The Tempest

The Tempest

Donmar Warehouse

St. Ann’s Warehouse

January 21, 2017

Photo courtesy of St. Ann's Warehouse

The Donmar Warehouse production of The Tempest is magnificent!  It is touring from London and playing at St. Ann’s Warehouse in DUMBO (Downtown Brooklyn).  The space is transformed into a women’s prison.  The theme of captivity and freedom rings out as you become viscerally connected to the experience.  The concept is solid.  The direction, by Phyllida Lloyd, is focused and effective.  The all-female ensemble is strong.  Harriet Walter is commanding as Prospero.

The play starts in the lobby.  A harsh, blaring sound is heard and the waiting audience is ordered to clear a path.  The actors are marched through the crowd, shackled and guarded.  The tone is immediately set before anyone has even entered the theatre.  Seating is in the round and assigned in “blocks.”  Guards are stationed at each block entrance.  The lighting is harsh.  There is another blaring sound and the ensemble of prisoners enters.  One steps forward and introduces herself.  She tells of her crime and how she has been imprisoned for thirty of her seventy-five year sentence.  She sits and writes in her journal… and becomes Prospero, imprisoned on his island, stripped of his Dukedom, and rearing his daughter, Miranda.  His mystical powers raise a mighty tempest that brings his plan for redemption and the reclamation of his title. 

Leah Harvey & Sheila Atim
Photo courtesy of St. Anne's Warehouse

Director Phyllida Lloyd states in the program notes that, “Shakespeare plays burn brightly when performed by a single gender.  Their veins become clearer.”  How true, especially with this phenomenal ensemble, boldly led by Harriet Walter.  Jade Anouka is haunting and dutiful as Ariel.  Sophie Stanton effectively portrays Caliban as wronged and misunderstood.  Leah Harvey is charming and adventurous as Miranda.  She is perfectly paired with Sheila Atim as Ferdinand.  Karen Dunbar and Jackie Clune are a comic and mischievous duo as Trinculo and Stefano.  Carolina Valdes, Martina Laird, Shiloh Coke, and Zainab Hasan are devious and noble as Antonio, Alonso, Sebastian, and Gonzola. 

Jade Anouka & the Ensemble
Photo courtesy of St. Anne's Warehouse

The theme of forgiveness as a means of achieving spiritual freedom, even if you physically remain imprisoned is clearly illustrated by Harriet Walter in the powerful ending of the play.  St. Anne’s Warehouse is the perfect venue for the technical needs of this outstanding production.  The Tempest runs through February 19.  You must experience it for yourself!

Domenick Danza