The tempest
by william shakespeare
directed by Sam White
campus martius, Detroit
August 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 & 20
classical theatre festival, mainstage
Shakespeare in Deroit is returning to its roots with park performances this August 2023, celebrating ten years since the organization pioneered Shakespeare in a Detroit park.
The story takes place in the late 80s/early 90s and is a celebration of (and loosely inspired by) one of Detroit's legendary magicians, Juan Atkins, who ushered in a new era of music, a sonic wonder, known globally as Techno music. In this staging of the play, Prospero's knowledge is based on records, instead of books, and he has a synthesizer and turntables instead of a magical staff.
The production will be framed by a live DJ who will spin classic songs from the era to move the story from one scene to the next. And the intermission will include a 20-minute dance party for the community and a dance contest.
The island is inspired by the city's iconic The New Dance Show.
Admission is totally free thanks to the presenting sponsor, The Gilbert Family Foundation.