Shakespeare's Tempest at the Rozsa
A violent and sudden storm
forces a disparate band of shipwrecked survivors onto the enchanted shores
of a magical island, and so begins Shakespeare's spellbinding play The
Tempest. Presented by the Aquila Theatre of London and New York, the 8:00
p.m. production at the Rozsa on Thursday, April 25 marks the end of the
second season of events at the Rozsa Center. Tickets are on sale at the
Rozsa Center Box Office at 487-3200 (Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m.)
or online at www.tickets.mtu.edu.
The Tempest is a wonderful
combination of larger-than-life characters, interesting settings, and
a good plot line. This cast includes Shakespeare's usual contrasts of
good (Prospero, the magician; his beautiful daughter Miranda; and her
charming suitor, Ferdinand) and bad (Prospero's evil brother Antonio and
some of his accomplices). The comedy is provided by Stephano, the butler,
and Trinculo, the jester, who blunder about the island in drunken confusion,
tricked and tormented by the mischievous Ariel, Prospero's spirit of the
air. Caliban, Prospero's half-human evil servant, plots unsuccessfully
against his master. This gross monster takes the role of the wicked spirit,
and, despite his beastliness, Shakespeare has given him some of the most
beautiful lines in the play. Prospero, aided by Ariel, exerts a Godlike
control over all the characters. He uses his magic to punish the bad and
reward the good and contrive a happy ending. He foils the plots against
him and blesses the union of the lovers.
The Tempest, written in 1611,
was one of William Shakespeare's last plays. Today it is one of the most
popular. Imagine how many times it must have been presented since the
17th century, and with each director, how many different interpretations
there must have been. Aquila's highly original and imaginative production
will bring yet another refreshing interpretation. Heralded by the New
York Times as "an extraordinarily inventive and disciplined outfit,"
the Aquila Theatre Company combines their renowned and highly praised
ensemble acting techniques, clever staging, original music and Shakespearean
expertise as they retell the compelling story of Prospero, Miranda, Caliban,
and Ariel. It is a play that gives them a wonderful opportunity to use
their theatrical skills to bring out the emotion, vitality and grace of
Shakespeare's beautiful language.
The Aquila Theatre Company's
visit to the Rozsa is made possible by the James and Margaret Black Endowment
and the MTU Committee for Campus Enrichment. For further information contact
the Great Events Series Office (487-2844).
