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Shakespeare in Detroit’s “The Tempest” at Campus Martius Park
August 9, 2023 @ 12:35 pm EDT
Shakespeare in Detroit’s Summer 2023 mainstage production The Tempest, directed by Sam White is coming to Campus Martius Park, Aug. 11-13 and Aug. 18-20. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. and admission is FREE. Youth performances of MacBeth will also be held in Campus Martius Park on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12 from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m.
Audiences are encouraged to bring their own blanket or lawn chair. All seating is general admission for all performances.
The Tempest is presented by Gilbert Family Foundation with support from The Downtown Detroit Partnership, Strategic Staffing Solutions and Greektown Casino.
Show Summary
The Tempest gives us a magician, Prospero, a former DJ and host of a popular dance show in Milan (Detroit), who was displaced by his treacherous brother, Antonio. Prospero is exiled on an island, where his only companions are his daughter, Miranda, the spirit Ariel, and the monster Caliban. When his enemies are among those caught in a storm near the island, Prospero turns his power upon them through Ariel and other spirits.
The characters exceed the roles of villains and heroes. Prospero seems heroic, yet he enslaves Caliban and has an appetite for revenge. Caliban seems to be a monster for attacking Miranda but appears heroic in resisting Prospero. Miranda’s engagement to Ferdinand, the Prince of Naples and a member of the shipwrecked party, helps resolve the drama.
Shakespeare in Detroit’s The Tempest is a non-stop celebration of Techno music, founded in Detroit in the mid-eighties & also inspired by the iconic The New Dance show.
Prospero is inspired by the founding fathers of techno and is a fusion between the sonic magic they created and the innovation of Detroit’s dance scene.
Three dancers serve as spirits of the isle representing the music and magic of the iconic force known as Techno music created by the real-life magician Juan Atkins, the pioneer of Techno music, along with Derrick May, and Kevin Saunderson.
The goddesses are inspired by Lawanda, KeKe and Yvonne (Juno, Iris and Ceres), popular Detroit dancers from The New Dance Show whose movement innovation changed the way the world vibes.
A live DJ helps move the story along from one Shakespearean moment to the next.
This production is dedicated to all the Black originators whose artistry, ideas and magic have shifted the culture.
PLEASE NOTE: If you sit in the front lawn area you may get splashed with water in scene 1. Please sit in another area if you do not want to be splashed with water from the actors.
For more information, visit Shakespeareindetroit.com.
