette and curling leaves, suggest a combination of modernist design influences and the play's dark themes. The typography, particularly the words “MACBETH” in stark white, dominates the lower half, while the text above identifies the Federal Theatre Project's Negro Theatre Unit as the producer.

Orson Welles’ adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, commonly referred to as “Voodoo Macbeth,” was groundbreaking for its all-Black cast and reimagined Haitian setting, which incorporated voodoo elements into the narrative. Produced under the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the play debuted at the Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, part of an initiative to provide accessible, socially relevant theatre during the Great Depression. The poster was designed by Anthony Velonis, a pioneer of silkscreen printing and a key figure in the WPA Poster Division, known for his use of bold colours and geometric abstraction. This production remains a landmark in American theatre for its innovative approach and its role in challenging racial stereotypes on stage.