Prospero conjures the story of his revenge over a magical dinner table in “The Feast: an intimate Tempest,” a reimagining of Shakespeare’s play.
The piece, co-created and co-directed by Jessica Thebus and Frank Maugeri, is an original commission and artistic collaboration between Chicago Shakespeare Theater and Redmoon, performed in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakes.
The centerpiece of the set is a long, cross-shaped table that’s a master puppeteer’s dream, courtesy of Neil Verplank: With a little cranking, the sea’s waves and other wonders spring up from between the table’s slats, which also hold a model ship—the one that carries Prospero’s usurping brother, Antonio, the Duke of Milan; the King of Naples, Alonso; Alonso’s son, Ferdinand; Alonso’s power-hungry brother, Sebastian; the drunken butler, Stephano; the court jester, Trinculo; and others.
All of these characters, along with Prospero’s daughter, Miranda, and Caliban, are played by puppets or masks operated skillfully and voiced by Prospero’s lackeys Ariel (Samuel Taylor) and Caliban (Adrian Danzig), who are visible as they operate the puppets. (Yes, Caliban plays himself, with the help of an ugly monster mask). The puppets Stephano and Trinculo are hilarious, with silly happy and sad faces that alternate with a simple flip, whereas the masks and mechanical hands of Ferdinand and Miranda are life-like, as they fall in love—just as the powerful Prospero (John Judd) intended, of course. In between performances, Ariel and Caliban conspire to secure their freedom—either by earning it from Prospero or killing him.
The mystery of the shipwreck and other magical encounters comes to life through Mike Tutaj’s beautiful, evocative projections in the background and music by Jefferey Allen Thomas pumped out of gramaphone-like pipes.
While all of this puppetry and the set are both expertly executed, it’s hard not to feel that something is missing—the other characters, in the flesh.
“The Feast: an intimate Tempest” runs approximately 1 hour 30 minutes, and plays through March 11 in the Upstairs Theater at Chicago Shakespeare Theater. For tickets, call 312-595-5600 or visit chicagoshakes.com/feast.
