UVU Theatre presents A Tempest, a haunting tale by Chase M. Grant exploring isolation, loneliness, and loss. Viewer discretion is advised; not suitable for children.
Just in time for Halloween, UVU Theatre presented its chilling adaptation of William Shakespeare’s ‘The Tempest.’ The show is full of atmospheric effects from the lights to the sounds, taking you to an abandoned island and bringing the production to life. This is supplemented by wonderful performances from the actors and actresses as they move from line to line and stage to stage.
This production takes place in UVU’s Student Theatre, and it utilizes the entire room, from Ariel’s dancing and Caliban’s prowling, all the way to Prospero’s speeches. And each line is executed to perfection by the talented actors and actresses. This show is not what one would expect, however, when thinking of the original ‘The Tempest.’. The adaptation written by Chase M. Grant portrays a darker side to the story, exploring themes of loss and despair.
“I would say that the show is powerful, thought-provoking, and human,” Lighting Designer Kenna Seegmiller said, when asked how she would describe it. “It explores the grieving process, or at least one possible take on it.” And human is definitely a word to accurately describe the haunting themes behind the show. As the hour-long production rolls to a close, the audience sits in silence, pondering what has just taken place in front of them.
This performance is not only about the themes of humanity and loss, however, as laughs did ring through the audience on more than one occasion. It explores the multifaceted characters and takes the viewers on a journey accompanied by humor and wit, all without forgetting or neglecting the thrilling undertones always present in the background. “Above all else, I believe that theatre should be fun, but also shocking,” Seegmiller expressed. “I would love to create a shocking experience.”
The first peals of roaring thunder and flashes of lightning do just that, setting the tone for the rest of the performance. The intensity continues to build scene by scene until the emotional climax is reached, heralded by the many gasps in the audience. And as the show comes to its powerful close, the lights fade out conducted by the departure of the actors and the end of the soundtrack.
When asked about reasons to see the show as well as potential risks of watching it, Seegmiller considered her response before answering that, “People should see this show not only because of how perfect it is for the Halloween season, but for the themes it expresses as well, of humanity, loss and grief. However, this show is not suitable for children, and due to the many stage effects, loud music and flashing lights viewer discretion is advised.”
Again, it seems to come down to humanity and loss. “Sometimes among the different grieving processes, we see actions such as lashing out and potentially seeing things. This show explores those often not mentioned aspects of grief,” Seegmiller explains, before continuing to prepare for the show she and the rest of the cast and crew have been working on for over a month.
The haunting story of A Tempest draws the audience in, and the hold lasts long after the show ends. With giggles and gasps, the watchers act as a second source of accompanying sound, signaling the changes in mood. Hands clap over mouths in horror and tears build in the eyes as the show draws closer to its end. Scene by shocking scene it gets wrapped up in a quick and emotional end. This is the perfect show for enjoyers of the theatre who want to watch a portrayal of loss in a heartbreakingly human way.
