Tempest: This is the Way the World Ends

AsProspero, the exiled Duke of Milan, nearsthe end of his life, he reflects on his life—his regrets and his revenges—and hebrings to life through writing and his imagination a tempest which shipwrecks hisenemies with him on his island. However, his assistant, Miranda, whom he regards as a daughter, chastises Prospero for hishatred.  He explains that he has justcause: his sister Antonia, alongwith help from Alonso, the King ofNaples, and his sister, Sebastian, overthrew and exiled Prospero.
 
 
Mirandaremains unconvinced of Prospero's right to revenge himself upon the dead, soProspero summons his muse, Ariel,and her sprites, and commands them to bring to him Ferdinand, the illegitimate son of Antonia and Alonso, as a presentfor Miranda. Ariel tries to barter for her freedom, which angers Prospero.  He sends out Ariel and her sprites, andwaking Miranda, he summons up his demon, Caliban,into whom Prospero has put every wicked thought he's ever had. Caliban cursesProspero and also demands release; but Prospero beats Caliban and puts him backinto his box.



Justthen, Ariel returns with Ferdinand. Miranda is immediately entranced by him,raising feelings of jealousy and resentment in Prospero.  He decides to make their wooing difficult,and writes in obstacles to their courtship…but Miranda counter-writes,imagining the romance to have a happy ending.


Frustrated,Prospero summons on the nobles to exact his revenge. They have been searchingfor Ferdinand, sure that he is dead by Prospero's storm.  Gonzalo,a good lord, attempts to lift their spirits, to no avail. At Prospero'scommand, Ariel puts everyone to sleep, except Antonia and Sebastian—who quicklyconspire to kill Alonso. Before they can, Gonzalo wakes and warns them all toact more virtuously.



Meanwhile,Caliban plots his revolution. He meets two drunks, Stephano, Alonso's butler, and Trinculo,a lady of the night, whom he declares he will worship…if they will help himkill Prospero.


INTERMISSION 
Despitehis efforts, Prospero begins to lose control of his creations and memories, asthey take on lives of their own. Miranda declares her undying love forFerdinand, and he returns it in kind, marking Miranda with a word and drawingher away from Prospero. Caliban turns many of the sprites against Ariel andProspero, promising Stephano that he can marry Miranda and become king of theisland if they destroy Prospero andhis books. So when the nobles enter, unbidden, Prospero takes out his fear andmadness upon them—setting Ariel and her sprites upon them like a harpy, whileProspero threatens to kill his sister.



Justthen, Prospero realizes how close to a terrible edge he's come—and he flees. Hismemories and imaginations dissolve, except for Ariel who waits for Prospero toreturn. Her faith is rewarded, as Prospero takes up his power one last time,but now to forgive and beg forgiveness. He gives his blessing to Miranda andFerdinand's marriage. He only scares away the drunks when they come to rob himbefore he's in his grave. And he calls on all his wayward sprites and all hisworst enemies to reconcile.


Oneby one, his memories, his imaginations, his devil, and his daughter leave him—untilhe is only left with Ariel. Sadly, he gives his angel freedom. Turning to us,Prospero begs us for our prayers as he leaves his exile and the storm departsin dawn.

For more photos, please see here or here .  If you're near Hudson, MA on November 17, 18, or 19 at 7 p.m., please come out and see us at Hudson High School!