'EYE OF THE STORM' SITP The Tempest by Braham Murray(SRT) 26th May 2015 @ Fort Canning Park
A storm that is the strength of the cast and the clarity of orientation encompasses the stage as Shakespeare in the Park goes into its 8th year with the recital of the Tempest. Shakespeare’s last play is supported from beginning to end by the cast, who brings out the character behind the stories from many different viewpoints and by the set and props, which creates an atmosphere that can only be described as ‘magical’.
The play revolves around the character Prospero, the former Duke of Milan who had been betrayed by his brother Antonio and the King of Naples Alonso, and sent to a deserted isle with his daughter Miranda. With his knowledge of sorcery, Prospero enslaves the island spirit Caliban and inducts the airy spirit Ariel into his service, thus establishing a rule of his own on the isle. It is then interrupted by the appearance of newcomers from Italy – including Antonio and Alonso, who are washed up on the isle after a tempest capsizes the ship.
The main stage is beautifully crafted into the form of a huge tome that brings out the vintage and mystical feeling of the play to life. The set is accompanied by lighting that is able to portray scenes of different emotions with ease; for example, the scene that is clearly meant to be shown as threatening is shrouded in red light that shows the terror of the characters in the show. The cast also uses the walkways by the seating areas, which is a break from having all the action only focused on centre stage.
It is interesting to note that some of the cast are dressed in a modern style of clothing, while still speaking in the old English that all Shakespeare plays are written in; it is heartening that they did not conform to modern speak for ease of understanding, or that they did not stick to the vintage style of clothing as wont by other portrayals of Shakespeare’s plays. That is one thing that I believe stands out in this recital of The Tempest.
This play is not particularly suitable for all audiences – many people would be unable to understand due to the old style of speak used, and the story of betrayal and comic tragedy would not be for the casual viewer. However, it shows the essence of a Shakespeare-esque play, as it should, which would cause literature enthusiasts to watch with zeal.
A theme of colonialism is subtle in its portrayal, but is an intriguing afterthought as one ponders the play for the hours after watching. The storm that is the Tempest would stay in the minds of the viewers even after the play ends, an impression that I hope this play would be able to leave on all other viewers as well.