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The Citizen, 1992-07-01, Page 31THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, JULY 1 , 1992. PAGE 31. Young love Antoni Cimolino and Megan Porter Follows are Romeo and Juliet in the Stratford Festival production of Shakespeare's classic romance. Theatre review Tempest, magical BY LARRY CARDIFF This season at Stratford, director David William brings to the stage the controversal and often thought provoking last play of William Shakespeare. At the time when Shakespeare wrote The Tempest, he was approaching the end of a long and highly productive career in the theatre. The Tempest is a magical tale of power and vengence, redemption and forgiveness, and is perhaps Shakespeare's most enchanting tale of the human experience. The play not only examines the dark side of the human psyche, but revels in visions of the supernatural entities that lie on the edge of mankind's existence. The romance, combined with ele­ ments of music and magic, moves within the setting of an enchanted island with the action unfolding over the period of a single day. The central character, Prospero, is an exiled duke and magician, who creates a tempest, a violent storm to shipwreck his former com­ patriots in order to redress ancient wrongs. He often exemplifies wis­ dom, justice and almost superhu­ man good judgement. Ultimately, Prospero brings together his daughter, Miranda and the King's son, Ferdinand, showing the two young lovers the promise of a "brave new world". Alan Scarfe, returning to Strat­ ford for his eighth season, gives an intense performance to the role of Prospero, the upsurped Duke of Milan-tumed-magician. His multi­ faceted performance, which domi­ nates the production, moves from a man obsessed with vengeful wrath to tender-hearted concerns of a father. The play’s most lou-ching moment comes, when following Ariel's suggestion, Prospero over­ comes his anger, breaks his magical staff and renounces his revenge. He has met within himself his own darkness, and has conquered it. Ted Dykstra's portrayal as Ariel, the "airy spirit" through which Prospero commands the lesser spir­ its, provides us with a weird and dazzling character, who though well acted and well received, seems almost alienistic and strangely out of place in Elizabethan play. Wayne Best's performance as Caliban, the enslaved witch's son, is athletically impressive as the deformed simian-like creature scur­ ries about bemoaning his loss of freedom. Some may see him as an embodiment of evil, but he appears too innocent, too childlike to be a full-fledged villian. Miranda, as played by Claire Rankin, provides us with moving speeches of innocence that touch deeply upon the soul. Her counter­ part, Paul Miller as Ferdinand is the poetic image of the valiant hand­ some prince, perhaps too much so. The impressive lighting by Michael J. Whitfield, serves to amplify the magical eerieness with shocking surprise. The bluish glow lighting the magical moments is further enhanced by the solemn and strange beat of Composer Stanley Silverman's music. The costumes designed by Susan Benson are outstanding period pieces of the Elizabethan era. But I was especially enthralled by the bizarre beast-like masks of the ban­ quet carriers and the exotic cos­ tumes of the wood nymphs. The Tempest is a bewitching tale with an impressive cast and strong performances. As Prospero states in Act IV, Scene I: "We are such stuff as dreams are made on". No truer words could be spoken. Director David William has obvi­ ously exerted his own imagination upon the play, but overall it is a good production and deserves to be seen. The audience signaled their approval with their quite lengthy applause, which only increased in momentum for Prospero, Ariel and Caliban. The play, which is one of four Shakespearean works to be staged at the main Festival Theatre contin­ ues through Nov. 14. ntertainment Theatre review Cast superb BY BONNIE GROPP "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?" According to the Stratford Festi­ val production of Romeo and Juliet which I attended recently, the answer is "stuck somewhere in the 1920's." Under the direction of Richard Monette this Shakespeare­ an classic has been transplanted from the romantic Renaissance period to a time less in keeping with the turbulent passion of the play. I have always been perturbed by the artistic penchant to transfer Shakespeare to another time. We can argue that this demonstrates the timelessness of Shakespeare's work or that it broadens its appeal, but I disagree. Unless the entire produc­ tion is going to be redone to suit the period it has been catapulted into by costume design, which is in this case by Debra Hanson, then it's a ridiculous idea. I find it difficult, for example, to imagine a group of young men in the less mercurial 20's, drawing swords in a crowded square. We do get a glimpse of the beau­ ty we are cheated of, however, dur­ ing the masquerade, when the characters are garbed in the attire that we had expected to see. The story of Romeo and Juliet is one that few people do not know; star-crossed lovers who are ulti­ mately driven to a fateful and vio­ lent end by their feuding families. It is a story that has cast a spell over many. It appeals to the roman­ tic in all of us and as such needs lit­ tle artistic fancies to enhance it. The cast of this romantic tragedy was marvelous. Megan Porter Fol­ lows is an endearing Juliet, portray­ ing her with the right mix of innocence and flirtatiousness. There has been much said by peo­ ple who have been unable to sepa­ rate her from the Anne of Green Gables role she made famous on television. While I admit, some­ what sheepishly that this wasn't an issue with me as I have never seen the former, I felt she was a perfect­ ly believable Juliet. Antoni Cimolino does a good job as her starry-eyed suitor. I question, however, Mr. Monette's reason for having Romeo stand with his back to the audience during the balcony scene. Though, admittedly, his muscular dancer's build is a pleas­ ing sight to behold from the "rear" it would have served the scene bet­ ter to have at least had him in pro­ file. Barbara Bryne, a familiar face on the Stratford stage, is typically wonderful as Nurse, a warm and jolly friend to Juliet. It was difficult for the stars to outshine Colm Feore's performance Happy 24th Birthday Sandra Kerr as Mercutio, kinsman of the Prince of Verona and Romeo’s friend. He is a charming scamp, who provides much of the lighter, often sugges­ tive humour. The fight scenes, directed by John Stead and choreographed by John Broome were very well done as well. Though I felt the production lagged somewhat it was, overall well done. If it had just been left where it was meant to be, it might have been even better. Jeff Howson graduated from the University of Guelph in the Associate Diploma Course majoring in Agriculture Business. Jeff is presently employed with Cook's, a division of Parrish & Heimbecker in Kirkton. Congratulations Jeff from Dad, Mom and Sherri. GRADUATION Mr. and Mrs. Max Watts of Havelock, formerly of Brussels are pleased to announce the graduation of their youngest daughter, Ruth Ann. She was conferred with her Bachelor of Arts Degree, Honours Crimin­ ology from the University of Windsor on June 7, 1992. In September, Ruth Ann will resume her studies at Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, in Masters of Social Work Program. Blytt) Ipp 523-9381 THURSDAY NIGHT IS WING NIGHT 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT WINGS 35e EACH MINIMUM ORDER 10 a variety of sauces available Wings available for take out at regular price of 50c each. THURS., FRI., & SAT. 5 P.M.-MIDNIGHT WINGS & CHIPS $5.45 EAT IN OR TAKE OUT THURS., FRI. & SAT. NITES PIZZA 5 P.M. - MIDNIGHT EAT IN OR TAKE OUT GRADUATION Diana Van Den Broek, daughter of Henk and Ria Van Den Broek of Brussels graduated from Child and Youth Worker from Fan­ shawe College, London on June 12. Congratulations Diana, from Dad, Mom, Rob, Rita and Stephen. Adam J. Perrie graduated June 20, 1992 from Conestoga College of applied Arts & Technology in Kitchener. He received his diploma in the Electronics Engineering Technology Program, and is currently employed at Unitron in Kitchener. Congratulations from Mom and Dad, and your favourite aunL