The Linfield Theatre Program is putting a new twist on the classic Shakespeare play “The Tempest,” while addressing issues of sustainability.
The production will continue the exploration of Linfield’s PLACE (Program for Liberal Arts and Civic Engagement) theme, “Air, Water, Earth, and Fire: the ancient elements on a changing planet,” by setting the action on a man-made island of trash. On this island, Prospero uses his magic to harness the ancient elements for his own power but ultimately realizes that doing so can create irreparable harm to him and the island’s inhabitants. Linfield’s production of “The Tempest” will be presented Nov. 5-7 and 12-14, at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on Sunday, Nov. 8, at 2 p.m. in the Marshall Theatre in Ford Hall.
The local inhabitants, Caliban and Ariel, have learned to survive on the debris of humankind’s massive waste, only to be usurped of their home’s resources by Prospero and daughter Miranda who themselves have been exiled from their own homeland.
Janet Gupton, associate professor of theatre arts, will direct the play with scenic and lighting design by Professor Ty Marshall, sound design by Rob Vaughn, and costume design by visiting guest designer Alethia Moore-Del Monaco.
“This exciting and daunting idea of putting sustainability to work on a micro-level through our theatre program will hopefully resonate with students, faculty and staff as we search for ways to rethink our usage of materials and natural resources,” Gupton said.
In keeping with the PLACE theme, the set and costume designs will incorporate the use of recycled and found materials in an effort to practice sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint.
“I am excited by the creative ways we have come together to envision a world for ‘The Tempest’ that is made from our excess garbage,” said Gupton. “Sadly, finding tons of junk has not been the problem. We as a society generate a lot of it on a daily basis. Even though it is sad to think of all the pollution and trash that exists in the world, it is also encouraging and inspiring that creative minds can turn a plastic bottle into a beautiful piece of jewelry or convert a bunch of empty produce boxes into an art sculpture. It gives me hope that we can make changes to correct our past mistakes.”
Lead cast members include junior Robert Murphy Jackson from Hood River, who will play Prospero; sophomore Christina Godinez from Redwood City, Calif., who will play Miranda; junior Madilyn Bechtel from Kirkland, Wash., and freshman Glenn Rust from Cottage Grove, who will both play Ariel; and freshman Antoine Johnson from Hoquiam, Wash., who will play Caliban.
Other cast members include senior Travis McKenna from Elko, Nev.; juniors Joella Cordell from Caldwell, Idaho, Alyssa Lawrence from Dorchester, Mass., and Bailey Sipila from Seattle, Wash.; sophomores Zach Knight from San Francisco, Calif., Raisa Mlynski from Hillsboro, Marcos Galvez from Hood River, Sierra-Karen Denend from Moxee, Wash., and Cassandra Martinez from Woodburn; freshman Heather McNutt-Kaestner from Philomath, Alex Satterlee from Hillsboro, and Dennis Waske from Eugene; and Clément Hossaert, language teaching assistant, of Armemtieres, France.
This is the Linfield Theatre’s 96th season of plays at Linfield and 13th season in the Marshall Theatre. This play is a PLACE event.
Tickets are $9 for full price; $7 for seniors (62+) and Linfield faculty and staff (two tickets per ID); and $5 for students (any age, any school, one ticket per ID); with a $2 discount on all tickets on opening night. Seating is reserved. Tickets are available online at www.linfield.edu/arts and at the Marshall Theatre Box Office beginning Tuesday, Oct. 27.
For more information call 503-883-2292.
