Jessica Harris watches the RSC take Shakespeare back to school.
Staged against a backdrop of palm trees, their fronds a zany green and snakes wrapped around their trunks, our first sight of Shakespeare’s enchanted island was, indeed, enchanting. The appearance of Ariel (played by Carla Garratt), flimsy and floaty in pastel attire, added to the sense of alchemy. So too did the unworldly quality of the production’s soundscape. It would only have taken a bit of stage lighting to have fully transported us to another world.
Ariel’s interaction with the audience at the start of the production was also bewitching. Their headgear, a ship made from black lace, sales and all, made a fanciful addition to their costume and illustrated their magical powers as they conjured up a storm to draw the King of Naples’ ship onto the island’s rocky shores.
In contrast, Prospero was weighty and overbearing, his dominance illustrated by his boldly coloured cape and carved staff. Powerfully played by Peter Moreton, his thundering and bullying nature might have commanded those on stage, but did not command our empathy, even though he had been usurped of his dukedom and stranded on the island alone with his daughter Miranda.
The master-servant relationship between Prospero and Caliban was played to great effect, bringing to mind the relationship between First Peoples and the discrimination they have experienced at the hands of colonisers. Instead of a foul monster, the impressive Shakeel Haakim portrayed a Caliban who was dignified and uncowed, who aspired to learn, and who appreciated the beauty of the island.
Miranda, played by Scout Worsley, full of innocence and wonder, was fully credible as she fell for Ferdinand (Garon Akbar Clark), the first man she had laid eyes on, other than her father. Through a delivery that was as much non-verbal as verbal, the RSC’s First Encounters version of The Tempest did much to bring clarity to Shakespeare’s text, and the proximity of performers to the audience felt both exhilarating and intimate. Aimed at young people aged 7-13 and their families, many of whom will not have experienced live theatre before, the production worked well in bringing the power of theatre home.
There were moments, however, when confusion got the upper hand. As in the original text, there was much rushing in and out of characters and, as a result, scenes between the nobles felt somewhat underdeveloped. The casting of Sebastian and Antonio as women was not totally convincing, in part because they continued to be addressed as ‘Sir’ and ‘Lord’ throughout. Much of the action took place on a raised centrepiece, which left little room for actors to express themselves, although the comedy scene between Trinculo and Caliban worked well in this confined space.
At Selly Park Girls School in Birmingham, the audience of Year 7 girls was attentive throughout. Most of all, they seemed fully captured by the visual spectacle, the humour and the love interest of the show.
The Tempest – First Encounters is an 80-minute version of the original play and is supported by online resources and activities. Set and costumes were designed by Aldo Vázquez. Composer and Sound Designer was Jack Drewry. Director & Movement Director was Aaron Parsons.
The show is on tour to partner schools, partner theatres, and community venues in Birmingham, County Durham, Middlesbrough, Hartlepool, York, Hull, Bradford, Stratford-upon-Avon, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Newcastle upon Tyne, Corby, Blackpool, Cumbria, and Northampton until 10th May.
For further information visit rsc.org.uk
Rehearsal pic – Sarah Beaumont (c) RSC
