Macbeth and Lady Macbeth in Theory and Practice Shakespeare's Macbeth has been the subject of academic research in terms of ambition, politics, and sexuality. The most predominant analysis is that of the relationship between Macbeth and Lady Macbeth. This relationship is theoretically full of sexual innuendo, maternal power, gender transgression and violence. Reading several essays on the psychological nature of the relationship, a question came to mind: to what extent are the characters aware of the psychological effect they have on each other in the performance? Unlike the various essays written by literary scholars, Sinead Cusack wrote with Carol Rutter in Shakespeare's Late Tragedies about her process of preparing for the role of Lady Macbeth for the Royal Shakespeare Company. Although his choices are not the only ones an actor can make in this role, his experience contrasts with the theoretical models written by many researchers. His relationship with Macbeth was real, not a theoretical analysis of the psychological effect the characters have on each other. Through his written process and the analysis of the scholars mentioned above, I will highlight the dichotomy between theory and performance and the relationship between Macbeth and his Lady. Lady Macbeth and the witches. Jane Adelman summarizes the psychoanalytic interpretation of the relationship between Lady Macbeth and the witches (ibid 140). Lady Macbeth and the witches signify for Macbeth the role of both temptress and mother, an issue that will be explored in more detail below. Adelman claims that the witches tempt Macbeth on a cosmic level, while Lady Macbeth tempts him on a psychological level (ibid. 139). All female figures are in the middle of paper......ber, Marjorie. “Macbeth: The Male Medusa.” Shakespeare's Late Tragedies, ed. Susan L. Wofford. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc. 1996, 74-103. Keirnan, Victor. Eight Shakespeare Tragedies: A Marxist Study. London, NY: Verso, 1996. Nelson, TA ENGL 533, lecture February 18, 1999. Rutter, Carol and Sinead Cusack. “Lady Macbeth’s barren scepter.” Shakespeare's Late Tragedies, ed. Susan L. Wofford. Upper Saddle River, New Jersey: Pretnice-Hall, Inc. 1996, 119-133. Stallybrass, Peter. “Macbeth and Witchcraft.” Shakespeare's Late Tragedies, ed. Susan L. Wofford. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Prentice-Hall Inc. 1996, 104-118. Staunton, Howard, ed. The Illustrated Shakespeare Globe. New York: Gramercy Books, 1979. Watson, Robert N. Shakespeare and the Dangers of Ambition. Cambidge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1984