The Tempest - What Country Friends is This?

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:

Maxwell Cooter - 15 June 2012

The Tempest, one of Shakespeare’s latest plays, is a drama with redemption at its heart and David Farr’s production, while not rich in innovation, at least captures the emotional resonances of the play.

At its core it boasts an excellent central performance from Jonathan Slinger as a tender-hearted Prospero. He is full of care towards his daughter Miranda, choked up with emotion when recalling his wife and outwardly tender towards Ariel.

Indeed, the most striking aspect of the production is the way that Prospero and Sandy Grierson’s Ariel have an identical appearance in both looks and clothing. This provides a sense of Ariel and Prospero learning from each other as they assume aspects of each others' characters. It also means that the audience is never quite sure which of the two is watching on as events unfold. We get the impression that they’re omnipresent – it’s an intriguing device...

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