By Damanpreet Lobana ’25
Photo Courtesy of Damanpreet Lobana ’25
Aime Cesaire’s adaptation of The Tempest toured the Kimball Theatre alongside its stellar cast, beginning from March 3rd to March 6th. Regarded as one of the last written plays of William Shakespeare, The Tempest recounts the revengeful aspirations of Prospero, the exiled sorcerer whose city was usurped by his brother Antonio with the assistance of the king, Alonso. With the cooperation of Ariel, the mystical spirit inhabiting the island, the emergence of the tumultuous voyage brings forth his enemies onto his exiled island. The resulting story is one in which Prospero can reconcile with his enemy, particularly through the romance between Ferdinand and Miranda, the son of Alonso and the daughter of Prospero, respectively. The thematic sequences of forgiveness, betrayal, and reconciliation have been consistent in conveying the strong messages of the play.
Photo Courtesy of Damanpreet Lobana ’25
Director Janel Miley focused on the impact that colonialism had on the two native captives, particularly Caliban, whose increasing desperation for independence and control over the island was inherited from his mother. With an emphasis on race, power, and anti-imperialism, Miley has managed to provide proper historical context to issues persisting in the present world. This has been supported by the impeccable performances by the cast. Jamal Brown (Caliban) managed to engage the audience with his disruptive nature during important scenes and received occasional chuckles from the audience. His frequent tussles with Colin Billings (Prospero) were the highlight of the struggle between the colonized and the colonizer. The confidence with which he presents his character is commendable, addressing the audience frequently and urging them to sympathize with Caliban, who is normally portrayed as a secondary villain. Another impressive performance worth mentioning is Isoke White (Ariel), playing another captive who executes the plan of the sorcerer with detailed precision in exchange for her freedom. Her voice during the singing sequence to lure Ferdinand to Miranda as she entered and exited the doors around the theater was moving and memorable. Such performances were supported well by Sasha Garcias (Alonso) and allowed for the smooth passage of the director’s message.
Photo Courtesy of Damanpreet Lobana ’25
William & Mary Theatre’s costume designers and crew for this production have created an environment that transcends time through their innovative costume and set designs. Indeed, the juxtaposition of Prospero, elegantly dressed in his magical robes, and Caliban, reduced to stained and torn clothing, reflected their respective lifestyles during colonial periods. Moreover, the set consisted of a raised platform with bamboo sticks guarding the edge and trees in the background to depict the varying terrain of the island, and it was used effectively by the cast. The positioning of speakers in Kimball provided the opportunity to hear the titular tempest, with rain and storm sounds followed by occasional thunder.  This adaptation was not based on any period, a choice that provokes reflection on the continual effects of colonialism.
Photo Courtesy of Damanpreet Lobana ’25
The Kimball Theater production of The Tempest is an exuberant achievement, definitively standing apart from other Shakespeare’s productions undertaken by the William and Mary Theatre at the Kimball.