On the evening of May 10, 1849, the renowned Shakespearean actor William Macready was backstage at the Astor Opera House in New York City. While rehearsing his lines for Macbeth, Macready was oblivious to the ominous gathering just outside. Those who congregated weren't eager fans, but discontented protestors, their voices resonating like an ill-omened chorus in the early evening air.
By 7:30pm, their rallying cry of “Shall Americans or English rule this city!” echoed through the streets, the fury and angst palpable. Not even the theatre walls could shut out this unwelcome soundtrack, compelling Macready to convert his dramatic soliloquy into an unanticipated pantomime.
Among the crowd was Ned Buntline, a vociferous supporter of American actor Edwin Forrest and a vehement opponent of Macready. Who did everything in his power to fuel the hatred and rivalry between Macready and Edwin Forrest. Buntline through this rivalry orchestrated a battalion of rioters, launching an onslaught on the theater with stones and even attempts at arson.
At 9:15pm, the curtain fell, but the riot raged on, escalating to a point where the authorities feared they had lost control of the city. Calling in the military, warnings were issued, battles ensued, and, ultimately, the dreaded order was given - shoot to kill. The defiant chants of the rioters morphed into screams and cries, echoing the terror of a night that claimed the lives of many, bystanders included.
And thus, the legend of Macbeth’s curse found fresh fuel for its ominous flame.
How did we get here? Why was Macready, a mere actor, the target of such hostility in America? Was the rivalry between Macready and Forrest just an isolated incident or a direct cause of the riot? Is there truth to the cursed tales of Macbeth, doomed to incite disaster? Will my audacious new adult video “Redhead takes whole banana down their throat” hit the million-view milestone?
Join us today on Historical Quarrels as we unravel these queries and more. So, in the immortal words of the Bard, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears!” as we delve into this tumultuous chapter in American history.


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