The nights are getting chilly but PacRep’s The Tempest at the Outdoor Forest Theater brings anything but an ill wind.
This story of a revenge abandoned and politics dropped in the name of unity, written in 1611, is said to be the last Shakespeare penned on his own. It is set on a deserted island, an even safer destination than Italy or Denmark, settings from where Shakespeare liked to comment on the political theater of his contemporary England.
Typically considered a comedy, The Tempest is a story of a betrayal of one royal brother by another, resulting in Prospero (played by Michael Ray Wisely) being sent to the sea to vanish. Yet the exiled Prospero and his baby daughter, Miranda, survive and prosper in the new world, a location likely inspired by the new era of colonialism – perhaps even the Bermudas, from where tales of shipwrecks were reaching King James’ England.
The same small but fearless crew of actors and director Kenneth Kelleher who brought us Saint Joan only weeks ago at the Circle Theatre, return for a three-weekend adventure on Carmel’s famous outdoor stage – with one addition to the troupe: San Francisco-based actress and dancer Anjoli Aguilar (as both Prospero’s spirit servant Ariel and his daughter Miranda). Once again, they prove that much can be accomplished with only seven actors on stage.
As the plot develops, an opportunity for revenge comes to Prospero, now a powerful magician. But when he faces his enemies in the new territory, Prospero finds it in his heart to forgive and set for a hopeful future.
Assigning dual roles to a majority of the cast again works successfully. Aguilar in particular is compelling as Miranda/Ariel through her acrobatic skills and grace. River Navaille shines bright as Stephano, showing off their comedic timing and vocal range. Praise should go to each actor.
Kelleher delivers not only as a director, but also as set and sound designer, again bringing contemporary music to the play – as well as a pair of clowns, enjoying their drunken time by the sea. The videography (Garland Thompson Jr.) and lighting (Joanna Hobbs) complement the scenes beautifully.
One can only wish for the show to run longer than three weekends.
THE TEMPEST 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays until Oct. 18. Outdoor Forest Theater, Mountain View and Santa Rita, Carmel. $46; $36/seniors; $26/teachers, military; $16/students; $11/children. (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org.
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