COTTAGE GROVE – Magic. Romance. Revenge. These are the elements of The Tempest, written by William Shakespeare and directed by Tony Rust at Cottage Theatre.
Prospero, a sorcerer-duke exiled on an island with her daughter Miranda for 12 years, seeks revenge when the nobles who betrayed them sail by. She conjures a storm that shipwrecks them, creating an opportunity for a better life for Miranda. Supernatural beings and mischief lead to moments of romance and comedy.
Prospero is played by actress Tracy Brous. Modern directors have subverted gender and power roles by casting women as Prospero.
Photos provided
“I made it an option in my casting call, as there are so few leading Shakespeare women’s roles, and felt this would be a good one to explore,” said Tony Rust. “Once Tracy read the role, I knew she would bring the human qualities … along with the power needed to play a leader and scholar.”
Rust’s decision paid off. Tracy Brous is a powerful actress with incredible versatility. Her Prospero is both ruthless and redeeming.
The rest of the cast also delivered strong performances. Martin Fogarty grunted his lines clearly as the deformed and savage Caliban. Jonathan Routledge (Trinculo) and Alex VonderHaar (Stephano) provided the necessary comic relief, with their banter feeling natural.
“The set is so cool – they’re using actual sand so you feel part of it,” said audience member Victor Rodriguez. Not many sets feature a giant sandpit, creating a beach-like atmosphere. The set was deceptively simple yet versatile.
As always, Rhonda Turnquist’s costume design was a visual pleasure. The costumes represent 1600s fashion—with a twist. “Men’s costumes are historically accurate. However, Prospero and Miranda’s clothes reflect 12 years on a deserted island, having to tear up and remake what was in the trunk they were set adrift with,” Turnquist said. The historical accuracy contrasts sharply with the fantasy creatures and Caliban, designed for dancing or crawling.
A highlight of the play was Darcy Rust’s ethereal singing and graceful dancing as Ariel.
“I liked the words above it [the stage] so I know what they are saying,” said Libby Scoggins of Cottage Grove, daughter of dramaturg James Scoggins, referring to the projected script on the backdrop. This projection benefits those unfamiliar with Shakespeare and assists the hearing-impaired, making it easier to enjoy.
In 2022, Cottage Theatre installed a hearing loop for t-coil-equipped hearing aid users, while those without hearing aids can borrow headphones from the box office.
When asked why he selected this play, Tony Rust said, “As I move towards retirement – I’m 66 – I’m thinking about … what impact have I made, what can I give my family, and The Tempest is about that.” Rust, along with his family, has a deep connection to the play. “In NYC, I directed it with my company, Quinapalus Theatre. My wife Janet played Ariel. My son Glenn later played Ariel at
Linfield College. Now my daughter Darcy is playing Ariel.”
The Tempest shows until August 24 on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m.
