Magic, romance and comedy came to the Columbia Theatre last weekend courtesy of the New York-based Aquila Theatre Company. The group presented William Shakespeare’s late career masterpiece “The Tempest” with energy and creativity, the first Shakespeare production to come to Hammond in years.
“The Tempest” is a story of family, drama, humor and fantasy. The banished duke turned warlock Prospero lives in exile with his daughter Miranda on an enchanted island. Using his powers to shipwreck the people who overthrew him, including his own brother and king of Naples, Prospero initiates an elaborate plot to restore himself and his daughter to their proper place. Affairs get complicated when Miranda falls for the king’s son and Prospero’s monstrous servant Caliban conspires with the king’s drunken minions to have the wizard destroyed, but with the aid of his spirit helper Ariel, Prospero may be able to keep things under control yet.
The crowd was comprised of a blend of Shakespeare fans, non-fans and general theater buffs alike, but most seemed to be delighted with the performance and grateful for the opportunity to see this classic live.
“The actors are so charismatic and the production is fantastic,” said Lisa Morrison, a native of New Orleans. “I think we’re really lucky to have them come to Hammond.”
Other attendees also singled out praise for the actors.
“It’s really entertaining and the actors are so wonderful,” said Amelia Sands, majoring in political science. “The way they set up the stage and everything is great. I have not [ever been to a Shakespeare production before], but it’s fun.”
Veronica Gutierrez, Southeastern student and director of last semester’s Vonnie Borden production of “Fat Pig,” was among those in attendance. Being a theater student, she had the chance to meet with some of Aquila’s performers personally.
“I thought it was phenomenal,” said Gutierrez. “The other day I was able to meet [James Lavender] who played Prospero and [Carys Lewis] who played Ariel. Right now I’m in Jim Winter’s film acting class and Aquila contacted him, asking him if they could work with some of the students. We spent an hour and a half with them, just doing exercises and discussing theater.”
Dr. Roy Blackwood, director of the Columbia Theatre, was pleased with the response of the crowd. He had particular praise for the way Aquila keeps classic works appealing for 21st century audiences.
“I think [the show] went wonderfully,” said Blackwood. “I’m thrilled about the crowd. You never know if people are going to respond to Shakespeare the way they did. I think it’s a wonderful production of ‘The Tempest.’ I’ve seen several versions of it, but the way they did it is delightful. I’m glad it went over so well in the house.”
Gutierrez concurred. Having dreams of entering the world of professional theater, she took inspiration from watching the play pulled off so successfully.
“It was a flawless performance, the concept was great, the lighting, the sets, the cohesiveness of the actors, [especially] the musicality,” said Gutierrez. “It was a beautiful way to connect people to Shakespeare, because a lot of people don’t connect as well if you do it traditionally, but to see it in such an elevated concept in this great theater in Hammond is super exciting. To see professionals at work, doing what I want to do with my life makes me realize this is a possibility.”
For more information on the Aquila Theatre Company, visit aquilatheatre.com. To check on upcoming Columbia Theatre productions, visit columbiatheatre.org