The Tempest
A play by William Shakespeare
The setting is an “un-inhabited island” somewhere in the sea between the north coast of Africa and the Mediterranean coast of Italy. Queen Alonza, of Naples is returning from Africa where she has overseen the marriage of her sister, to the prince of Tunis. As the Queen’s ship enters the magical range of the enchanted island, Prospero, banished duke and bookish sorcerer, seizes the opportunity. He designs a series of events that will punish his enemies while restoring himself and his fifteen-year-old daughter, Miranda, to power in Italy. Prospero’s airy spirit, Ariell, petitions the Orishas of waters and tempests to create a devastating sea storm. The tempest shipwrecks the queen’s party and disperses the travelers about the island, causing each to despair that the others have perished. Amidst this unfolding drama, the young Miranda, Caliban, and Ferdinand each follow a voyage of passage of their own as they encounter the harbingers of a brave new world.
Full of magic, mystery, pageantry and conflict, the first recorded performance of The Tempest was on November 1st in 1611. The play is both a comedy and a tragedy. It has been performed all over the world for more than 400 years continuing to inspire and delight.
This production features original music and dance as well as an art installation of student-created artworks designed to bring the characters and imagined flora and fauna of the island to life.
Directed by Miriam Bennett. Choreography by Jessica Spurlock. Presented with live musical accompaniment. Original score by Aman Almeida and Andy Karkosiak.
Performances are April 12, 13, 14, 15 at 7:30pm and April 12 at 10:30am at Tri-C Metro's Main Stage Theatre,
2900 Community College Ave. Cleveland, OH 44113