PRODUCTION The Tempest [Baofengyu]
Data Type：production background
Title：Synopsis of William Shakespeare's The Tempest
Source：The Tempest 2004 Premiere Program
Place：Taipei
Publisher：Contemporary Legend Theatre [Dangdai chuanqi juchang]
Date：2004/12/30
Pages：80-81
Language：English
Abstract：act-by-act synopsis of the original The Tempest
Act One
A Tempest batters a ship, scattering those on board. Prospero explains to his daughter Miranda why he has raised this tempest. As the Duke of Milan, Prospero was devoted to studying. His brother Antonio, with the Neapolitan King Alonso, usurped his dukedom and banished him and his young daughter. Thanks to the help of good Gonzalo, Prospero and Miranda survived the stormy sea and drifted to an island. On the island, Prospero improved his magic. The spirit Ariel serves him and the savage Caliban works as his slave. Twelve years later, Prospero evokes this tempest, bringing Alonso, Antonio and their followers to this island. Ariel also leads Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, to meet Miranda. The young people fall in love at first sight, but are scolded by Prospero.
Act Two
Alonso, his brother Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo and others abandon the ship and land on the island. Ferdinand is deemed dead, and Alonso bewails the loss. Gonzalo tries to comfort his companions, and depicts a picture of utopian commonwealth. Antonio convinces Sebastian to murder Alonso and Gonzalo just in time. In another part of the island, Alonso’s jester Trinculo and butler Stefano run into Caliban. Stefano feeds Caliban liquor and wins his devotion and subjection.
Act Three
Ferdinand is punished by Prospero to perform menial labor. Miranda feels sorry for Ferdinand and exchanges vows of love with him. Caliban hates the tyrannical Prospero and wants to help Stefano to overthrow Prospero’s rule. Ariel presents a banquet to Alonso and his companions, which vanishes before their eyes. In the form of a harpy, Ariel recounts the faults of Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian.
Act Four
Prospero tells Ferdinand that he has passed the test and can be rewarded with Miranda’s hand. He also orders Ariel, goddesses and nymphs to sing and dance, celebrating this event. Ariel informs Prospero about Caliban’s treason. Caliban leads the drunken Stefano and Trinculo to Prospero’s cell, meaning to murder him, but the two only care to loot Prospero’s wardrobe. Ariel and spirits pursue Caliban and his league in the form of hunting gods.
Act Five
Prospero reveals himself to Alonso and his followers. He recounts the evil-doers’ faults, demands his dukedom back, and thanks his benefactor Gonzalo. Alonso sees Ferdinand alive, learns about his marriage with Miranda, and feels both happy and ashamed. Caliban apologizes and seeks Prospero’s forgiveness. Prospero reconciles with all and decides to go back to Naples with them next day. Ariel is freed. Prospero renounces his magic and humbly begs the audience’s applause.
A Tempest batters a ship, scattering those on board. Prospero explains to his daughter Miranda why he has raised this tempest. As the Duke of Milan, Prospero was devoted to studying. His brother Antonio, with the Neapolitan King Alonso, usurped his dukedom and banished him and his young daughter. Thanks to the help of good Gonzalo, Prospero and Miranda survived the stormy sea and drifted to an island. On the island, Prospero improved his magic. The spirit Ariel serves him and the savage Caliban works as his slave. Twelve years later, Prospero evokes this tempest, bringing Alonso, Antonio and their followers to this island. Ariel also leads Ferdinand, Prince of Naples, to meet Miranda. The young people fall in love at first sight, but are scolded by Prospero.
Act Two
Alonso, his brother Sebastian, Antonio, Gonzalo and others abandon the ship and land on the island. Ferdinand is deemed dead, and Alonso bewails the loss. Gonzalo tries to comfort his companions, and depicts a picture of utopian commonwealth. Antonio convinces Sebastian to murder Alonso and Gonzalo just in time. In another part of the island, Alonso’s jester Trinculo and butler Stefano run into Caliban. Stefano feeds Caliban liquor and wins his devotion and subjection.
Act Three
Ferdinand is punished by Prospero to perform menial labor. Miranda feels sorry for Ferdinand and exchanges vows of love with him. Caliban hates the tyrannical Prospero and wants to help Stefano to overthrow Prospero’s rule. Ariel presents a banquet to Alonso and his companions, which vanishes before their eyes. In the form of a harpy, Ariel recounts the faults of Alonso, Antonio, and Sebastian.
Act Four
Prospero tells Ferdinand that he has passed the test and can be rewarded with Miranda’s hand. He also orders Ariel, goddesses and nymphs to sing and dance, celebrating this event. Ariel informs Prospero about Caliban’s treason. Caliban leads the drunken Stefano and Trinculo to Prospero’s cell, meaning to murder him, but the two only care to loot Prospero’s wardrobe. Ariel and spirits pursue Caliban and his league in the form of hunting gods.
Act Five
Prospero reveals himself to Alonso and his followers. He recounts the evil-doers’ faults, demands his dukedom back, and thanks his benefactor Gonzalo. Alonso sees Ferdinand alive, learns about his marriage with Miranda, and feels both happy and ashamed. Caliban apologizes and seeks Prospero’s forgiveness. Prospero reconciles with all and decides to go back to Naples with them next day. Ariel is freed. Prospero renounces his magic and humbly begs the audience’s applause.
