Royal Shakespeare Company on Tour: The Tempest

Not all attempts to diversify literary works can claim to be a success, but the RSC’s collaboration with South Africa’s Baxter Theatre for their latest offering is the exception.  Directed by Janice Honeyman and with an all African cast, this production sets Shakespeare’s Tempest against an African backdrop. As rich in content as it is colour, this production doesn’t just inject exoticism into a traditional literary work but places it in the historical context of colonisation making it very real and relevant to many.

Prospero (Anthony Sher) is stranded on an island for twelve years with his daughter, Miranda after his Dukedom was usurped by his brother Antonio.  The island was previously occupied by Caliban (John Kani), who became Prospero’s chained and beaten slave. As he strives to reclaim his invaded land, Prospero sets out to enact revenge on those who betrayed him with the help of his trusted spirit Ariel (Atandwa Kani)

The audience is provided with a visual feast of dancing mannequins, giant serpents and tribal spirits as Ariel summons the tempest which brings Prospero’s enemies to the island. Action takes place on Illka Louw’s harsh and barren set and is accompanied by a stunning musical repertoire.

John Kani excels as the seething and vilified Caliban. He has a stage presence which can only be afforded to a multiple award winning actor but it his partnership with Antony Sher which is most impressive.  Together they reflect the racial tension and complexities between the coloniser and colonised with the intensity that Shakespeare’s works demand. 

Tour dates:

Baxter Theatre Centre, Cape Town, South Africa
15 January – 6 February 2009

The Courtyard Theatre, Stratford-upon-Avon
14 February – 14 March 2009
Box Office: 0844 800 1110 or visit www.rsc.org.uk

Richmond Theatre, Surrey
19-28 March 2009
Box Office: 0870 060 6651 (bkg fee) or visit www.richmondtheatre.net (bkg fee)

Grand Theatre, Leeds
31 March – 4 April 2009
Box Office: 0844 848 2700 (bkg fee) or visit www.leedgrandtheatre.com (bkg fee)

Theatre Royal, Bath
7-11 April 2009
Box Office: 01225 448844 or visit www.theatreroyal.org.uk

Theatre Royal Nottingham
14-18 April 2009
Box Office: 0115 989 5555 (bkg fee) or visit www.royalcentre-nottingham.co.uk

Lyceum Theatre, Sheffield
21-25 April 2009
Box Office: 0114 249 6000 (bkg fee) or visit www.sheffieldtheatre.co.uk