By Joe Contreras, Latin Life Denver Media
The Tempest may not appeal to everyone, but it will resonate with anyone who has enjoyed the work of one of the world’s most famous playwrights, poets, and actors, William Shakespeare.
The “Early Modern English” rhythmic word play of puns and metaphors may be a bit challenging but the story of ‘The Tempest’—currently playing at the Kilstrom Theatre at the DCPA through Nov. 1—is one that has endured for ages.
Regarded as Shakespeare’s final play. Written in 1610 is it also considered one of his best. His farewell to theatre. Perhaps it is a self-reflection on his own past
The story is told over five acts. The study guide provides much insight about this complex story of magic, betrayal, love, and forgiveness.
“The play opens on a ship in the middle of a terrible storm. The ship is carrying Alonso (Timothy McCracken), the King of Naples, Antonio, a few of his men and the ship’s crew. They try their best to make it through the storm but end up shipwrecked and scattered on a nearby island.
The only inhabitants of the island are Prospera (Jacqueline Antaramian), her daughter, Miranda (Janiah Camile Francois, and their two servants, a shape-shifting sprite named Ariel (Erika Soto) and a malformed monster named Caliban (Moses Villarama). Miranda is worried about the men aboard the ship, but Prospera assures her that they are safe. Prospera, with the help of Ariel, used sorcery to conjure the storm and deliver the ship’s occupants to the island.
Miranda doesn’t remember much of her life before living on the island, so Prospera reveals that she was once the Duke of Milan. She was busy studying magic and gave much of her duties to her brother, Antonio (Rajesh Bose), whom she trusted. Twelve years before, Antonio was able to conspire with King Alonso to attack Milan. Antonio usurped Prospera’s title and exiled her and Miranda to the island.
When Prospera saw her enemies sail nearby, she saw the opportunity for revenge and created the storm to deliver them to her.”
What follows is “A potent brew of rich language and music, and contemplation of revenge and forgiveness”.
This production of The Tempest features gorgeous costumes designed by DCPA Costume Crafts Director Kevin Copenhaver, who has been sharing his dynamic artistry and expertise on Denver Center stages for more than 30 years.
‘The Tempest’ plays the Kilstrom Theatre at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts through November 1, 2026
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