Drama Review Shakespeare The Tempest

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Spoiler alerts Believed by many to be Shakespeare's last play, this masterpiece is also his strangest work. The magician Prospero has been exiled from Italy along with his daughter, Miranda. He has been allowed to take his books with him and from them he has taught himself sorcery. Settling on a bizarre island, Prospero has tamed the island's fairy spirits, especially Arial, who serves him with loyalty and the extremely strange Caliban, son of a former sorceress on the island, Sycorax. Caliban is bitter, regarding Prospero as a slave master to be overthrown, but Caliban lacks any real power. When a ship bearing the royal family of Milan sails by the island, Prospero conjures up a huge illusion of shipwreck, though he has actually brought the ship safely to shore. The passengers are separated round the island, convinced they are each the only survivors of the non-existent tempest. Much of the play sees Prospero use Ariel to torment the Italians, but gradually his heart is softened, especially as Prince Ferdinand falls in love with Miranda. Much of the play is quite dark, though no one will die. There are scenes of outright comedy, especially with the drunken Stephano trying to help Caliban overthrow the perceived tyranny of his master. Ultimately, Prospero sets his spirits free, inviting Arial to grant the departing passengers, including himself, safe voyage home to Italy. It isn't clear if Caliban will also sail to Europe or remain on Prospero's Island alone. Prospero renounces magic and individualism in favour of acceptance into society. To manythis marks Shakespeare finally leaving the creative magic of high theatre for a gentle retirement. It has the feel of a writer's swan song throughout its closing scenes. Wonderfully entertaining and mysterious work, the basis for the science fiction movie Forbidden Planet and the comedy musical Return To The Forbidden Planet. Youtube - A song from Tempest spoof Return To The Forbidden Planet. Return To The Forbidden Planet. Arthur Chappell