The Tempest written by William Shakespeare directed by Philippa Booth performed at The Wimbledon Studio Theatre 31 October to 4 November 1995

Directors Notes

from the programme

Alonsa, Queen of Naples?

We have Alonsa, Queen of Naples, her sister Sebastienne, Prospero's sister Antonia and Trinculo plus of course Ariel... all female. This is not some deep artistic design by the director. It is simply whom we have. Who is available for this production. Who is good for these parts.

I do not think this affects these characters to any significant extent. Perhaps a male/female combination for Antonio and Sebastian would put a whole new emphasis on their plotting, but not if they are both female. We nearly had a female Prospero. That might have been more interesting.

Why Prospero is on the island

Prospero was Duke of Milan but was so rapt in study that he left his little sister Antonia to do all the work. Little Sister Antonia was doing all the work of being Duke so decided why not be the Duchess? Little Sister Antonia went to Queen Alonsa of Naples and said: Get rid of Big Brother Prospero for me and I'll give you tribute.

Queen Alonsa of Naples sent thugs by night to dispose of Prospero and with him his heir, three year old Miranda. Queen Alonsa, not wanting to arouse the hatred of the loving populace of Milan, did not have Prospero and Miranda murdered, but set them off to sea in a leaky dinghy.

An old mate of Prospero's, Gonzalo, gave them provisions, clothes and, most importantly, MAGIC BOOKS which Prospero could do MAGIC with.

Prospero and Miranda were cast ashore on an island - fortunately inhabited by spirits suitable for Prospero to do MAGIC with... And Caliban.

Why Caliban is on the island

Caliban's mother was the witch Sycorax. His father may have been the demon Setebos. Not a good start in life. Sycorax was kicked out of Argier for being so wicked. The sailors from Argier actually deposited her on the island. Caliban was born here. His mother left him the island when she died. Prospero came along and took over. Caliban naturally thinks this a bit unfair. But then, didn't Sycorax do the same years before? Surely the island belongs to Ariel and the other spirits?

Spirits

Spirits have no bodies or clothes, but they know that humans have use for such things. When dealing with humans, they politely appear with bodies and clothes as they feel it is expected. But having little understanding of such unneedful items, they quite often make errors of judgement in their choices of body and garb.

Spirits are free-living entities and resent being forced to do someone's bidding. Perhaps one day they can be rid of these pesky human creatures.

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Cast

in no particular order

Crew

in no particular order

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Photographs

backstage larks

Caliban - Paul Robinson

Ariels - Annette Piper, Jayne Blumire, Suzanne Davis, and monkey

Alonsa - Val Foskett

Miranda - Georgina Gunn and Ferdinand - Richard C. Broughton

Prospero - Michael Jeffrey

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