Synopsis

In Shakespeare’s final work, Prospero is exiled to an enchanted island where he harnesses the powers of magic and masters the spirits that dwell there. His desire for revenge drives him to conjure a mighty storm trapping his enemies on the island. In our first Shakespeare production, Steppenwolf ensemble member Tina Landau re-imagines this magical tale of art, freedom and the transformative power of forgiveness.

Ensemble member Frank Galati returns to the stage as Prospero, his first performance at Steppenwolf since The Drawer Boy with John Mahoney in 2001. Tina Landau has been an ensemble member since 1997 and has staged such inspiring Steppenwolf productions as The Time of Your Life, Cherry Orchard and The Diary of Anne Frank.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

Donor Cast Party for The Tempest
The Tempest in Rehearsal
The Tempest in Production
Constructing The Tempest
MaTEENée for The Tempest
Ensemble Conversations: Yasen Peyankov
Ensemble Conversations: Yasen Peyankov
Ensemble Conversations: Yasen Peyankov
Aerial Training for The Tempest
Steppenwolf & Shakespeare
Ensemble Conversations: Yasen Peyankov

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

"Breathtakingly imagined, hypnotically performed, magically interpreted…..a wholly wondrous achievement!"
-Chicago Sun Times

"You won’t have seen a “Tempest” like this one. Guaranteed. So roll in and see what all the fuss is about!"
-Chicago Tribune

"Dazzles with its theatricality and welcome irreverence."
-Daily Herald

"2009’s first bona fide blockbuster hit!...zip(s) along like a waltzing roller-coaster, sweeping us along with it!"
-Windy City Times

"Delightful! The dramatic payoff is enormous-and the entire cast is perfect."
-Chicago Reader

"Wonderful performances and beautiful visuals—not to mention the spectacular opening storm of the title."
-The Onion/Decider

"Endlessly fascinating….spectacularly staged!"
-Chicago Tribune

"Astoundingly good use of the Steppenwolf ensemble— (a) uniformly exceptional cast!"
-Time Out Chicago

Program Articles

Artistic Director Interviews the Director of The Tempest

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses The Tempest with director and ensemble member Tina Landau

Letter from the Artistic Director on the 2008-2009 Season

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses the 2008-2009 Season of the Imagination

Rough Magic: Designing The Tempest

Tina Landau’s team of designers offers a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process

Synopsis of The Tempest

Ensemble member and director of The Tempest provides a summary of the plot

Thoughts from the Literary Manager on The Tempest

Literary Manager Joy Meads examines the vigorous and multifaceted exploration of the imagination in The Tempest

Sponsors

Production sponsor of The Tempest

2008-2009 Lighting Sponsor:

Corporate Supporter of The Tempest:

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Sponsors

Production sponsor of The Tempest

2008-2009 Lighting Sponsor:

Corporate Supporter of The Tempest: