THE TEMPEST STEAMPUNKED
The corrugated iron shed that shelters Marrickville’s Sidetrack Theatre is currently home to an innovative and enthralling, steampunk version of Shakespeare’s magical play, The Tempest. The steampunk influence has Prospero clothed in an aviator’s skull cap with a radio earpiece, Miranda looking like she just danced ‘Heigh Ho’ with the seven dwarfs and Gonzalo wrapped in a safari suit with a cybernetic arm. Every Victorian vaudeville character seems to be represented here, from the acrobat, to the pantomime harlequin. The burgundy and gold sets are impressive caves which reveal technological enhancements to the traditional play.
The Tempest is not one of the bard’s greatest works. However, this cast is a professional, well trained ensemble and all are very skilled exponents of Shakespeare. The words are spoken naturally and none of the puns, poetry, or imagery is lost. A highlight is the relationship between Prospero (Dominic McDonald) and Miranda (Lana Kershaw) which is a convincing portrait of a father and a teenage daughter.
The show is more Shakespeare than steampunk, but the mix is smooth, down to the sound of the planes roaring overhead. It’s fun and entertaining and two hours flew by. I can’t wait to see what they do to Hamlet!
Until Sep 8, Sidetrack Theatre, 142 Addison Road, Marrickville, $23-30, 9560 9167, 2012.sydneyfringe.com
