‘The Tempest’ takes Newport by storm

“Hell is empty and all the devils are here,” wrote William Shakespeare in his final play, “The Tempest.”

New Visions Arts’ colorful, modern take on this work opens this Friday, Oct. 11, at the Newport Performing Arts Center.

The play, directed by Marc Maislen, 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.

In this Shakespeare play there is everything you would expect: treachery, comedy, romance, magic, stupidity and atonement.

“The Tempest” will continue through Sunday, Oct. 27, with performances at 7 pm on Fridays and Saturdays and at 2 pm 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.