The Tempest Critique

Rachel Caduri

From the moment The Tempest started to the very last word, I was completely hooked.

Every part of this production from the direction, to the set design, to the acting was perfect.

While I’ve never seen The Tempest before so I don’t have much to compare to, every aspect of

Dr. Kazimierz Braun’s directing seemed fresh and original. I liked the idea of having the play

start as a table read because it allowed me to focus specifically on the acting without all the

costumes and the set getting in the way. Once we were moved into the Black Box, the play took

on a new level. The set and the lighting added so much life to the production and to the story of

The Tempest. I would have to say though, that my favorite part of the production was Dr.

Kazimierz Braun’s use of the character Ariel and the spirits. The idea of splitting Ariel into four

brought new meaning to Ariel and her power. It made it seem as though Ariel was almost a God

in the sense that she was everywhere and constantly surrounding Prospero and his island. It made

the character seem stronger and powerful. Another part of his concept I enjoyed was having the

spirits on stage at all times. It gave the impression that someone is always watching. I also liked

how each spirit had their own distinct personality, but when they were all together they became

one whole instead of many different parts. Overall, I really enjoyed this production of The

Tempest. If there is one word to describe it, it would be ingenious.