Once again, the Singapore Repertory Theatre (FB) brings us another fantastic round of Shakespeare in the Park, with a stunning production of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. The grandest to date, it boasts the tallest set ever built in Singapore, which incorporates the clever use of lighting for switching between scenes, and a star-studded creative team from around the world – Simon Higlett (TMA Awards for Best Design), Gabriel Chan, Tayo Akinbode and Mike Walker (Olivier Award for Best Sound Design). Without doubt, this is a world class outdoor theatre experience at affordable prices starting from S$45 (in advance, with student and group concessions available).
The Story
The Tempest tells a magical tale of Prospero (played by Simon Robson), who, by foul deeds, lost his place as Duke of Milan and was left stranded on an island with his beautiful daughter, Miranda (Julie Wee) for 12 years – no thanks to his jealous brother, Antonio and the King of Naples, Alonso. Not all is bad, as Gonzalo, the King’s counsellor had the good mind in him to secretly supply his boat with plenty of food, water, and the most-prized books from Prospero’s library. His great knowledge then allowed him to rescue a spirit, Ariel, who plays an important role, rather reluctantly, in his redemption and the budding romance between Miranda and Alonso’s son, Ferdinand (Tim Wan).
The Play
Whether you are a Shakespeare scholar or not, you are bound to enjoy the brilliant and emotive acting from each and every cast member. Trinculo, mostly. Shane Mardjuki’s rendition of him got everyone chuckling at his dramatic, and, later on, drunken antics with the Ship steward, Stephano and Caliban.
The View
Despite coming in at 7.00pm (Doors open at 6.30pm) and seeing that most of the front row seats have been taken (free seating), the upward terrain of Fort Canning allows anyone, no matter where you’re seated a great view of the stage. The ushers did an amazing job, making sure everyone who came had a comfortable place to lay their mats.
The show will continue to run in an event of a light drizzle (lucky me), and it would do good to bring a rain coat rather than an umbrella. Out of courtesy, the audience will take them down regardless of the rain. Umbrellas and ponchos can be purchased at the site, but, there are limited stocks – so, it may be better to either bring your own, or grab some from the convenience store nearby.
The Refreshments
While durians are a definite no-no, there is pretty much no restrictions to what you bring in your picnic basket. Those who cannot find the time to prepare can grab to-go lunch boxes from IndoChine; Pomelo and Poached Tiger Prawns at S$8 is a favourite. Haagen Dazs ice creams are also available at two cups for S$12, along with the usual potato chips – all of which you can down with their selection of ciders, beer and wine.
Tickets for Shakespeare in the Park – The Tempest are still available at SISTIC, and will run till the 24 May 2015.
About the Writer
Jessica is a young lady of many obsessions. She gets herself into everything ranging from the latest in the monochrome fashion world (she only wears black, and sometimes, white) to convincing the masses that Community is the best TV series ever made.
Currently, she enjoys looking like Sailor Mercury had a baby with Wednesday Addams.
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