This year, the Maynardville Open-Air Festival in Wynberg, Cape Town, is bringing Shakespeare’s last play, The Tempest, to life. This festival has been a beloved tradition since 1956, when three women—Dulcie Howes, Cecilia Sonnenberg, and Rene Ahrenson—put on the first performance in the outdoor theatre.
The 2023 production of The Tempest is special because it highlights strong female energy. The play is directed by Sylvaine Strike, who has made some exciting changes. In this version, the character Prospero is now Prospera, played by Antoinette Kellermann. Strike chose Kellermann for her deep understanding of forgiveness, which is an important theme in the play.
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The cast is filled with amazing actors. Albert Pretorius plays the powerful character Caliban, while Jane de Wet brings strength and emotion to the role of Miranda. Daniel Lasker portrays the magical and playful Ariel.
Other notable cast members include Jefferson Lan as Ferdinand, David Viviers as Antonio/Stephano, Brent Palmer as Alonso, Siya Mayola as Gonzalo/Boatswain, and Tankiso Mamabolo as Sebastian/Trinculo. The Spirits are played by Len-Barry Simons, Naoline Quinzin, and Lungile Lallie.
The collaboration between director Strike, set and costume designer Niall Griffin, and composer Wessel Odendaal has created a fresh and exciting experience for the audience. Each part of the production has been carefully thought out to fit the story of The Tempest.
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If you love theatre or want to experience Shakespeare in a new way, don’t miss this incredible production. The Tempest will be performed at Maynardville until March 8, 2025.
