Prepare for romance, revenge and a touch of magic as Little Seed Theatre Company stages The Tempest as part of the Anywhere Theatre Festival.
Set against the stunning scenery of Lake Macdonald, and staged in the 250-seat roman-style amphitheatre at the Noosa Botanic Gardens, The Tempest is Little Seed’s third foray into Shakespearean drama.
“The play explores themes of magic, betrayal and revenge and speaks to the power of art to transform and liberate us,” Little Seed director Johanna Wallace said.
Written around 1610, and thought to be one of Shakespeare’s final works, The Tempest begins at sea during a storm. Sorcerer Prospera, the Duchess of Milan, and her daughter Miranda are washed up on a remote island with only two companions: Caliban, a savage monster, and Ariel, a fairy spirit.
Ms Wallace said the spectacular amphitheatre meets the Anywhere Theatre Festival’s brief of “unconventional and unexpected spaces” and was the “perfect setting to showcase the brilliance of the Bard”.
While the storyline of The Tempest may not be as well-known as other Shakespearean stories of Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet or Hamlet, some of our common phrases originate from its pages, such as “into thin air”, “in a pickle”, “sea change” and “brave new world”.
The cast includes 29 actors and five musicians. Caliban is played by Sunshine Beach State High School student Curtis Bock, with fellow-student Eden Tregear stepping into the spotlight as Miranda.
St Andrew’s students Toby Gurd and Cheyenne Walstyn play Ferdinand and Prospera and Jacqueline Elley takes on the role of the fairy Ariel.
The Tempest features an original soundscape, led by musical director Jazz Rowe and costumes were designed by Leona Seib. The Tempest can be seen on 18-19 May. Book online at www.anywhere.is/listings/thetempest
