Charlotte’s Free Reign Theatre Presents Trim, Syndicated Run of ‘The Tempest’
Rarely mentioned among the best works of William Shakespeare, ‘The Tempest’ is a comedy that maintains an enviable popularity within the Bard’s celebrated canon. The Free Reign Theatre in Charlotte, North Carolina is presenting a unique take on this classic play, with performances open at the Gettys Center in Rock Hill through August 25.
The Tempest has often been singled out as the Bard’s final and most perfect work in the misty annals of Shakespearean scholarship and criticism. The suggestions that Shakespeare has inserted himself into the role of the Prospero, the chief protagonist, and that Prospero’s renunciation of magical arts is Shakespeare’s ultimate farewell to theatre, have been popular among theatergoers.
Free Reign Theatre’s Novel Interpretation
Under Director, David Hensley’s direction and Gina Brafford’s costumes, ‘The Tempest’ often looks like the Bard had an idea to pitch his last work as an ancestor of Gilligan’s Island. The plot of The Tempest takes place primarily on a tropic isle where Prospero, a duke of Milan and an ardent student of magic, rules over Caliban, a native deformed monster, and Ariel, a spirit.
In a shift to Shakespeare’s opening scene, the set design transforms the mighty storms into a roughly constructed ship deck with a puny captain’s wheel. Shakespeare suggests that Prospero’s influence goes beyond his tropic island to the seas he sets in turmoil by harnessing the power of magic. Under Prospero’s authority, the ship of the wicked courts which unlawfully seized his dukedom is tossed and wrecked. Yet, everyone escapes unharmed to the island only to be manipulated at Prospero’s will.
Comedic Element and Nods to Modern Times
Shakespeare infuses elements of comedy by creating suspense around Prospero’s schemes. The Duke lays out tests for the young prince, Ferdinand of Naples, to ignite love between the prince and his daughter, Miranda, who falls in love with Ferdinand at first sight. In the light of Miranda and Ferdinand’s love, Prospero’s unnecessary stratagems make him look like an out-of-touch old man, keeping the audience entertained.
Moreover, the unlikely alliance of Caliban with the drunken jester, Trinculo, and the more sober butler, Stephano, features puns and jokes, all pointing to an impending failure of Caliban’s rebellion.
Symbolic Showcase of Shakespeare’s Art
Free Reign Theatre has turned around a relatively complex play by skillfully incorporating various elements ranging from drama and suspense to comedy and simplicity. The Gettys courtroom, where the performance takes place, provides a perfect backdrop for the play with its historical charm and mid-century decor.
Old costumes reused, the humorous incorporation of household objects as prop elements, and trimmed yet elaborate dialogues make this play a spectacle of the simplistic ways one can adapt to changes. The visual spectacle in the play maintains the audience’s interest and serves as a fitting homage to Shakespeare’s lauded magic realism.
All in all, Free Reign Theatre’s version of ‘The Tempest’ is a well-condensed and directed play that is not to be missed by Shakespeare enthusiasts and casual viewers alike. Drama, comedy, romance and fantasy blend seamlessly while maintaining the Bard’s traditional use of language, subplots, and characterization. This trim, syndicated run of ‘The Tempest’ is truly an exceptional piece of theatrical art that brings forth the timeless essence of William Shakespeare.
