WILLIAMSBURG — William & Mary (W&M) Theatre‘s latest production brings a historical twist on one of Shakespeare’s famous works.
Aime Cesaire, “A Tempest,” a post-colonial adaptation of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” takes place on an island in the Caribbean in an age of imperialism.
The play reimagines the sorcerer Prospero as a white master who is holding captive his two slaves, Ariel and Caliban.
“In the wake of a powerful storm that brings his enemy’s ship ashore, the
play follows the plight of powerful Caliban and dutiful Ariel as they seek their freedom,” according to a release from W&M Theatre.
“A Tempest” focuses on issues of race, power, and anti-imperialism, bringing historical context to issues remaining in the modern world.
Director Janel Miley is trying to bring these conversations to light with the production.
“A Tempest” interests me because Césaire took the characters and story of ‘The
Tempest’ and adapted it to explore the impact of colonization,” Miley said. “What
happens when colonizers strive to dominate and force their culture onto the people they are attempting to colonize? This is not a question to historicize and consign to the past. It is an ongoing conversation as we consider where we are as a nation and what our roles are in the story.”
W&M Theatre said that the show features a diverse cast of students from across the peninsula.
“A Tempest” opens on the Kimball Theatre Stage, 428 W Duke of Gloucester St., March 3-6. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, with a Sunday matinee at 2 p.m.
Patrons are required to wear their masks for the duration of the performance, and
socially-distanced seating will be available.
Tickets are now on sale now here, and in-person sales are open at the
Kimball Theatre Box Office Monday-Friday from 2 p.m.-6 p.m., and two hours before each performance.
Visit here for more information.
