An annual Bethlehem tradition is in the final stages of preparation as the high school’s Shakespearean company prepares to take the stage in this year’s production of “The Tempest,” to take place Dec. 5-7 and Dec. 12-14.
Before the witchcraft and wizardry of Harry Potter, Disney magicians and “The Wizard of Oz,” William Shakespeare wrote “The Tempest.” In his final play, Shakespeare weaves together comedy, tragedy and romance to tell the tale of the deposed and presumably dead Duke of Milan, Prospero, who finds himself (due to the tempest he raised) with a rare choice 12 years later — seek revenge or use his magic to forgive his wrongdoers and reclaim his place in the world with integrity.
Aided by the magical Ariel and opposed by the savage half-human/half-demon Caliban, Prospero has to grapple with whether “the rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance,” or whether King Alonso, Duke Sebastian and the usurping Duke of Milan, Antonio, deserve the death to which they had sentenced Prospero 12 years earlier.
“We are such stuff as dreams are made of,” Prospero famously utters.
According to Director James Yeara, “The Tempest” is full of Shakespeare’s finest storytelling, poetry, comedy and tragedy. Yeara acted in Ten Broeck Mansion’s production of “The Tempest” just this summer and said he finds inspiration in directing this production.
“I find the theatrical magic this cast and crew create looking at the play with new eyes and a fresh heart,” said Yeara.
The students involved expressed enthusiasm and passion for the production.
“(Being in ‘The Tempest’) is truly an incredible experience,” said senior Cameron Duwe, a veteran in both the Shakespeare productions and the musicals at BCHS. “It has challenged me to play a type of role I’ve never played before.”
Duwe said an added benefit is being surrounded by “the most supportive cast an actor could ask for.”
Student Rozara Sanders echoed Duwe’s sentiments regarding the camaraderie shared among the cast.
“There is an overwhelming feeling of unity that bonds this cast together,” Sanders said, adding that the sense of unity allows the actors to “become completely vulnerable and take on the challenge that is Shakespeare.” Junior Hannah Thien said the show is “the yin and yang of Shakespeare’s work.”
“There’s comedy and tragedy, romance and heartbreak, light moments and dark,” she said. “It presents the cast with the challenge of reaching those levels. It has strengthened us as actors.”
Live music, adapted by Thien, will accompany the production and be performed by Bethlehem student musicians.
Performances take place at the Bethlehem High School Auditorium on Dec. 5, 6, 7 and 12, 13, and 14, with Friday and Saturday performances at 7 p.m. and Sunday performances at 2 p.m. Admission $10 for adults, and $6 for students, senior citizens and military. Tickets will be available at the door or can be reserved at theatrewithoutanet.org.
