In this season’s production of The Tempest, Renaissance Now Theatre and Film’s extends a tradition of clarity and enjoyment by the Bard, William Shakespeare, with sharp comedic characters, and significant understanding of the themes. It’s clear, smart, and funny. The audience laughed at all the right places. A comic win! As is traditional with this Shakespeare Festival, one show is contemporary (Measure for Measure) and The Tempest provides contrast as a classical piece. The Tempest production is set in Shakespeare’s bustling Renaissance, during the rule of King James. This was a time of heightened seafaring exploration to the “new world,” as the Royal court of King James was populated with strange creatures and peoples from America. According to director Kathy Curtiss, this may have inspired Shakespeare to set The Tempest on a remote Mediterranean Island, likewise populated by strange and magical creatures.
As this story unfolds, the Duke of Milan, Prospero (played with resonance and quick-witted humor by Marvin Payne) and his daughter Miranda (played by with clarity and great feeling by Sonja Hugo) have been marooned on a deserted island for 12 years after Prospero’s brother, Antonio (Houston Baker) usurped his dukedom, assisted by the King of Naples. Prospero, known for his thirst for knowledge and a patron of the arts, now exiled on an island, becomes a powerful sorcerer. His magic staff, book, and cape are invested with power. As the tale begins, he has used his power to raise the tempest, wrecking the passing ship that holds his enemies aboard, thus forcing a reconciliation.
Exiled Prospero finds himself among creatures and elements he never imagined. Among these creatures is the fairy spirit Ariel, played with bright energy and imagination by Sasha Hayden Wilkinson, and the beast-like Caliban, played by Oliver Estrada Brown. These creatures make a kind of family for the banished Miranda and Prospero. Estrada Brown’s Caliban offers stunning movement in the creation of the mythical beast character. His adolescent struggle with authority will surely be a familiar one. Hayden-Wilkinson’s portrayal of the trickster spirit is nothing short of inspired. Her movement flows through all the scenes, turning them into true magic. Still, the best part of her portrayal is her relationship with Prospero. They banter and joke, while also sharing the wonders of the island. Payne’s Prospero, also truly inspired, demonstrates depth of understanding of text and the great themes of the last Shakespeare masterpiece. His character, wronged by those he loved, banished, in desperate circumstances, Payne shows wondrous compassion, and a brilliant character arc, learning as much as he teaches to those who wronged him, forgiving and seeking forgiveness. Hugo’s portrayal of his daughter is touching and sensitive as she is caught in her own naivete, having never seen another human, now faced with a dashing young man who is falling in love with her.
These circumstances develop as chance or fate brings these political rivals, King Alonso, played by Joel Applegate; Gonzalo, played by Kolby Jenkins; and Prospero’s brother Antonio across Prospero’s path on a voyage through the Mediterranean. Prospero raises the tempest to wreck them ashore with him, bringing this conflict to a new climax. Applegate is regal and distinctive as he portrays the King of Naples. He is genuine and deeply emotional as he searches for his lost son. Meanwhile, his son, very much alive, had been led to another part of the island by Prospero to meet his lovely daughter. Jenkins and Baker play opposite responses to their wreck on the island. Jenkins portrayal of the heroic visionary who encourages the King is beautiful. Antonio sees their situation as hopeless, but this hides his purpose of defeating the King. Baker is witty, uses his sharp intellect and cunning.
There are effective sword-fight encounters with the royalty and comics, choreographed by Fight Consultant Adam Argyle. In Shakespeare productions, we often are delighted to see a good sword fight and you’ll find that here.
The comic duo of Stephano (the drunken butler), played with style and panache by Carter McEwan, and Trinculo (the jester), played with great comedic skills by Ethan Freestone round out the cast. Their comedic scrapes and the resultant serious trouble are wonderful as they plot with Caliban to take over the island. McEwan and Freestone are boundlessly lively, sharp with the text clarity, such that you don’t miss a single joke. Their relationship work between them just steals the show (unless it was already stolen by the beautiful trickster Ariel). Freestone’s relationship with the audience is endearing. In addition to the comedic skill demonstrated rather universally, it’s very clear Shakespeare.
This adaptation includes the “Now speak” monologues that sharpen the themes for the modern audience. Recognizable is contemporary vices of obsession, the potential corruption inherent in the wielding of power. The hopeful arc of the play explores the value of knowledge and deep study as we approach any topic, and ultimately, how we can redeem the time lost, since we are all vulnerable to human error. What happens is unexpected, as the redemption in self-discovery is for all, including the sorcerer himself. Credit for this helpful device goes to Director/Adaptor Kathy Curtiss.
The production features costume design by Jennifer Thornton, Voice and Text by Steven Rimke, by Rychard Curtiss, Sound design by Rychard Curtiss and Patch Olsen on the season’s repertory set. Technical direction by Ian Biesinger and R. Curtiss. Original adaptations by K.Curtiss.
The Tempest, set at the beautiful Provo Castle Theatre is one to attend. It’s fresh, exciting, and provides themes that are very relevant for this time.
Renaissance Now Theatre and Film present The Tempest, by William Shakespeare.
The Castle Theatre, 1300 E. Center St. Provo, Utah 84604, above, or east of the Utah State Hospital, overflow parking in designated spaces only below.
7:30 PM
Contact: Text 917-225-7643 or Kathy.b.curtiss@gmail.com
Bring Chairs or Blankets. Water or something to drink, preferably in a cooler, snacks, and bug spray.
Water bottles available, $1
Tickets: General $15, Student/Seniors $10, $5 Previews
Half price discount codes available for Mon, June 23, and Tues, June 24.
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Plays in repertory with Measure for Measure
Measure for Measure: June 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 Monday, Wednesday, Friday
The Tempest: June 19, 21, 24, 26, 28 Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday
Both casts are scheduled to perform these plays in New York after their schedule in Provo.
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