University of Auckland Outdoor Summer Shakespeare series presents The Tempest

The University of Auckland’s much-loved tradition of Outdoor Summer Shakespeare continues this season with a classical interpretation of The Tempest.

Since its first production of Hamlet in 1963, Outdoor Summer Shakespeare has been a highlight of Auckland summers. This year, acclaimed student theatre director Roderick D. Morgan makes his mark on one of Shakespeare’s most popular romantic comedies, producing a play that delves without ostentation into the deeply psychological.

Rod’s largely classical interpretation of The Tempest also comes with a twist: the male character of Prospero is played by a female actor. The director says he wants to reflect the “radical change” in Prospero from a strong, vengeful male to someone who seeks to forgive and be forgiven. He believes a female actor can best convey the gentler nuances of the role. But he still maintains his production of The Tempest is more traditional than experimental.

“In recent years it has become increasingly popular to reinterpret Shakespeare,” says Rod. “We’ve reached a point in theatre today where the most refreshing route to take is the traditional. As with his most enduring works The Tempest remains as compelling and relevant in the present age as it did in the Elizabethan. Through the process of directing summer Shakespeare I’m continually stunned at how possible it is to freshly craft and shape a work that has been produced and reproduced a thousand times,” he says.

This season's production features a cast of established actors whose reputations have been built on their previous Shakespearean roles: Alexander Gandar (Caliban), Candice De Villiers (Prospero), Edward Clendon (Ariel), Steph Lee (Stephano), Charles Louwrens (Antonio), Michaela Spratt (Sebastian), Virginia Frankovich (Miranda), Samuel Bowen Partridge (Ferdinand), Jason Moffat (Alonso), Tama Boyle (Gonzalo), Julian Lee (Fransico), Yullie Great (Trinculo).

The University of Auckland’s Outdoor Summer Shakespeare series runs from 25 February-14 March (no shows on Mondays). Performances begin at 8pm.

Tickets can be purchased at the Maidment Theatre Box Office (8 Alfred St) or by phoning (09) 308 2383 or by booking online at: http://www.maidment.auckland.ac.nz/

Tickets are $25 (adults);$17 (students). Group discounts available.
All tickets come with the option of a picnic or non-picnic area.