Stagecraft, 2023 - The Tempest

“We are such stuff as dreams are made on” was embodied when NPSIC presented The Tempest as part of their 10th year celebration. The students of Grade 12 brought to life Shakespeare’s last play with great verve and zest.

William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences with its enchanting blend of magic, romance, and exploration of the human condition.

The narrative with the fine points of the play neatly and effectively interwoven through the duration, the wordplay and the fine acting lifted the entire drama to another level. The characters played by our own stellar cast of grade 12 students was nothing short of exceptional. Be it the portrayal of the exiled sorcerer - a commanding and nuanced performance or the aptly captured complexities of Prospero's character, Ariel’s ethereal presence to Caliban.

The comic relief provided by the characters of Trinculo and Stephano was well-executed. Their slapstick humour and bumbling antics provided much-needed levity amidst the play's deeper themes. The ensemble cast, including the spirits and sailors, contributed to the overall magic of the production with their synchronized movements and choral work.

Shakespeare's poetic language and intricate wordplay were delivered with clarity and conviction by the cast. The dialogue was rich and filled with layers of meaning, making the play accessible to both seasoned Shakespeare enthusiasts and newcomers alike. The themes of power, forgiveness, and the transformative nature of art were skilfully explored throughout the performance.

A special mention must be made of the scripting and narrative - the direction and choreography were exemplary. The fluidity of the actors' movements on stage and the seamless transitions between scenes added to the play's enchanting quality. The music and the running visuals added to the beauty of the stage.

This was echoed by our Chief guest, Ms. Shakila Arun, theatre artist who not only congratulated the team but also the hand-crafted props and costume that were resplendent on-stage. Her appreciation of the different aspects of theatre that stood out in the production is worth mentioning. Our Principal, Ms. Sudha Balan, who continues to breathe inspiration into us, also commented on the effort and hard work put in by every member of the production even while balancing academic and other related work. It was a stupendous performance indeed.

In conclusion, "The Tempest" remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with audiences. This particular production breathed new life into the play, thanks to its outstanding cast, the powerful storyline and the well-punctuated dialogues. It’ll remain a part of our experiences for aeons to come, undoubtedly.