The Tempest
by William Shakespeare
Role: Miranda | Director: Brad Graham | Company: Suspension of Disbelief
This was my first experience in a full Shakespeare play, and I loved it. We performed in a small outdoor amphitheatre which was a great naturalistic setting for The Tempest. Miranda is so playful, joyful, and naive; yet, she is full of love for both her Father and Ferdinand. I remember feeling very free when I played her; I think this is because of her child-like innocence. She is willing to jump whole-heartedly into love with Ferdinand without hesitation, and this gave me the permission to do the same as I explored this role. I could whole-heartedly jump into the scene and explore.
It was also the first time I really had the opportunity to dig into a Shakespeare script and yes, it was difficult. Shakespeare takes time and work to really understand everything you are saying, but it is well worth all the effort. Once I understood what I was really saying in the scenes, everything became so much easier and clearer. Now, as I have learned a lot more about Shakespeare, and the clues he has for actors in his folio, I feel more confident and excited whenever I get to work on Shakespearean text.
