Idle Muse Theatre Company’s production of The Tempest takes a unique approach by casting six actors to embody the character of Ariel, Prospero’s ethereal spirit. Director and adaptor Tristan Brandon’s vision transforms Ariel into a chorus of sorts, with Mara Kovacevic, Gary Henderson, Connar Brown, Emely Cuestas, Jacque Bischoff, and Emily Pfriem working in harmony to bring the character to life. The ensemble’s performances are complemented by costume designer Jennifer Mohr’s teal and blue outfits with fairy lights, Bischoff’s metallic makeup accents, and sound designer/composer L.J. Luthringer’s otherworldly soundscape.
While this innovative interpretation of Ariel adds a fresh perspective to the play, some scenes featuring minor characters slow down the pace of the production. Gender-swapped casting and a new take on Caliban explore themes of parenthood, paternalism, and power, but these ideas could benefit from further exploration to fully resonate with the audience.
Elizabeth MacDougald portrays Prospero, Miranda’s father, while Mohr takes on the role of Caliban, the island’s native inhabitant enslaved to Prospero. Mohr’s portrayal of Caliban as a fresh-faced character with a hint of sibling rivalry with Prospero and Miranda offers a unique twist on the character’s traditional representation.
In Brandon’s direction, the complex relationships between Prospero, Ariel, and Caliban are highlighted, showing Ariel’s fear of Prospero and the eventual liberation of both spirits from the sorcerer’s control. However, the resolution of Prospero relinquishing his supernatural power in exchange for political authority feels underdeveloped in this staging. While the production showcases some magical moments and sheds light on the psychological dynamics of the characters, a deeper exploration of these themes could elevate the overall impact of the play.
In conclusion, Idle Muse Theatre Company’s production of The Tempest offers a fresh perspective on Shakespeare’s classic play through innovative casting choices and creative interpretations of key characters. While the production has its moments of brilliance, further development of thematic elements could enhance the audience’s engagement and understanding of the complex relationships at play in the story.
