Analysis of Shakespeare’s The Tempest on Contemporary Stage

Running head: ANALYSIS OF SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST ON CONTEMPORARY STAGE
ANALYSIS OF SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST ON CONTEMPORARY STAGE
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ANALYSIS OF SHAKESPEARE’S THE TEMPEST ON CONTEMPORARY STAGE
The performance that has been selected is that of Prospero, the Duke of Milan, in
William Shakespeare’s play The Tempest. Brian Hinds has essayed the role of Prospero for the
Savage Rose Theater Company’s adaptation of the play ("The Tempest - Full Play", 2019).
The staging has been kept authentic in the sense that it does not include any modern
interpretation of the play. Staging in theaters refers to the setting or dressing of the stage where
the play is enacted. Staging is the most important aspect of a theater because it decides sets the
tone of the entire play (Pavis, 2013). Other elements of staging include actor or actors’ position
on the stage (blocking), gestures and movements (stage business), props, scenic background,
lighting, costume and sound (Pavis, 2013). The enactment of Shakespeare’s The Tempest by the
mentioned company has included a genuine staging, not making any extra inclusion or
modification to the original play.
Shana Lincoln has designed the costumes that give a glimpse of Renaissance Italy.
Costumes constitute an important element of staging because costumes reflect the setting chosen
by the drama company or production team, which it wants to show to the audience. The sound
design by J. Barrett Cooper gives a powerful impact. Use of wireless body mic helps the
characters to move around and deliver dialogues with effect. The staging matches closely to the
originally play although technical and technological advantages are visible clearly.
Brian Hinds as Prospero delivers a remarkable performance making his presence felt
every time he came on the stage. Prospero sets a quirky tone throughout the play. His
interpretation of the exiled and wronged Duke suits his character well.
The parts where Prospero and Ariel come together were easier to understand because the
play has not changed much of the original text. In one scene, Prospero is seen as cruel and tyrant,