The Tempest

Synopsis

Prospero, Duke of Milan, his dukedom usurped by his brother Antonio, is put to sea with his daughter Miranda and some magical books smuggled in by his loyal councillor Gonzalo. The sea casts them up on an island where Prospero, exercising his magical powers, makes a home for himself and Miranda. One day a great storm, which Prospero has conjured, breaks up a passing ship and delivers to him the members of his usurping court. Treacherous brother, fellow conspirators and old friend alike come under Prospero's spell. Shakespeare's last play.

Our Review:

11 January 2008

Over the past few decades there has been a new body of scholarship looking at The Tempest as a postcolonial text, where the Europeans are invaders subjugating Ariel and, particularly Caliban.

Asian theatre company Tara’s production has taken another slant, placing the island in the centre of a Muslim culture. This is a decidedly non-tyrannical Prospero, one more teacher than despot. The supernatural elements are underplayed, there is no staff, no books, no apparitions at the masque for this most human of Prosperos.

Director Jatinder Verma’s programme notes suggest an optimism in the play as Prospero draws on the Ariel’s desire to be free to experience a new humanity. It’s a reading at odds with the production as Caroline Kilpatrick’s Ariel is one of the stroppiest spirits I’ve ever seen; more a sulky teenager than am ethereal being, seeking liberation, as if she’s already eager to sample the joys of being human.

He also draw...

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