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‘The Tempest’ crashes ashore in Newport
You’ll be swept away by “The Tempest,” a modern take on William Shakespeare’s final play, presented by New Visions Arts in Newport.
Directed by Marc Maislen, the production creatively utilizes the Newport Performing Arts Center space with both action and a stunning set that flows out from the center’s main stage.
Shakespeare’s work, with themes of colonialism and a very 17th-Century view of women, has been refreshed in this production, where women have a more powerful role and the theme reflects a more modern issue.
“The original vision of Shakespeare’s final play highlighted the feuding monarchies of the time,” Maislen said. “Today, multinational companies rule the planet. The challenge of retaining Shakespeare’s masterful dialogue within the framework of 2024 gave me a freedom to explore the fundamental truth of the human condition and the fun, love, comedy and pathos in our world. Indeed, the depictions of magic, spirits, goddesses and the enslaved are just as relevant today as in Shakespeare’s time, revealing the nature of humankind: love, foolishness, revenge, forgiveness and mercy.”
The play reveals a world of ruthless oil companies where a coup has left the CEO of British Petroleum, Prospero, and his daughter, Miranda, marooned on a desolate island for 15 years. As fate would have it, a violent storm shipwrecks Prospero’s treacherous brother and co-conspirator, the Chief of Exxon.
Once the castaways are flung about the island, the magical Tempest reveals layers of truths and trials concerning each of the characters. The wonders and mystical powers of the island, tamed by Prospero, serve to determine destiny’s path.
Ram Papish turns in a stunning performance as the exoskeleton-clad Caliban in scenes alternatively humorous and heartbreaking.
Merin Wallace as Ariel, recently trapped in a tree, moves with grace and fluidity as she revels in her freedom while weaving through the different character interactions and scenes.
Pete Theodore as Prospero anchors the action with a commanding performance.
Set designer Mary Eastman, Maislen’s wife and partner at New Visions Arts, draws on her upbringing in Alaska as an inspiration for her stage vision. She and Maislen performed as male and female leads of The American Mime Theatre in New York City before returning west.
They work together on all productions on lighting design, projections, costuming and sound.
Eastman’s most recent designs include “Bartow: In Spirit,” “Tiny Beautiful Things” and “Of Mice and Men.”
The very talented cast also includes Meghan Cahill as Miranda, Alex Herd as Ferdinand, Barbara Berge as Alonsa, Scott Branchfield as Gonzalo, Brian Haggerty as Antonio, Marshall Thompson as Sebastian, Eric Hanneman as Adrian, Kristen Olsen as Francisca, Nikki Paige as Stephana and CJ McCarty as Trincula. Supporting cast includes Mary Griffith, Zoey Tingler and Susan Coast as goddesses; Jason Brown as Boatswain; Artemis Foss as Master; Bridget Hill as a mariner and fairy; Michael Oliver as a woodsman and mariner and Linda Haggerty, Adele and Marian Rice as fairies.
“The Tempest” runs through October 27, with performances at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 pm matinées on Sundays. Tickets are $15 for students and $30 for adults.
The Newport Performing Arts Center is located at 777 W Olive Street. For more information, go to coastarts.org or newvisionsarts.com or call 541-265-2787.