(LENOX, Mass.) – William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” will be staged in-the-round in the new, outdoor Roman Garden Theatre at Shakespeare & Company from Thursday, August 10, through Sunday, September 3. Directed by newly appointed company artistic director Allyn Burrows, the play features longtime Shakespeare & Company actors Nigel Gore and Jason Asprey alongside Thomas Brazzle, Deaon Griffin-Presley, Tamara Hickey, Ella Loudon, Josh Aaron McCabe, Bella Merlin, and Mark Zeisler. The creative team includes Jim Youngerman (set designer), Govane Lohbauer (costume designer), and Arshan Gailus (sound designer).
Showtimes are at dusk: 5:30pm through August 20; 5pm August 21-September 3.
Likely the final piece that Shakespeare penned alone, “The Tempest” tells the story of Prospero, a betrayed duke and magician bent on justice and revenge until he sees, through his daughter, the power of love and forgiveness. The events of the story unfold amidst the elements of the island, a perfect fit for a Berkshire evening in the open air of the Roman Garden Theatre.
The play opens in the midst of a storm, as a ship containing the king and his attendants struggles to stay afloat. On land Prospero, exiled Duke, conjures the storm with his magic while his daughter, Miranda, watches the storm overtake the ship. On the island, we are introduced to a sprite, Ariel, who had been imprisoned by an evil witch, and the uncivilized Caliban, who is enslaved by Prospero.
Soon the royal party is washed ashore on the magical island, forced to conquer the darkness of the unknown and transcend their traditional roles as Prospero seeks his revenge. Meanwhile, Miranda meets Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, and the pair swiftly fall in love and plan to marry. Prospero plots to reinstate his Dukedom, Ariel and Caliban pursue freedom, and the shipwrecked crew fight for their survival on this island engulfed in magic and chaos.
The Tempest will be performed in-the-round at dusk, tickets are available online at Shakespeare & Company, or by calling Shakespeare & Company’s box office at (413) 637-3353. The Roman Garden Theatre is a new outdoor venue and is wheelchair accessible. Shakespeare & Company is located at 70 Kemble Street in Lenox, Massachusetts
Located in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts, Shakespeare & Company is one of the largest Shakespeare Festivals in the country. Founded in 1978, the organization attracts over 30,000 patrons annually. The Company is also home to Shakespeare & Company’s internationally renowned Center for Actor Training and nationally renowned and award-winning Education Program.