'Tempest' to open tonight

After performing in front of thousands at the Edinburgh Theater Festival over the summer, the Theater Arts Program is bringing their production of The Tempest to the University stage. And according to director Jim Schlatter, the show, which opens tonight at the Studio Theater, will take a simplified approach to this Shakespearean drama. "[The play] examines magic in the theater without reliance on special effects," said Schlatter, who is also a Theater Arts program lecturer. With that in mind, Schlatter designed a minimal set and will challenge audience members to use their imagination rather than have the special effects created for them. The Shakespeare play -- one of his shortest -- centers on Prospero, a magician who was banished to a deserted island with his daughter. As the play progresses, Prospero magically brings his enemies to the same island and confronts them to recover his former position. The show also features a small ensemble cast of seven actors, many of whom will portray more than one character. Schlatter said that in doing so he is trying to have audience members "draw parallels between certain characters in the play." Cast members said that their performances in Edinburgh helped to work out difficulties in the show. College senior Brad Krumholz, who plays both Trinculo and Sebastian, said the experience was "amazing," but added that he felt that the group was "scrutinized by the English audience." But cast members said they have had to adjust to the space limitations of the small theater. "It is not an ideal place to work in," Krumholz said. However, the performers added that the small setting should enhance the audience's enjoyment of the production and "make the theater become Prospero's enchanted isle." The Tempest will be performed tonight through Saturday at the Studio Theater in Annenberg Center at 8 p.m. Tickets cost five dollars and can be purchased on Locust Walk.

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