The Archives: "O brave new world, that has such people in't!"

The Tempest

The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford

Cast

Gonzalo … Ivan Abrahams

Alonso … Jeremy Crutchley

Spirits … Nkosinathi Gaar

                 Alex Halligey

                 Thami Mbongo

                 Omphile Molusi

                 Chuma Sopotela

Ariel … Atandwa Kani

Caliban … John Kani

Ferdinand … Charlie Keegan

Stephano … Elton Landrew

Antonio … Lionel Newton

Sebastian … Nicholas Pauling

Prospero … Anthony Sher

Adrian/Francisco …Royston Stoffels

Trinculo … Wayne Van Rooyen

Miranda … Tinarie Van Wyk Loots

I don't quite recall why our school decided to take us to see "The Tempest" as it had no connection to any of our curriculum. However, always eager to see a Shakespeare I've yet to experience, I went along. 

The RSC's production of the 'The Tempest' featured a cross section of actors, with the majority of the spirits being played by actors of African origin, notably John Kani as Caliban, who gave a performance that was at times loathsome, comical and, towards the end somewhat pitiable, the final address not being presented to the audience, but from Anthony Sher's Prospero to his slave, finally releasing him onto the isle he claimed as his birthright. And speaking of Anthony Sher...

One of those actors you can't study Shakespeare without hearing of, Sher proved why he holds legendary status upon the stage, commanding every scene he is, though he is ably matched, particularly by Atandwa Kani as Ariel. Providing light relief are the odd troop of humans who find themselves washed up on Prospero's isle, with Elton Landrew and Wayne Van Rooyen performing an entertaining double act as the King's jesters (though I could not for the life of me place where their accents were supposed to be from). The staging of the production was also well done, the magical effects not overshadowing, but rather complimenting the performances, never taking away attention from the human conflict.

The only complaint I would have about this production os one that remains constant whenever I see an adaptation rather than an original, the obvious undertones that were intended to echo throughout the play, namely the race and slavery themes. Fortunately, they did not overwhelm the show and it was not difficult to ignore this niggling problem and enjoy the excellent performances.