The Tempest

The Tempest is commonly acknowledged as Shakespeare’s last play and is infused with the myths and realities of an ever-expanding, far-flung world at the turn of the 17th Century. It tells an intricate tale woven with themes of mastery and servitude, devotion and treachery, love and loathing. Prospero, usurped Duke of Milan and self-taught sorcerer, conjures the forces of nature and the island’s spirits in order to manipulate his enemies, friends and family alike and bend them to his greater purpose. But is that purpose revenge or redemption? And what will be its resolution? The audience will embark on a sea journey through storm and shipwreck and political machination, to the shores of Prospero’s cast-away island, in the company of kings and clowns, musicians and monsters.

This bold, immersive production of The Tempest is the culmination of a year-long project, called The Name of Action. It follows Theatre Ark’s exciting and acclaimed series of short films using Shakespeare texts to explore the fears, frustrations and aspirations of young people in Birmingham and the contradictory forces shaping the city’s next generation in the aftermath of the riots. Led by theatre professionals Ian Yeoman (Director) and Ceri Townsend (Producer/ Designer), Theatre Ark’s production will further engage Shakespeare’s words and imagery - in combination with its own energy and distinctive approach - to resonate with the lives and experiences of today’s audiences.