Sex, Drums, & Rock n’ Roll

You guessed it, it’s Shakespeare!

By Rachel Adams

June 2005 – Redfeather Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Directed by Timothy J. Smith In this season full of kick-ass outdoor festivals and concerts, you might want to check out the baddest show of ‘em all, The Tempest. That’s right, William Shakespeare’s play is so naughty – and Redfeather’s production is so highly-charged – that it could make the most raucous rocker weak in the knees.

Redfeather Theatre Company, a relative newcomer but already a powerhouse on the theatre scene, is taking no prisoners for its second outdoor season; once again bringing the Green Hill Park Amphitheatre to life, Redfeather will be thrilling audiences with scantily clad, nubile young men and women telling a tale of betrayal, sexuality (of all kinds!), magic, prejudice, sadomasochism, monsters and supernatural power struggles.

Basically, The Tempest tells the story of a Duke (played, in a brilliant casting twist, by Ann Marie Shea) whose dastardly brother exiles her and her daughter to a rather unique island. Honing her already formidable powers and using whatever means necessary (and you can let your imagination run wild here – Director Timothy Smith certainly does!), the Duke tames the island’s mischievous and often down-right malevolent forces and ultimately seeks revenge on her scheming brother while still finding time to meddle in her young daughter’s love life. Mix together the talented cast, avant-garde direction, hand-made instruments (including a glorious 4-foot high ceremonial drum created by Director Smith’s uncle, a member of the Nipmuc tribe) and character masks, add in the unique ingredient of live acoustic rock bands playing at intermission and after each performance, and you’ve got the recipe for a show that proves once again just how hip and racy the works of Shakespeare really are.

For those of you who are not already familiar with the Green Hill Park outdoor theatre experience, this summer would be the perfect time to check it out. With bleacher seating for 500, and on-the-grass seating for another 250+, the venue is the ultimate summer evening destination. Pack a picnic (or purchase food at the show), come early, bring a date, enjoy the fresh air, relax on a blanket, linger after the performance to chat with the cast and listen to the live bands. It’s a night under the stars you don’t want to miss.

Redfeather Theatre Co. presents William Shakespeare’s The Tempest outdoors at the Green Hill Park Memorial Grove Amphitheatre on Skyline Drive in Worcester. General seating is $10 ($8 for students/seniors) Thurs.-Sun. at 7pm with “Pay What You Can” nights every Wednesday. For more information, please visit www.redfeatherco.org/, call (508) 615-2388 or e-mail timothysmith@redfeatherco.org