The Tempest 

by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
directed by JOE DOWLING


Wurtele Thrust Stage
February 26 – April 16, 2022

A parable of reconciliation

Prospera, the former ruler of Milan, has spent many embittered years stranded on an island after being usurped by her ruthless brother, Antonio. Her only comforts are her daughter, Miranda, and her own magical powers, which Prospera uses to conjure a storm that brings several shipwreck survivors ashore, Antonio included. But when her intricate revenge plot puts Miranda’s future at risk, Prospera is caught between her desire to reclaim her rightful rule and her unwavering love for her daughter. Former Artistic Director Joe Dowling returns to the Guthrie to direct one of Shakespeare’s final and most heartfelt plays.

Three things to know

  • Former Guthrie Artistic Director Joe Dowling returns to the Guthrie for the first time since 2015 to direct this heartfelt and hopeful production.
  • Dowling casts a female actor in the lead role, which is traditionally played by a male actor, to focus on the mother-daughter relationship and explore new insights within the story.
  • The Tempest is often considered Shakespeare’s farewell to the stage and shines a spotlight on family relationships, justice and forgiveness.

Ticket prices

Prices range from $15 to $80.

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Venue 

The Tempest will take place on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.

Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details. 

Content advisory

This production contains strobe lights, haze and loud noises. Contact the Box Office for more information.

Run time

Approximately 2 hours, 35 minutes (including intermission)

Accessibility

ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.

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Wi-Fi assistive listening system

Visit Guest Services at the lobby desks on Levels One, Four or Five to learn about the Wi-Fi-based assistive listening system available for this production. It’s an easy way to transmit high-quality audio to hearing aids/cochlear implants via Bluetooth connection on your own device. Download the ListenEVERYWHERE app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before you arrive.

Program and play guide

Want to dig deeper into this story? Download the play guide or a digital version of the program

In the news

Feature

The Star Tribune interviewed Joe Dowling about his return to the Guthrie.

"I love this audience. I've never worked for a better audience than here, or a more sophisticated audience. I remember when we used to announce seasons with subscribers, when I would announce the Shakespeare title, there'd be applause. 'Yes! We want that!'"

Read the Q&A 

The reviews are in!

Critics and audiences alike are being swept away by this heartfelt and hopeful production. 

Artists

Cast

Cat Brindisi

Iris/Francisca

David Darrow

Captain/Adrian/Ceres

Robert Dorfman

Stephano

Lamar Jefferson

Boatswain

John Kroft

Ferdinand

Maya Lagerstam

Juno

Mark Mazzarella

Mariner/Ariel's Musician

Bill McCallum

Sebastian

Laakan McHardy

Miranda

Tyler Michaels King

Ariel

Michelle O'Neill

Gonzala

Harry Smith

Caliban

William Sturdivant

Antonio

Angela Timberman

Trinculo

Sky Turiello

Mariner/Spirit/Nymph

Regina Marie Williams

Prospera

Stephen Yoakam

Alonso

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Creative

Placeholder for William Shakespeare

William Shakespeare

Playwright

Joe Dowling

Director

Alexander Dodge

Scenic Designer

Ann Hould-Ward

Costume Designer

Xavier Pierce

Lighting Designer

Jane Shaw

Sound Designer

Carla Steen

Resident Dramaturg

Andrew Wade

Voice and Text Coach

Maija García

Movement Director

Jason Clusman

Stage Manager

Kathryn Sam Houkom

Assistant Stage Manager

Alessandra Bongiardina

Intimacy Coach

Jennifer Liestman

Resident Casting Director

Keith Thomas

Music Director/ Composer

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Photos

Regina Marie Williams as Prospera and Tyler Michaels King as Ariel. Photo: Dan Norman

Robert Dorfman as Stephano and Angela Timberman as Trinculo. Photo: Dan Norman

Bill McCallum as Sebastian, Cat Brindisi as Francisca, Michelle O'Neill as Gonzala, Stephen Yoakam as Alonso and William Sturdivant as Antonio. Photo: Dan Norman

John Kroft as Ferdinand, Regina Marie Williams as Prospera and Laakan McHardy as Miranda. Photo: Dan Norman

Maya Lagerstam as Juno. Photo: Dan Norman

Regina Marie Williams as Prospera. Photo: Dan Norman

Stephen Yoakam as Alonso, Michelle O'Neill as Gonzala, Bill McCallum as Sebastian, John Kroft as Ferdinand, and Angela Timberman as Trinculo. Photo: Dan Norman

Angela Timberman as Trinculo, Harry Smith as Caliban, Tyler Michaels King as Ariel, and Robert Dorfman as Stephano. Photo: Dan Norman

The cast of The Tempest. Photo: Dan Norman 

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