The Singapore Repertory Theatre’s (SRT) Shakespeare in the Park returns to Fort Canning Park this year with the staging of one of William Shakespeare’s most celebrated works — The Tempest. Said to be the last play written by Shakespeare, it is set on a remote island where the protagonist Prospero, skilfully manipulates several groups of characters to his bidding with the help of magic from Ariel the spirit. While not an outright comedy, The Tempest invites the audience to revel in its magical world of illusions and supernatural beings, and to marvel and laugh at the actions of various characters as they deal with the peculiarities surrounding them.
Shakespeare in the Park is an annual production by the SRT where theatre-goers leave behind the conventional setting of upholstered seats and air-conditioning and instead, as its name implies, enjoy the works of Shakespeare on the lush green lawn under the stars. To fully savour the experience of outdoor theatre, invite a couple of friends and spread that picnic blanket for a night of literary entertainment.
As with every of SRT’s Shakespeare in the Park, the set is a sight to behold. This year, the production team has constructed a giant open book as the set itself. The towering backdrop is filled with symbols and handwriting that mimic a page from an ancient spellbook. This, coupled with the lighting effects, serves to intensify the air of enchantment that Ariel conjures onstage as the spirit goes about playing tricks on the various oblivious characters. As the cast prance back and forth on the stage that itself is a page from a book, it is an obvious metaphor and homage to the writer’s talent for conjuring characters that literally pop from the pages.
Of the cast of dozen, there are a number of standout performances. Ann Lek is a delight to watch as the mischievous spirit Ariel while Theo Ogundipe’s portrayal of the tortured servant Caliban is both convincing and riveting. The drunk pair of Stephano and Trinculo (played by talented Daniel Jenkins and Shane Mardjuki respectively) serve as comic foil and are responsible for much of the laughter heard throughout the performance with their silly antics.
While the Shakespearean English was rather daunting at times, the visual spectacle that was the majestic set and colourful cast of characters, along with the fine acting and musical performances (Yes, there are a number of songs performed by Ariel in SRT’s staging) more than made up for it. I also liked how the production team infused Asian influences in the design and costume of Ariel and the ensemble when depicting the spirit world. As the songs and dance drew to a close for the night, there was no doubt that the magic of Shakespeare has greatly indulged and enthralled the audience.
Where: Fort Canning Park (Located at Gothic Gate at Carpark A)
When: 29 April to 24 May 2015
Tickets: Prices start from S$40 (excluding booking fee). Booking can made online via Sistic.
