The Tempest

Overview

Shakespeare and Steampunk come together in this mystical rendition of Shakespeare’s The Tempest at Wellington’s Gryphon Theatre.

If you’re unsure what Steampunk means, you’re clearly a poor sci-fi deprived soul and should do something about that, but basically it's a sub-genre of science fiction inspired by industrialised Western civilisation during the 19th century. The talented folk of Wellington’s Stagecraft have given Shakespeare’s original play – which is thought by many critics to be the last play he wrote alone – new meaning in this futuristic Victorian setting that combines spectacular special effects, steam engines, delightfully cunning characters and Shakespeare’s gift of the gab.

Whether you’re a cultured Shakespeare fan, a die-hard Steampunk enthusiast, a theatre lover or just a curious bystander, you’re guaranteed to be swept away as this two-hour journey takes you through the intertwining story of one woman hellbent on revenge and the lives of the people around her. As dark as it sounds, the heart of the play lies in the story’s romance and tragicomedy – owing to Shakespeare undoubtedly being the original master of black comedy. Plus, there are some great antiquated insults thrown around as Shakespeare’s characters get a tad antsy with each other, including, “A pox o’ your throat, you bawling, blasphemous, incharitable dog!”

How could you miss that?