Review: THE TEMPEST, RSC
Photo credit: Ikum Yum
In a world where we are growingly conscious of our carbon footprint and ecological standing, the subtext of Shakespeare’s The Tempest couldn’t be clearer. With a set and costumes built from discarded materials collected from the region, it’s hard to miss the point of this production.
The story of The Tempest begins with Prospero, The Duke of Milan, and her young daughter Miranda. Having had her position and privileges taken from her by her brother Antonio, supported by King Alonso and his sister Sebastian, she was put to sea, eventually landing on a remote island with only Caliban and a spirit called Ariel to keep them company.
They have survived on the island for twelve years, mostly due to Prospero’s study of the magic arts which has allowed her to sense that her enemies are close to the island, and that she has the opportunity for revenge. Using her powers, she raises a tempest (storm) and shipwrecks them on the island.
Prospero directs Ariel (who is invisible to them) and the shipwrecked survivors are separated and their wanderings controlled, leading Ferdinand, Alonso’s son to Prospero and Miranda, with whom he falls in love. Meanwhile Caliban has a plot to see Prospero’s downfall ….
The set design and costumes by Tom Piper, with additional costumes by Natasha Ward, are simply breathtaking. Using various levels to display the hierarchy of the island and its ‘spirits’ alongside the use of waste plastics beneath golden cloaks and beautifully designed head dresses, symbolising the devastation that as a race we are glossing over the damage that we have caused, instead of dealing with the consequences of our actions.
The lighting design by Johanna Town supports the changing of the seasons, from the darkness of the storm clouds to the enlightenment of Spring and encompassing Prospero’s magic. With direction by Elizabeth Freestone, the piece includes everything from puppetry to circus acrobatics and music composed by Adrienne Quartly rounding off the modern take on this medieval classic.
Special mentions to Jessica Rhodes and Joseph Payne as Miranda and Ferdinand, their natural relationship giving us the romantic couple of the piece, without being sickeningly sweet, as is often seen in the interactions of Shakespeare’s love interests.
The cast is led by Alex Kingston as Prospero, a commanding, heartfelt performance and with comic relief by Cath Whitefield as Trinculo providing the fool’s movements and timing with faultlessness.
An ecologically sound, relevant squall of a performance!
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Rachel Louise Martin
The Tempest plays at the RSC until 4 March, with further information here.