First-Person: Trevor Barrette on The Tempest

To entertain and enlighten Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike

The Tempest comes to the West Island

by Trevor Barrette

Kaleidoscope Theatre Montreal’s production of William Shakespeare’s The TEMPEST sets the Bard’s final masterpiece in the fictional world of Victorian Futurism. It is a world of contradictions, science and innovation where the old and the new collide and the line between dreaming and reality is never drawn. This dynamic and physical staging (produced, performed and designed in its entirety by current students and recent graduates of John Abbott, Dawson and Concordia’s theatre programs) will entertain and enlighten Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

The TEMPEST is the story of a man’s reflection on his legacy and his death. Twelve years since being marooned on an almost uninhabited island, Prospero, a powerful magician & the rightful duke of Milan, discovers the King of Naples’ fleet nearing his island. He summons a direful tempest and shipwrecks the King’s ship onto his island to force him and the usurping duke of Milan into repentance. Once on the island, history, as always, seems to repeat itself. Antonio, Prospero’s usurping brother, plots with the King’s brother to overthrow him and take Milan. Meanwhile, the King’s drunken butler and jester meet Caliban, a savage native of the island, who together seek to murder Prospero and claim the island for themselves. In another part of the Isle, Ferdinand, the King’s son, meets Miranda, Prospero’s daughter. The two fall in love and Prospero secures his place on the throne as Ariel, Prospero’s airy spirit servant begs for his freedom. There’s a lot going on. (cont'd)

The Sunday Feature: Trevor Barrette on Antigone

(Photo: Annie Yao)

ANTIGONE A new look at a classic story

...every time I read it or see it rehearsed, I am reminded of how poignant and true the story is...
by Trevor Barrette (Director/Producer)

This summer, a group of 20 students and recent graduates of the John Abbott College's Professional Theatre Program will be presenting Sophocles' 'ANTIGONE' at the JAC Casgrain Studio Theatre from July 19th to July 22nd.

It's an exciting and theatrical piece that deals with themes of violence, power, gender roles, religion and, most importantly, family; themes that create the fabric of our society today and remind us of how mortal we really are.

From the first time I read Antigone, I was taken by its powerful story and all of the interesting characters and profound relationships. I knew that I wanted the opportunity to explore it further. And still, every time I read it or see it rehearsed, I am reminded of how poignant and true the story is, even for a modern day audience. I truly believe that this play is as alive today as it was when it was first performed in Ancient Greece, thousands of years ago.