The Tempest (2000)

Ariel [Geraldine Alexander]. Photo: Donald Cooper

directed by Lenka Udovicki

These our actors,
As I foretold you, were all spirits, and
Are melted into air, into thin air,
And like the baseless fabric of this vision
The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces,
The solemn temples, the great globe itself,
Yea, all which shall inherit shall dissolve...
4.1.148-54

Prospero, Duke of Milan, his dukedom usurped by his brother Antonio, is put to sea with his little daughter Miranda and some magical books smuggled in by his loyal councillor Gonzalo. The sea casts them up on an island where Prospero, exercising his magical powers, makes a home for himself and Miranda. One day, a great storm, which Prospero has conjured, breaks up a passing ship and delivers him to the members of his usurping court. Treacherous brother, fellow conspirators and old friend alike come under Prospero's spell.

No play tells us more about Shakespeare's views on the cathartic role of theatre in society, on theatre as a healer of wrongs. Vanessa Redgrave and Lenka Udovicki bring their experiences of refugees in the 20th century to bear on this story of exile, revenge and eventual forgiveness.

Creative Team

Master of Play - Lenka Udovicki
Master of Verse - Tim Carroll
Master of Music - Nigel Osborne
Master of Dance - Laurie Booth

Cast

Vanessa Redgrave - Prospero
Kananu Kirimi - Miranda
Martin Turner - Antonio
Terry McGinity - Alonso
Sam Parks - Sebastian
Will Keen - Ferdinand
Robert McBain - Gonzalo
Tas Emiabata - Adrian
Jonathan Oliver - Francisco
Paul Chahidi - Trinculo
Steffan Rhodri - Stefano
Geraldine Alexander - Ariel
Jasper Britton - Caliban
Besa Berberi, Kate Fleetwood and Victoria Nolan - The Masque