Charles University Workshop Production presents The Tempest












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            * Charles University Workshop Production presents The Tempest
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            The Charles University Workshop Production company [ URL "https://www.facebook.com/shakesp

            (also known as Shakespeare Production) performed a succession of Shakespeare’s The Tempest
            24th-December 3rd in which I attended the first performance at the beautiful Divadlo Na Pr
            their current home stage.

            The company, facilitated by the Department of English and American Studies at the Faculty 
            going strong since 1993 and has ten successful Shakespeare plays under their belt includin
            (2000) and Much Ado About Nothing (2001). They’ve conquered a variety of stages across Pra

            first on the Salesiánské Theatre where they performed A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1996) bef
            Řetízek and NoD Roxy Theatres and now, Divadlo Na Prádle, a quirky theatre tucked away in 

            off Most Legií (Legie bridge).
            The company’s productions have all been directed by John Martlew (MA), but are communally 
            costumed, organised and designed by all of its proactive members, who evidently from their

            performances, rise to all challenges they set themselves – from the lengthy monologues of 
            modern English to mastering creative, dark pieces like Measure for Measure (2009).
            The actors and actresses in The Tempest were unique, individually talented and well select

            roles, creating robust, memorable characters that complimented each other greatly.
            Amongst my favourite performers was Ariel, the spirit servant of Prospero (a duke who was 
            a remote island by his brother Antonio with his daughter, Miranda), who was an energetic a

            instantaneous stage presence and a wacky persona that eased him well into an enchanting ch
            multiple personalities. Caliban the monster (another of Prospero’s slaves) was exceptional
            and interpretation of the role – he was talented with his utilisation of the stage space a

            limitless actor, fully embracing his role as a savage. As the play went on, he built up a 
            unpredictable figuration in the story, and maintained a close relationship and strong reac
            the audience. Trinculo and Stephano, a jester and an alcoholic butler, were witty, instant

            the source of all the laughs in the audience, naturally lifting the atmosphere. The shipwr
            were equally bold actors that despite their cooperative performance, succeeded at dramatic
            themselves apart from each other by their self-awareness of body language, well-directed p

            timings, and effortless vocal and dynamistic abilities. The dialogue bounced off each anot
            movement was thoroughly rehearsed and conscientious, especially the character Gonzalo, a w
            was convincing, imaginative and charming. The prince Ferdinand lived up to our highest exp

            smooth, “tall dark and handsome” romantic and he was classic in his performance (I’m sure 
            been a few swoons in the audience).
            The theatre and the stage itself were small, minimalistic and self-complimentary, shifting

            purely to the action on stage, axiomatically creating good acoustics and endorsing no-fril
            drama. The stage was additionally low and close to the audience, giving effective direct a
            intimate aura in the room.

            The audience was blown away by the evident intelligence and dedication of the company, par
            Prospero, to learn scrupulously tongue-twisting, lengthy lines of Shakespearian English th
            native speakers can usually conquer. The many hours they assigned to The Tempest were palp

            their literacy knowledge and study of Shakespeare as well as their practical performance. 
            notable spirit of teamwork and community amongst the company, which I think is the charmin
            amateur and student-led work. They were an incredibly supportive and tight-knit group, and

            paid tribute to each other and their director Martlew with some flowers.
            The Divadlo Na Prádle venue was a fitting theatre for creative, unprocessed performances l
            and I recommend it to all those interested in an inexpensive local, student-ran or contemp

            to theatre (it also has a funky bar/restaurant if you need another reason to visit). I’m c
            be long until you can catch Charles University Workshop there again, and in the meantime y
            them on Facebook and keep an eye out for ticket sales in the Faculty of Arts.
                                                                                                      
                                                Poppy Gerrard-Abbott is an Erasmus student studying BA
                                                write for the iForum to build on her journalism skills
                                                Czech culture and life in Prague through attending loc
                                                                                                      
                                                Poppy saw the iForum as an exciting opportunity to pur
                                                experience that has brought some exciting opportunitie
                                                such placements to future students.