The Tempest, Maynardville

On the 4th of February, students spanning the entire high school had the incredible opportunity to attend director Sylvaine Strike’s rendition of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest’’ at Maynardville open-air theatre. Known for its unique outdoor setting surrounded by trees and nature, it provided the perfect backdrop for this magnificent performance under the stars.

Luckily for us, the weather was absolutely perfect, with no rain or wind and a clear sky. ISCT was seated in the first few rows, so we had the pleasure of being right up close to the performance! This allowed us to become truly immersed in the story, seeing the actor’s faces properly and noticing every subtle yet deliberate gesture. The costumes and set were all beautifully and intricately crafted, and up close, we were able to appreciate every small detail.

This production took a slightly different approach to the original as ‘’Prospero’’ (the main character and wizard who looks to correct his unjustly prior usurpation as former Duke of Milan) was instead made ”Prospera” and played remarkably by Antoinette Kellerman, who did a sensational job at conveying Prospera’s power as a sorcerer, while also having more tender and personal moments with her daughter Miranda.

For those who are not acquainted with the plot of The Tempest (which can be a little difficult to understand at first; those that had not done their ‘’homework’’ were thankful for the help sheet that Ms. Fisher graciously provided), it essentially follows the story of Prospera—Prospero in the original text, who has been banished to an island with her daughter Miranda after her treacherous brother, Antonio, and the complicit King Alonso of Naples had her unjustly thrown from her position of Duke of Milan to take the title for himself. The story begins with Prospera conjuring up the titular ‘Tempest,’ which shipwrecks them both on the island along with several other characters, such as Alonso’s son Ferdinand and the jester Trinculo. With the help of her enslaved magical spirit, Ariel, who assists Prospera in enacting her plan to seek revenge. The men stranded on different parts of the island go through several mishaps and trials before being brought before her at the end of the play where she ultimately forgives them and regains her dukedom whilst also renouncing her magic. Miranda ends up falling in love with Ferdinand and although Prospera is suspicious at first, they end the play married.

This performance cannot be talked about without mention of the humorous trio of Caliban—a native of the island and another one of Prospera’s slaves—Trinculo and Stephano. There is a great deal of drunken chaos, which left most of us crying with laughter as the trio eventually forms the plan to kill Prospera, which, of course, fails spectacularly.

All in all, this outing was a phenomenal experience that was immensely enjoyed by everyone there. Maynardville’s productions have always been incredible, and this one was a testament to that, as the performance that each and every actor gave was remarkable. Thank you to all the teachers that made this trip possible!

-Angelina