November 8, 2005 – Sylvia Bierschenk

Originality marks SFA's 'The Tempest'

NACOGDOCHES, TEXAS - The language and plot are Shakespeare's, but director Clarence W. Bahs and his design staff are putting their personal stamp on the Stephen F. Austin State University School of Theatre's production of "The Tempest." The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, in W.M. Turner Auditorium and runs through Saturday, Nov. 19.

Shakespeare's plot centers around Prospero and his daughter who have been stranded on a mystical island for 12 years. Their lives forever change when Prospero's enemies are shipwrecked on the same island and Prospero makes use of his magical powers.

Seeking a contemporary environment in which magic plays an integral part, Bahs, director of the School of Theatre, and set designer Tomy Matthys, SFA professor of theatre, traveled to southern Louisiana in mid summer. A tour of the bayous gave Matthys the inspiration for his classical Elizabethan stage with a swamp-like appearance.

"Of course, when we made the trip, we had no idea that the region would be severely impacted by its own tempest, Katrina," said Bahs.

Matthys has worked closely with lighting designer C. C. Conn in creating the total illusion of the setting.

"The lighting can manipulate the scenic world through the use of color and texture," said Conn, who joined the SFA faculty in August as an assistant professor. "And we're making use of fog, haze and pyrotechnics to help create the voodoo magic."

Roni Lias, sound designer, brings the audio element to the production. The "biggest" portion of the play is the opening storm scene, according to Lias. "The entire technical staff works together to make it spectacular," she said.

The costumes, too, are spactacular, said costume designer Angela Bacarisse, SFA assistant professor of theatre. "There are actually two worlds reflected through the costumes--the magical world of the island and the realistic world of the shipwrecked party--and both are visually stunning."

The realistic characters are dressed in late 19th century clothing, and the mythical creatures are marked by glitter, sparkle and masks.

Another stamp of originality on the production is the score written by Stephen Lias, SFA assistant professor of music.

"Stephen is an absolutely amazing composer," said Bahs. "He has set all of the play's 'songs' to music and has integrated our chosen time, location and culture into the sound palette. His music alone is reason enough to attend the production."

"The dances choreographed by Juanita Finkenburg, adjunct faculty, complement the 'feel' of the play, as well," the director continued.

"The production is definitely a group effort. We invite everyone to come experience Shakespeare and all the senses of live theatre," Bahs said.

"The Tempest" is a joint presentation of the SFA College of Fine Arts, University Series and School of Theatre.

Prior to the opening night performance on Tuesday, Nov. 15, the college will host a 6;45 p.m. reception in Griffith Gallery honoring the event's sponsor, Tipton Ford-Lincoln-Mercury. At 7 p.m. Dr. Mary Cullinan, SFA provost and professor of English, will give an informative talk on the drama.

Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for students. For tickets or more information, please visit www.finearts.sfasu.edu or call (936) 468-6407 or (888) 240-ARTS.