This November, Covenant College Theatre presents William Shakespeare's The Tempest. The Tempest is the most musical of Shakespeare’s plays, with singing and dancing, as well as spectacular displays of Prospero’s magic.
At the time Shakespeare composed the play, lavish entertainments called masques were in fashion at the court of King James I. It is thought that these entertainments inspired Shakespeare as he wrote, and as director Claire Slavovsky notes, “we really have an obligation to live up to the fact that Prospero is able to do amazing things with his magic and to present a feast for the eyes and ears.” This production will contain original music by John Reeder (‘17), performed by Reeder, violist Xaris Emmett (‘18), as well as several vocalists.
The fantastical play revolves around questions of power as well as revenge, justice, and mercy. The magician Prospero, the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, are left stranded on an island when he is deposed. Prospero conjures a tempest which shipwrecks those who plotted against him. With his enemies stranded on the same island, Prospero seeks a reckoning, aided by his servant, the sprite Ariel. Meanwhile, Miranda falls in love with the son of one of Prospero’s enemies, and his resentful servant Caliban teams up with two drunken clowns to kill Prospero and rule the island.
Slavovsky remarks, “Prospero has the temptation of using his power to follow a dark, vengeful path against his enemies and must choose between that or mercy and forgiveness.”
Peter Upton (‘13) plays Prospero, alongside freshmen Elaine George as Miranda, Emily Cothran as Ariel, and Alex Wilson as Caliban.
“The Tempest” will run November 1, 2, 3 and 9 at 8:00 p.m. and November 10 at 2:30 p.m. in Sanderson Hall Auditorium at Covenant College.
There will be a Q&A with some of the cast and crew after the Friday, Nov. 2nd performance, and a faculty discussion panel after the matinee on Saturday, Nov. 10.
Tickets are $10 for adults, and $7 for seniors, military, students, and Covenant staff. To inquire about group rates or to reserve tickets, please contact the box office at boxoffice@covenant.edu or 706-419-1051. Tickets may also be purchased online at covenant.edu/theatre or at the door as long as seats remain available.