The Tempest takes place during a single day, when injustices committed more than twelve years earlier are righted.

Prospero, Duke of Milan, neglected his duties in order to pursue “secret studies.” His brother, Antonio, who managed the state, grew ambitious to be duke in title as well as in responsibilities, and, aided by Alonso, King of Naples, overthrew Prospero. He ordered Prospero and his young daughter, Miranda, set adrift in a leaky boat, meaning for them to perish. But the castaways found a home on an uncharted island and thrived there, thanks to a lord named Gonzalo, who had provisioned their boat with food and clothing and Prospero’s books.

The island’s only human (or half-human) inhabitant was Caliban, son of the witch Sycorax (now dead). Caliban shared his knowledge of the island with Prospero and Miranda, but when he tried to rape Miranda, Prospero enslaved him, forcing him to do the hard labor that allows them to live in comfort.

Also residing on the island were spirits, led by Ariel. Rescued by Prospero from the pine tree where Sycorax had imprisoned it, Ariel is no less a slave than Caliban, but much dearer to his master.

In the code of the four elements, which Shakespeare’s audience would have understood, Prospero’s relationship with these two shows that he is denying parts of his being. He despises Caliban—earth and water, that is, body and emotion—and tries to control him. Ariel—fire and air, spirit and intellect—he loves, and so too, he loves those parts of himself.

Twelve years have passed. Now, through his magic, Prospero learns that a ship bearing his old enemies is sailing near the island.

As the play begins, a tempest rages, created at Prospero’s command by Ariel and the lesser spirits. Alonso, his brother Sebastian, Antonio and Gonzalo reach shore safely, while Alonso’s son, Ferdinand, who believes himself the only survivor, grieves on another part of the island. The ship is anchored in a cove, and the mariners sleep under an enchantment.

Prospero promises Ariel freedom within two days if the spirit continues to do his bidding. For the first time, he tells Miranda their history, and she learns that she is heir to a dukedom. He brings her together with Ferdinand, son of his enemy, and they fall in love immediately, just as Prospero intended. He does, however, set Ferdinand several ordeals, so Miranda won’t seem too easily won.

Meanwhile, Alonso mourns for Ferdinand, who he believes has drowned. Ariel lays a sleep charm on everyone but Sebastian and Antonio. Since Sebastian now seems to be Alonso’s heir, Antonio tempts Sebastian to do as he did: overthrow—in this case, kill—his brother. They draw their swords, but before they can strike, Ariel wakens the others.

Elsewhere on the island, two others wash ashore: Stephano the butler (with a good supply of wine) and Trinculo the jester. They join forces with Caliban, who urges Stephano to kill Prospero, marry Miranda and rule the island. Growing ever drunker, they set out to do just that.

Prospero dispatches Ariel to torment the consciences of the “three men of sin,” Alonso, Antonio and Sebastian. He blesses the coming marriage of Ferdinand and Miranda and thwarts the conspiracy of Caliban, Stephano and Trinculo.

Ariel reports that the King and his party stand like statues in a nearby grove. The evil-doers are frantic, while the good Gonzalo weeps so bitterly that Ariel, who is not even human, pities him. The spirit’s tenderheartedness moves Prospero to renounce his plans for revenge. He bids farewell to his magic and the spirits who have waited on him these twelve years. When he faces his old enemies, he is once again the Duke of Milan, ready to forgive the wrongs done him and resume his responsibilities. He reveals Ferdinand and Miranda to Alonso, and the two fathers agree that their children shall be married and reign in Naples.

Honesty compels Prospero to acknowledge that Caliban is his own, in effect owning aspects of himself he has previously denied. At the last, he liberates Ariel and stands before the audience as a simple man, depending on the mercy of others.

For Families: Filled with comedy, romance, music and a spirit of goodwill and redemption, it is suitable for all audiences, but best enjoyed by young people ages 10 and up with some exposure to the plot and Shakespeare’s language. Half-hour Prefaces available on June 22, 29, July 7, 15, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, August 8, 16, 21, 29 from 6:30–7:00 PM. Order Preface tickets along with your play tickets.