When Shakespeare initially wrote the play The Tempest as one of his final acts, Europe was dealing with a time of turmoil. Wars in surrounding nations such as Denmark and Sweden, a siege that happened in Russia, economic disparity in England. It’s no wonder that Shakespeare wanted to write a heartfelt message about forgiveness, however what is entirely unexpected is how well audiences can relate and understand this message with the eerily similar times of modern day.
Premiering on Western Carolina’s campus at the Niggli Theatre on Thursday, Oct. 2, and ending on Sunday, Oct. 5, the show was met with sold-out nights across the entire weekend, and for good reason.
The Western Carolina University School of Stage and Screen Main Stage Season couldn’t have made a better choice for this play in their season. It follows Prospero played by WCU Stage and Screen student, Davin Broadhurst, and his child Miranda played by Margo McDowell on an island. He had been placed there after getting betrayed by his brother Anthonia (Kasen Walker) and the King of Naples. Prospero uses his powers of magic to crash the boat of the king with his brother on it and all their company using the help of spirits on the island. Chaos ensues Prospero learns that revenge can instead take more than it could give.
With an original music composition by Elizabeth Cruz, incredible technical effects and makeup, an experienced director and a talented cast willing to learn, the show was a recipe for success. And a lot of work.
“A lot of the cast, for them. It was their first time tackling Shakespeare,” said Matte O’Brien, a Western Carolina University professor and a theatre veteran who has written and directed numerous shows. “It’s a lot of people who are new to Shakespeare and The Tempest is a difficult Shakespeare. It’s one of his later plays, so the language is more complex. It’s a challenge.”
This sentiment was shared by the technical crew. All 28 had to partake in the difficult task of translating Shakespeare’s metaphor and message into something the audience could see and hear. Through makeup, costumes, sound design, and lighting, they had to make sure the audience was also getting the subtleties of Shakespeare’s messages.
“Something we really focused on in this production was when we had our first rehearsal, we spent a full week just talking through the words. We sat down with the script, with Shakespeare’s words and dissected them so we could have a good understanding of what was going on,” Abby Grissom, the stage manager of Tempest said. The Production started at the end of August as the premiering show of the Bardo Arts Center theatrical season. It had around 28 artists all in the theatre department come together to do work on the production.
“Matte spent a lot of time working on the vocals and making sure the actors are understanding the words, because if they understand what they are saying then the audience can understand,” Grissom said.
The words certainly made its way through to the audience, as they got to witness live how Prospero, the main character, withered away to their horror due to his obsession with revenge. The sighs of relief that were given when he finally gave up the plot and chose to forgive were audible.
The opening night Niggly was full laughter, gasps in shock and smiles the audience followed the actors on the stage in awe. The play was riddled with action and antics with the touches of Shakespeare’s often raunchy wit. The production juggled dark themes such as betrayal, and murder plots with cheerful air. However, something else lingered heavily with the message. Forgiveness.
“We are such a divided society,” O’Brien said reflecting on the show’s central message. “Prospero says it’s easier to choose vengeance over virtue, and I think there’s something about that, that is really true. It’s sometimes hard to see when you’re angry that the more noble path is to try and see the good in someone else, to try and choose virtue. Everything is so polarized now-adays that’s important.”
It’s safe to say this year’s season is off to a running start with it’s relevant themes, amazing technical feats and incredible actors. Which will be used to highlight every show going forward this season. The next one being Holiday Inn, a lighthearted holiday-oriented show that will bring some warmth to the season.
