Shakespeare on the Shoreline: “The Tempest” on Guilford Green

Conjuring, Magic and Forgiveness in William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, sounds, and sweet airs, that give delight and hurt not. Act III, Scene II.

A swirling sea, claps of thunder, streaks of lightening, a shipwreck, and bodies washed up on the shore is the opening scene of The Tempest. Surprisingly, no one is harmed. The story is infused with the spirits, magic and the supernatural in this classic tale of love, enemies, revenge, and ultimately forgiveness, generosity and enlightenment.

Written towards the end of Shakespeare’s career, The Tempest falls into the tragicomic romances and was first performed in 1611. Some critics believe that it may have been his farewell to the stage and is thought to contain some of Shakespeare’s most lyrical verses.

Bring blankets, chairs and picnic dinners and sit back and enjoy ‘theatre under the stars.’ Performances are 7:30 p.m. nightly and there is a pre-show talks (under the tent) beginning at 6:30 p.m. with the Artistic Director, actors, and technical directors. The pre-show talks will provide insight into the themes, characters, and motifs of this summer’s production. Post show talk backs with cast will take place nightly on the stage after the final curtain. Performances and talk-backs are all free to attend. The main stage performance and some of the talk backs will also include an American Sign Interpreter (dates to be determined). Additionally nightly accessibility services include Braille and large print programs, assisted listening devices, increased lighting for exiting the Green and volunteer escorts to assist those in need of help getting on or off the Green.