The Tempest has set sail at Maynardville
Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest, opened at the Maynardville Open-Air Festival in Wynberg, Cape Town, this weekend, continuing a decades-old tradition to stage an annual Shakespeare play in the wooded outdoor theatre. It’s a project that started in 1956 when Dulcie Howes, Cecilia Sonnenberg, and Rene Ahrenson spearheaded the first performance in this venue and today the Maynardville experience is a season of works with a classical twist.
This year’s production of The Tempest resonates with that powerful founding female energy. Directed by award-winning director, Sylvaine Strike, the play’s Propero becomes Prospera, played by Antoinette Kellermann – a casting choice Strike said had to do with her understanding of forgiveness (a defining theme of the play) as a feminine quality.
Her magnificent Caliban is none other than Albert Pretorius and Miranda is powerfully played by Jane de Wet, while the ethereal and mischievous Ariel is played by Daniel Lasker. Other cast include Jefferson Lan (Ferdinand), David Viviers (Antonio/Stephano), Brent Palmer (Alonso), Siya Mayola (Gonzalo/Boatswain), Tankiso Mamabolo (Sebastian/Trinculo) and the Spirits; Len-Barry Simons, Naoline Quinzin and Lungile Lallie.
The creative collaboration between Strike, set and costume designer, Niall Griffin, and composer, Wessel Odendaal, has meant that every element of the production was newly conceived, creatively reinvigorated and focused on this specific work. Elements of the ocean inspired the costumes, woven from fabrics that foam and shimmer or are withered by the sun and sea spray. The music was created to build on the physicality of Strike’s production and the rolling of the elements. The play is informed by the natural surroundings of the living, breathing magical island. Fitting then that the Maynardville venue adds further magic to the evening, alive with birds, cicadas and crickets and open to gentle breezes and the stars.
Show Information
William Shakespeare’s, The Tempest
Venue:
Maynardville Open-Air Festival
Dates:
31 January – 08 March 2025
Tickets:
From R220 – R380 on sale via Quicket
Pensioners & Students : 15% off on Premium and Tier 2 tickets
For school block bookings, or ticket enquiries email Boxoffice@maynardville.co.za
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