Performing ensemble and production company Manual Cinema will perform its most recent tale, “The 4th Witch,” in Shannon Hall at Memorial Union on Oct. 17 at 7:30 p.m., as part of the Wisconsin Union Theater’s (WUT’s) 2025-2026 season.
Manual Cinema uses a combination of music, visuals, puppetry and actors to create a theatrical and cinematic experience. “The 4th Witch,” a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth,” follows the story of an orphaned girl who is taken in by the three witches and becomes their apprentice. The piece explores the themes of grief, generational conflict, and cycles of violence.
Manual Cinema started in 2010 and released its first feature, “The Ballad of Lula Del Ray,” the same year. Other projects include “A Christmas Carol,” “Frankenstein” and “Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster.” In 2017, the ensemble won an Emmy for its project “The Forger.” Chicago-based Manual Cinema has performed at the Kennedy Center and has been featured in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The ensemble was created by and is currently made up of Drew Dir, Sarah Fornace, Ben Kauffman, Julia Miller and Kyle Vegter. In 2018, the Chicago Tribune recognized the ensemble as Artists of the Year.
“Manual Cinema is one of the most innovative artistic collectives around,” WUT Director Elizabeth Snodgrass said. “Its method of storytelling, with its striking visuals, live cinema, handmade puppetry, and original music, is electrifying to watch. It’s unlike anything out there.”
Patrons can purchase tickets for this event and other WUT-hosted performances online, in person at the Memorial Union Box Office or by phone at (608) 265-2787. Tickets for this event are available at a 15-20% discount through a build-your-own-subscription option.
This performance is presented by WUT and the Wisconsin Union Directorate Performing Arts Committee. Other WUT events remaining in this season include more than a dozen additional performances, including Jazz singer Samara Joy on Nov. 15 and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra with pianist Benjamin Grosvenor on Jan. 28, 2026.
Patrons can visit union.wisc.edu/theater for information about ticket pricing, subscription options and to learn more about the 2025-2026 WUT season lineup.