The cast of The Tempest takes a bow. Photo by Theo R. Welling.
On July 30, The St. Louis Shakespeare Festival kicked off its second show for the season, The Tempest (directed by Tom Ridgely). It’s a flavorful chaser to their May-June production, As You Like It. As You Like It is a pastoral comedy about the pleasures of a simple country life; The Tempest, meanwhile,is a high-seas adventure with lessons on power and responsibility. Whether you prefer the playful comedies or the late-period romantic plays, you’ll find much to enjoy here.
The Tempest unfolds on a deserted island inhabited by Prospero (Joy Christina Turner) and his daughter, Miranda (Daisy Held). Prospero, the rightful duke of Milan, was cheated out of his title by his scheming brother, Antonio (Reginald Pierre). When he learns that Antonio and Alonso, King of Naples (Alex Daspit), are sailing past the island, Prospero orders his familiar, Ariel (Aliyah Jacobs), to conjure a storm and sink the ship. The king and his entourage are each drawn into Prospero’s elaborate revenge plot. Meanwhile, Prospero’s half-human servant Caliban (Isaiah di Lorenzo) plots his own revenge against his master, with dubious help from a drunkard and a jester (Pierre and Held, again).
Like much of Shakespeare’s life and career, the details of The Tempest are a bit foggy. It is not Shakespeare’s final play (as many believe), but it is most likely his final solo writing project. The lead character, Prospero, may also have been Shakespeare’s last acting role. In fact, Shakespeare alludes to the end of his career in Prospero’s final monologue: “Let your indulgence set me free.” At the end of the play, Prospero casts aside his staff and spellbook and vows to never practice magic again. This may have forecasted the end of Shakespeare’s magic for the people of 17th century England. Luckily for us, Shakespeare’s plays can still enchant us 400 years later.
Shakespeare Festival’s The Tempest is a touring production. The actors perform every day except Monday—always at 6:30, but never in the same location. (You can find their tour schedule here). The troupe has taken on a formidable challenge as part of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival’s commitment to equity and accessibility. Hopefully they will bring the beauty and power of Shakespeare to every corner of the county.
Due to their ambitious travel schedule, the troupe needs to use a minimalistic set design. Do not expect the large, elaborate sets from the mainstage shows in Forest Park. Instead, expect energetic performances from a small cast, with each actor playing multiple roles. You can expect more charming musical interludes (many performed on ukelele by Ariel), as well as top-notch clowning (provided here by Trinculo and Stephano).
The Tempest is a contemplation on power. What makes a person powerful? How do they earn that power and wield it responsibly? How do they yield that power or share it with others? Like many of Shakespeare’s plays, The Tempest is surprisingly timely. You’re sure to connect characters and themes to events in our community and our country. Fortunately, the deft players of St. Louis Shakespeare Festival add sugar and spice to make this complex tale go down a treat. St. Louis Shakespeare Festival has gifted us with a summer of lighthearted comedy, music and mischief—all free! | Rob Von Nordheim
Find the full The Tempest tour schedule and stay up-to-date on the latest from the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival at stlshakes.org.
