The second annual Bard on the Beach called upon some of SCAD’s finest creatives to give a fresh look to a classic performed many thousand times, a task nothing to scoff at. They approached this task with grace, however, and succeeded in every way. From having several leads played by two actors simultaneously to the omnipresent motion, evoking dance, the creative choices of the show weren’t just notable, but remarkable. Also worth mentioning is the one-of-a-kind stage, on SCAD Beach, which framed the show with palms and sand, not to mention the constant wave sounds. It all came together for an unforgettable show combining experimental theater with phenomenal acting and a uniquely vivid creative vision.

And the vision came to fruition captivating audiences with vigor. Every seat was filled, and standing room wasn’t empty either. The audience gasped and laughed, fully immersed in The Tempest, as though on the island alongside Shakespeare’s classic cast. Perhaps the sandy locale really did transport them in a way, or maybe the entrancing acting. No matter the reason, the audience found something beautiful, something they quite obviously enjoyed. The odes and ovations took a long moment to stop after bows, and many a viewer stayed around to meet the cast and learn about the creativity and process behind such a uniquely exciting show.

The show and event summed into a truly unforgettable experience. I have loved the experience of watching The Tempest grow into such an amazing production and flourish into such a beautiful spectacle. The product of pure creativity and a massive amount of hard work, The Tempest leaves me wanting more from each and every person who contributed. Next year’s Bard on the Beach faces a vast task to hold up to the beautiful precedent set by director Francesca Mintowt-Czyz and her powerhouse cast.

As for this year, zero doubts fall on the enjoyment of the whole audience. Just ask the numerous people who peeped through the fence to watch after being captivated from the street. Creativity and passion built upon the talented crew and performers to blossom into something truly special and unforgettable.

The post SCAD GradLab’s The Tempest Displays Passion in Performance appeared first on SCAD Radio.

In its second annual Bard on the Beach, the GradLab tackles one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays in a new and innovative way. Director Francesca Mintowt-Czyz brings a fresh interpretation of a timeless story, using not just the unusual stage and setting but also an interactive and uncommon approach to storytelling. “Inspiration…always comes from people in the room and the space we can perform in,” Francesca remarked during my interview with her earlier this week. These two focuses become quite apparent in the production. While it may be obvious that the unusual stage brings something new to the production, setting The Tempest’s island on a complete sandy beach, it is the character and ensemble driven approach that makes the production really stand out.

Many lead roles are double or triple cast, being played simultaneously by two or even three actors on stage together. Much of the show features two Prosperos and two Mirandas, the leading characters, in a unique way: with one of each speaking and the other signing. Francesca called the ability of the actors to incorporate sign language into the show a ‘beautiful offer,’ bringing not only greater accessibility, but also an uncommon and movement driven approach to the show. Actress Madison Weikle, who portrays Ariel, remarked on how from the beginning of the audition process, her character incorporated a ‘movement piece,’ taking from music and dance to add to the movement and flow of the production.

Indeed, while Francesca remarked on SCAD Beach specifically as a ‘playground,’ the joyful approach seemed to bleed into the creativity and vigor of the entire show. From the very start, it was about experimentation and learning. Francesca called her cast ‘brave’ in their approach to the show, saying they’ve created ‘something special.’ In asking them to learn by doing and discovering, they could use the experience to come into their own as performers and creatives. “She most graciously invited us to build our characters on our own and make bold choices,” remarked Marian Vacaliuc, who plays Miranda. Emma Harris, twinly cast as Miranda, also commented on how she was able to express the ‘depth’ of the character while also bringing an ‘active and mobile’ presence to stage.
The exploration, innovation, and depth of the upcoming Bard on the Beach performances is sure to revive and freshen and tried and true classic. Rich with imagination and heart, The Tempest seeks not to just exist as a show but to lift its cast up and offer something to the audience. “Shakespeare gives his plays to the actors, and the actors bring it to life, and thank goodness for the written word so we can hold onto it, and 500 years later continue to explore this work,” Francesca said about the production. “So we the actors are now handing it off to the audience so they can continue to
create.”

The Tempest will be performed on SCAD Beach on April 21, 22, and 23 at 6:30 pm, with free attendance.

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