“The Tempest”
Marin Shakespeare Company
Saturday, August 16, 2025. 7 PM
“The necessity of theater.”
The quote above, “The necessity of theater” is from the “Director’s Notes” in the program for an earlier production at the Marin Shakespeare Company. (Signed Bridgette Loriaux). “The Tempest” adapted and directed by M. Graham Smith, performed opening night Saturday, August 16 reenforces (at least for this audience member) “the necessity of theater.” The play, considered one of Shakespeare’s last, is a fantasy, a morality play, a comic ‘opera’ and ultimately, a deep character study.
The Marin production makes this all possible with a brilliant cast, much physical activity, mime, dance and superb acting. Scholars date the play 1611 by which time England had learned of voyages to the “new world.” Critics say this is central to the play. More than the geography or history of a “shipwreck” is the “thru-line” of this play. As Director M. Graham Smith writes, ”Will we build something better, not for ourselves but for those who come next?” We are enchanted by the spirit Ariel (delightfully played by Anna Ishida), the depth of despair and action of Caliban (Chris Steele) and the frustration and ‘magic’ of the leading character Stephano (Brenda Areliano). The audience becomes thoroughly immersed in it all.
The central ‘comic’ episodes involve the drunken experiences of Caliban and his two companions (from the ship), Trinculo and Sebastian. In a series of “discovery” episodes Stephano finds the others in a sack, sorts them out and proceeds to lead them to the pleasures of drink. The acrobatic events, falls (and some recoveries), the discovery and pleasure of costume changes … all contribute to extend the ‘comic’ dimensions of Stephano’s (often) melodramatic personal story.
The physical presentation, sets, costumes, lighting are all marvelous and, as the evening darkens at the Marin Theater, more and more illusions appear on stage as trees and stars add to the magic. (Only one character portrayal needs boosting: Miranda, played by Anna Takayo, seemed ‘not quite comfortable” in the role, and as the English dramatists say, ”not sufficiently forthcoming.”)
The Tempest, as produced by the Marin Shakespeare Festival this summer is a delight, both entertaining and provocative, as only Shakespeare, as dramatist, comedian and philosopher, can entertain us, the welcoming, now thoughtful, audience.