Often called Shakespeare's
superb valedictory to the stage, “The Tempest” is a magical story of exile and
redemption. One major critic said this Shakespearean play will, “in the future,
have the most
to say to us.”
Plot
Overview:
On an enchanted island, dwell
the magician, Prospero and his lovely daughter, Miranda. Twelve years earlier,
Prospero, then Duke of Milan, became absorbed in his study of necromancy and
allowed his dukedom to be usurped by his brother, Antonio, who, with the help of Alonso,
King of Naples, set Prospero and Miranda adrift in a "rotten carcass of a boat"
in which they would have perished without the help of their friend, Gonzalo.
Prospero is served on the island by Caliban the earth-bound issue of the wicked
witch Sycorax. Ariel and other spirits of the island also serve Prospero. As the
action opens, a ship at sea is being tossed by a violent tempest created by
Prospero. The ship carries Alonso and Antonio as royal passengers as well as
other members of the court. Miranda begs her father to end the storm and save
the passengers. He assures her that no harm will come to any of them. He then
instructs Ariel to bring the shipwrecked passengers safely to shore and scatter
them. Ferdinand, fearing his father Alonso's death, wanders towards Prospero's
cave and meets Miranda, with whom he falls in love. Prospero tests him by giving
him slavish tasks, which he does happily, out of his love for Miranda. On
another part of the island Ariel puts the royal party to sleep while Sebastian
and Antonio contemplate assassination and usurping the throne. But Ariel awakens
them just in time to save their lives. meanwhile, on another part of the island,
the drunken servants, Trinculo and Stephano, convince Caliban that they are gods
and he willingly offers to become their slave if they would kill Prospero. In a
series of magical events, Prospero brings the royal party to him and in breaking
the spell, reconciles with all of them, including the plotters. Prospero then
abjures his magic powers, and frees Ariel. As a final act, he buries his magic
staff and plans to return to Milan and regain his dukedom.
Also plays Aug. 2, •4, 10, 12
Produced by Houston Shakespeare Festival.
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