The Summer season is well and truly upon us, and we have a in-house Shakespearean treat ahead! The Tempest will be set in the leafy surrounds of our Amphitheatre. We have some super exciting blog posts written by the very talented Director Bart Lee. Here’s post numero uno!
The thing about the Bard is that whichever play you tackle at whatever age different themes, characters, emotions and understandings leap from the page. When these words are brought to life by actors they surprise you even further. As we recently saw on TV Tim Minchin, Prince Charles and other celebrities celebrated the famous line “To be or not to be, that is the question” by stressing different words to suggest different meanings. Each variation worked. Academics debate choices as Actors bring life to the words. The opportunity for creative choices are endless and so is the fun.
In the Tempest we meet Prospero, the usurped duke of Milan. Many say that Shakespeare saw himself in Prospero and that when the character breaks his magic books and staff if it is actually Shakespeare saying goodbye to the magical world of the theatre. The Tempest is one of his last works. Prospero quotes the famous line “We are such stuff as dreams are made on and our little life is rounded with a sleep” and yet Prospero plots to regain his dukedom and teach his cowardly brother a lesson in humility. I think Shakespeare/Prospero still hungers for justice through bouts of enlightenment granted him by his study of magic. He is at the top of his game.
The play is cast and rehearsals have begun. A fabulous giggle of actors are bringing the words to life once again. Our creative choice is to entertain with heart and soul.
If you love Shakespeare you must join us in the amphitheatre at South Hill Park, the creative heart of Berkshire, July 19-23. Click this link for details
Best Bart
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