27 Feb 2013
Posted by Ciara Hall Stephens College has an undeniably great theater program. This was proven the weekend of February 8th with their performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
Shakespeare’s The Tempest is a romance where Prospero, the duke of Milan and sorcerer, is banished from Italy by his brother, Antonia and the king of Naples, Alonso. Prospero conjures a tempest to wreck his foes’ ship and leave them dispersed throughout an island in an attempt to overwhelm his enemies with remorse. This is arguably the last piece composed entirely by William Shakespeare.
This particular performance brought in two guest artists. One of those guest artists was Stephens’ alum, Peggy Friesen. Friesen attended Stephens when it was a two year college and had a scholarship to major in music. Friesen discovered her passion for theater here at Stephens when she out grew her professor’s instrumental teachings. She began involving herself in the theater program and it has suited her ever since.
Set designer Jason Coale designed the set with the body of a harp in mind. It was elegant and extravagant. Friesen played the harp live during the performance.
Not only did we have the talented Peggy Friesen, we had the remarkable Terry Berliner directing the Tempest. Berliner came all the way from New York to director The Tempest. All three performances were awe instilling. This performance was fantastic thanks to Berliner and Friesen as well as all of the Stephens College theater students and staff.
