This is The Tempest like you’ve never seen it before. The plot to this play is completely original, as is Rupert Goold’s approach - he experiments with filmography, astounding visual effects, haunting melodies with a native feel and an Ariel reminiscent of Nightmare on Elm Street’s Freddy Krueger.
The play opens to a screened image of a radio broadcast warning of the impending storm. It is through the radio speaker that we watch the striking first scene, as those on board prepare to abandon ship. Then a magical shower gleams across the stage to reveal the remote island where the action takes place.
The scene changes are dramatic in Giles Cadle’s imaginative set, from inside Prospero’s cell we are suddenly taken to a shoreline dominated by a large rock that has a hauntingly otherworldly feel.
Patrick Stewart’s omnipresent Prospero is, as expected, executed with perfection. As Stewart generates the plot of the play almost single-handedly, he brings a refreshing humour to the role as he schemes, creates spells and manipulates events.
Julian Bleach’s Ariel is equally as impressive. He offers a haunting spirit that looks as if it has been conjured up from the grave. Bleach’s appearance onstage startles as he menacingly goes about his business, most powerfully when he dramatically emerges from the belly of a giant seal as a bloodstained carcass with razor-like claws. Mariah Gale’s charmingly naive Miranda provides a welcome contrast - she captures the true essence of her character with a gentle wit.
The play is often spoken about as being Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage - as Prospero says, “this rough magic/I here abjure” - but this is one production that’s significance in this festival year means that it will never be laid to rest.
Production information can change over the run of the show.
Content is copyright © 2012 The Stage Media Company Limited unless otherwise stated.
All RSS feeds are published for personal, non-commercial use. (What’s RSS?)
