I love The Tempest Shakespeare Stratford Collection
This DVD from the CBC delivers up Shakespeare's The Tempest,in all its glory.Considered Shakey's last work,this stands as one of my own personal favourites.It was filmed at the illustrious Stratford Festival during an actual performance,but of course rehearsed and played a little more towards us,the viewing audience,outside the theatre.It stars wonderful Canadian actor Len Cariou as Prospero,the former King of Milan,along with a stellar supporting cast.Production values,set designing and direction are wonderful.Of course,as is common in a stage production at Stratford and elsewhere,the sets are kept minimalistic,getting the audience to use their imaginations.This is much the same as it was in Shakey's time also.Finally,the acting is top notch throughout,by everyone involved,as befits a production from Stratford.
The plot involves Prospero as the dethroned King of Milan.He was washed ashore with his daughter,many years before.He has learned sorcery from his precious books and now controls a sprite,a demon of sorts(the offspring of a witch that used to live there) and some elemental spirits.When a ship coincidentally passes by carrying another king,his son,the crew,and his wicked brother who was the one responsible for dethroning him in the first place,he stirs up a storm,the titled Tempest.The ship spills its passengers onto the island and Prospero befuddles their minds and spirits and orders his sprite to help carry it out.Time there has turned Propsero sour and he definitely has revenge on his mind.
The group is split into three different cells,if you will;the king and his close entourage,which includes Prospero's diabolical brother,two servants who briefly "command" Prospero's own demon and lastly the King's son.The King's son is the first one Prospero brings near his "home" and he and Propsero's daughter instantly fall in love.After a long tortuous time under his spell,Prospero finally releases the King and his part y from his iron grip,his heart having been greatly softened by his sprite's admonitions.Also the two servants who would be kings,also get released.There is a tearful and heart felt reunion between king and son,Prospero forgives his brother,who hands back his royal ring so Prospero may regain his throne again,and the sprite,who has obeyed Prospero all this time,finally gets his freedom.
Technically speaking the DVD has been transferred from the original master video tapes,so graininess and other related tape degradation is evident throughout.However considering the date and technology,it isn't too bad a picture.
All in all a highly recommended 1982 Stratford Theatre version of Shakey's The Tempest.Like its author,this production is timeless.4 1/2 stars.
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