the serpent under’t

UMBC Theatre presents *the serpent under’t*, an experimental dance-theatre interpretation of Shakespeare’s *Macbeth*. Conceived and directed by Nigel Semaj, the production combines movement, dance, and spoken text with the horror-inspired, macabre atmosphere of Edgar Allan Poe. It explores ambition, guilt, fate, and the supernatural through the darker aspects of the human psyche.

Performances include special events and access offerings, including an opening-night reception, an actor talkback, student performances, Prospective Student Day, and an ASL-interpreted performance.

When: Thursday, October 29, 2026, through Sunday, November 8. The page lists performances on October 29, October 30, October 31, November 6, November 7, and November 8.

Showtimes: Thursday, October 29, at 7:30 p.m.; Friday, October 30, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, October 31, at 2 p.m.; Friday, November 6, at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, at 7:30 p.m.; and Sunday, November 8, at 2 p.m.

Special Events: The October 29 performance includes an opening-night reception. The October 30 performance is free for UMBC students. The November 8 performance includes an actor talkback, is free for UMBC students, and is part of Prospective Student Day.

ASL Access: The November 8 performance is ASL interpreted. Attendees should contact the UMBC arts box office in advance to ensure they have a view of the interpreters.

Run time: Approximately two hours, based on the listed 7:30–9:30 p.m. schedule for the October 29 performance.

Tickets: General-public admission is $15. Tickets are $10 for UMBC students, faculty, staff, and alumni; senior citizens age 55 and older; and non-UMBC students. Seats may be reserved through the event’s ticket-reservation link.

Ages and Content: Recommended for ages 13 and older. The production includes staged violence, including murder; alcohol use; themes involving death, mortality, and violence; violent and religious imagery; and choreographed romantic or suggestive interactions.

Venue: Proscenium Theatre.

Accessibility: Guests with accessibility requests for any performance should email the UMBC arts box office. UMBC Theatre states that its events are open to full participation by all individuals, consistent with the university’s nondiscrimination policy.

Conceived and directed by: Nigel Semaj.

Credit: Graphic design by Eric Abele. The event is supported in part by the Arts+ initiative.