Written by Kathers Anderson and Sienna Sulicich
4 star rating
Shakespeare’s The Tempest — a classic! It is difficult to take on such a distinguished play, by the University of Adelaide Theatre Guild’s performance was fantastic. The show’s director, Bronwyn Palmer, and their Assistant Director, Mark Wickett, created a version of The Tempest that was true to the original, keeping its whimsical feel, while also changing elements to make the story relevant and upbeat.
A pleasant contemporary note of the play arrives in the form of two Australian yobbos, Trinculo (Annie Matsouliadis) and Stephano (Emily Dalziel). Joined by Caliban (John Charles), their drunken slapstick comedy had the audience laughing in both good humour and a bit of cringe at the play’s two most relatable and modern (at least in an Australian sense) characters. The pair provided a commentary on alcoholism in Australia that was an interesting use of the characters; the choice gave the play more depth, and made Trinculo and Stephano more than the standard ‘comic relief’.
It’s truly special when an actor puts their all into a performance, and John Charles certainly didn’t disappoint. Caliban was perfectly detestable, and yet elicited enough sympathy to gain the support of the audience. Charles put his back into it, and it paid off. Major respect.
Ariel, played by Finty McBain, was the star of the show. Her breezy movements gave life to the air spirit, while her delightful singing enthralled cast and audience alike. With the help from the movement ensemble, McBain fully utilised the music composed by Nicholas Cannon.
The singing and harmonising throughout the play gave it that ethereal edge the performance needed. It reiterated the fantasy elements of the original play that can be easily forgotten in the intense dialogue and plot line.
Another honourable mention is deserved by Prospero (Jack Robins), who deftly manipulates the characters around him. There was no doubt for the duration of the show that he was in charge of all upon the Isle of Trash. This includes Ariel and the spirits: powerful beings whose freedom from Prospero was their driving purpose.
The performance could be improved by lowering the audio levels of the sound effects. This is especially problematic during the opening, as the sounds of the storm completely drowned out voices of the actors. This made it difficult to understand the commotion on the ship, which made it difficult to work out who the characters were for the majority of the show.
UATG’s The Tempest was very well-done and perfectly adapted for a contemporary audience. If you get the chance, take a look, enjoy a night out, and experience the wonders of student theatre!
The run finishes on April the 1st – make sure you don’t miss out.
Photographer: Chris Best; supplied by UATG
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