A Tempestade makes waves at Wesleyan
Production will then be taken overseas for the World Expo
by Crissy Mullen

Shakespeare’s classic The Tempest or A Tempestade is crossing the international barriers of language. The bilingual production, under the direction of Rebecca Williams, is adding a new twist to the original text.

“Shakespeare is about language; theatre is about communication,” said producer Jerry Pope.

“Through cognates and the actors’ ability to communicate,” the audience will understand the play, he added.

All the actors, both American and Portuguese, have added a new role to that of the typical thespian. Everyone’s character has to speak in a language other than their own.

“It just works,” said senior Brian Monahan. “We were very careful in selecting text in which the audience will be able to understand what is going on. We also repeat key passages in English to emphasize what was said in Portuguese.”

Because Shakespeare’s dialogue is so important the company has spent countless hours rehearsing.

In addition, the characters physical actions onstage help the audience understand what is going on.

The company hopes that they can relate their message to the audience and have them understand it. They are also hoping that their “international” cast can bridge the Atlantic Ocean and make waves in Portugal. The cast will be performing at the World Expo in Lisbon after their American tour. They will be performing on campus Thursday, April 30 through Sunday, May 3.