The Tempest by William Shakespeare Jessie RichardsAward Nomination: Outstanding Performance by an Actress in a Lead role - Gwnyth Walsh (Prospero) "..I've never seen The Tempest like this before and I found it a revelation." "...feels utterly new, yet true to the text" "I was particularly moved by Walsh's reading .." Colin Thomas, The Georgia Straight "full of wonder and magic""..the director’s innovative use of women in traditionally male roles made for a sparkling performance and produced some very fine acting indeed." Lois Carter, reviewvancouver.org

"Gwynyth Walsh is the best Prospero I’ve Seen!” Neil Freeman, Editor Applause Shakespeare First Folio Texts Starring: Gwynyth Walsh* as Prospero Jennifer Paterson* as Ariel Anna Cummer* as Miranda David Purvis* as Caliban Carole Higgins* as Antonia Keith Martin Gordey* as Stephano Paul Herbert* as Sebastian Pam Hyatt* as Gonzalla Ian Alexander Martin as Lord Jon Paterson* as Ferdinand John Prowse as Alanso Bert Steinmanis* as Trinculo Terri Anne Wilson, Laura Jaszcz, and Ntsike Kheswa as Sprites Directed by Jack Paterson Stage Managed by Kirsti Mikoda * Members of Canadian Actor's Equity Association or U.B.C.P. Set Design by Al Frisk Lighting Design by Erin Nelligan Choreography by Julia Henderson Costume Deseign by Moira Fentum Production Managed by Sean Cummings

The Tempest Gallery Photos by Michael O'Shea Click thumbnail to view image

THE TEMPEST:
HELL HATH NO FURY…

Shakespeare’s last full play and considered one of his best is being given slight shake-up by Mad Duck Equity Co-op. It’s still the humor filled story of revenge, restitution and reckoning; the half monster Caliban is still there, so is the magical Ariel; the virginal Miranda is also still present; the twist is that instead of being raised by her father on a remote island since the age of three, in this production she is raised by her mother.

Prospero in this production will be played the fabulous Gwynyth Walsh!

Born in Winnipeg and raised in Vancouver, Walsh always knew she wanted to act. "I didn't want to look back and wonder, 'what if?'" She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Alberta and quickly moved into theatre. Classically trained, Walsh has appeared on stage across Canada and in the US in such classics as Death of a Salesman, Diaries of Adam and Eve, King Lear, Henry IV and Much Ado About Nothing, for which she won a Dramalogue Award - Best Actress for her portrayal of Beatrice.

Her film highlights include Star Trek VII: Generations (as B'ethor, one of the Duras sisters), Crossing Fields, Limbic Region, The Crush, and The Portrait.

Director Jack Paterson (The Real Inspector Hound, Midsummer Nights Dream) said “If I wanted to see The Tempest with a female Prospero I would have to put it together myself. What differences will it bring to script, the character relationships, etc? Gwynyth is a strong, intelligent performer who has the presence, the power and stature necessary for Prospero. In fact I could think of no other actress to play this role."