“We are the stuff dreams are made of.”
SAN DIEGO — The Tempest was Will’s farewell to the stage. Prospero’s wizardry is the magic of theatre and this play is consummately theatrical with tempest tossing seas, fantastic spirits, hideous monsters, star-crossed lovers, improbable twists, intrigue and a thirst for revenge. But what if you reimagine a strong leading male role as a woman’s? What changes in the character dynamics? That’s what the Old Globe aimed to find out.
Gender bending is nothing new in Shakespeare. In Elizabethan England, it was considered immoral for women to play onstage. So all of those lovely Juliets, Ophelias, Hermias and Violets were played by teenage boys. Centuries later, craving a meatier role, the great Sarah Bernhardt would play Hamlet as a “breeches part” to very mixed reviews. Now, who better to play Prospera than veteran actor Kate Burton? The daughter of Richard Burton, she likely heard sonnets in her crib. And as a Professor of Dramatic Arts at USC, she’s earned her stripes.
Scenic Designer Alexander Dodge takes us into what looks like a long abandoned theatre with old box seats and a forlorn, legless grand piano. It’s fun to see the age-old sound effects machinery of a wind turbine and thunder sheet while snapping fingers and patted chests indicate rain.
Kate Burton’s Prospera is a protective, strict, no-nonsense mama. Yet, she exudes warmth and affection toward her daughter Miranda, playing the matchmaker between her and Prince Ferdinand. The two USD students Sam Avishay and Nora Carroll made a charming couple, creating just the right tension between shyness and passion. Prospera wants her daughter to be happy, but not satisfied too soon.
Lizan Mitchell is fun to watch as Gonzala, the kind-hearted noble who dreams of a better world. She stands in stark contrast to Antonio and Sebastian, the selfish schemers who plot to take people’s lives for their lands.
I was less than delighted by some of David Israel Reynoso’s costume choices. Ariel’s sparkly unitard seemed better suited to a Vegas Cirque show. But to be fair, a gay friend of mine liked his outfit just fine. The three spirits who bless the young couple are decked out in sparkly silver evening gowns like the Supremes with their heads boxed in cubes. …Why?
Robert Dorfman and Andrew Weems steal the show as a hammy pair of Vaudevillains in their drunken foolery as Stephano and Trinculo. While they were great at comic relief, the emotional weight of the story was lacking. Caliban’s attempted rape of Miranda was quick-fixed with a metal chastity belt. And weight of the sins on the Dukes’ shoulders seemed to rest lightly. They had it all and yet they crave more. An evil karma is what they have coming.
The Talmud teaches one to “forgive your neighbors’ transgressions and then –when you pray- your own sins will be forgiven.” (Ben Sira 28:2) Forgiveness is the eye in the Tempest. For years, Prospera had dreamed of vengeance against those who stole her land and title. Finally, when fate brings them into her power, she finds the power to forgive. Then, she begs our pardon as she leaves the world of magic behind.
“As you from crimes would pardoned be,
Let your indulgence set me free.”
The Tempest plays at the Old Globe’s Lowell Davies Festival Theatre through July 22, 2018.
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Tauber is a freelance writer specializing in coverage of he arts. He may be contacted via eric.tauber@sdjewishworld.com