Murwillumbah Theatre Company to stage The Tempest from March 13

MURWILLUMBAH Theatre Company will stage William Shakespeare’s The Tempest from March 13 to 29 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre.

Director Kevin West said the production marks his first at the helm for the company.

West, who has worked in theatre for more than 40 years across PNG and North Queensland, received approval for the production last year and began adapting it for the local stage.

The Tempest follows the exiled magician Prospero, who conjures a storm that shipwrecks his brother Antonio and King Alonso on a remote island.

Prospero seeks revenge and restoration, while his daughter Miranda falls in love with Alonso’s son Ferdinand.

A separate subplot sees drunken servants conspire with Caliban, before the story moves toward forgiveness, reconciliation and Prospero’s final renunciation of magic.

West said the play blends tragedy, comedy and redemption.

“This play has multiple themes all weaving together and I’m hoping that when people leave the theatre they’ll be reflecting on what they’ve seen,” he said.

“It’s got high drama, it’s got treachery, it’s got forgiveness, and it’s got romance.”

“There’s also a lot of comedy in it as well with the shenanigans of a couple of drunks.”

The production features more than 30 cast and crew members contributing to lighting, projections, wardrobe and set design.

Driftwood sourced from local beaches has been used to construct elements of the island set.

“The driftwood taken from those beaches has been used to create the character Prospero’s ‘makeshift palace,'” West said.

Local choreographer Danielle Linegar coordinated movement for characters including Caliban and the spirit Ariel.

Young local actors will play Miranda and Ferdinand, including one performer who trained in the company’s after-school program.

West said sustaining community theatre in a regional town requires ongoing commitment.

“It’s the strong and the brave who carry on and keep this thing going,” he said.

Performances will be held on March 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22, 27, 28 and 29 at the Murwillumbah Civic Centre.

Tickets are available via the Murwillumbah Theatre Company website or through TryBooking.

Little Gallery at Uki will also stage a Tempest-themed exhibition during the production run.

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