The Tempest

Come away to a private island where the plants, stones, and water are alive. Considered one of Shakespeare’s best fairytales, The Tempest is a magical journey through love, loyalty, and power. Now in its sixth season, the Recycled Shakespeare Company will stage the play at 7 p.m., on Friday, October 18, and Saturday, October 19, at the Skills Ervin Center, 46 Front Street, Waterville.

With original music and direction by Emily Rowden Fournier, of Fairfield, co-director Helena Page, of Clinton, and stage manager Debra Achorn, of Waterville, the scene comes alive as the exiled Prospero, (Raymond “Wingnut” Wing of Waterville) creates a magical storm in order to shipwreck the queen and her courtiers. Prospero’s daughter, Miranda (Omm Stilwell of Vassalboro) does not realize her father’s plan to introduce her to Prince Ferdinand (Cody Curtis of Bath), but soon learns how she and her father came to be exiled on this island which is inhabited only by them, the monster Caliban (Aaron Blaschke Rowden and Joe Rowden, of Fairfield) and Ariel, the musical spirit of the island played by nine singers and dancers. With would be assassins afoot, can Ariel protect the queen and Prospero and still be freed from enslavement? Enjoy this comedy of twists and turns with happy endings suitable for all ages. Live accompaniment will be by Fournier on flute and Mia Fairman, of Waterville, on violin.

Recycled Shakespeare Company was founded with the mission of making theater accessible to all while using recycled and repurposed materials. The nonprofit group is Northern New England’s only grassroots Shakespearean community theater and has been featured at the Shakespeare Theater Association’s annual conference in Prague for their efforts in creating ecological theater.

This family-friendly production will be presented in the round, with the audience getting a 360° view of the stage, and is free to the public. Best view seats can be reserved with a $10 donation. Themed refreshments will be sold.