Duo gives 'Tempest' a twistBy STEPHANIE BERGERONSTAFF WRITER TRURO - Shakespeare wrote the Tempest for a cast of 12. The Knighthorse Theatre Company does it with only two. The play, which strays from the original Shakespearean work, is showing at the outdoor Payomet Performing Arts Center in Truro. Husband and wife duo Tyrus Lemerande and Amy McLaughlin Lemerande put their own humorous twist on the tale by interacting with audience members and playing all 12 characters. At first glance, it seems a little schizophrenic. Tyrus plays the powerful Prosperus one minute and a drunken Stefano the next. Amy is both the naive Miranda and the mysterious Ariel. Fortunately, it is easy to decipher between characters because of the versatility of the pair‘s acting abilities. Amy can easily switch from Trinculo the jester to whimsy Ariel. Tyrus plays a dumb-founded slave Caliban and a hilarious drunk Stefano. The set is bare and the two use very few props. Their costumes are also very simple. Instead of expensive special effects, the actors use exaggerated movements and loud voices. They run through the aisles and use the entire theater as their stage. The audience also adds a lot to the overall spirit of the show. The stage is set close to the audience and they are encouraged to sit in a circle both on and around the stage. Throughout the play, the cast members interacted with each audience member. Tyrus borrowed a water bottle from a young girl with a ponytail in the front row and stole candy from the giggling redhead sitting near her. Audiences feel like they are part of the show instead of just spectators. Children will especially enjoy the audience-centered environment. Tyrus and Amy have performed Shakespearean plays across the country for elementary, high schools, and colleges. Even if they are too young to fully grasp the language of Shakespeare, kids will still be intrigued by the non-stop energy, funny side notes and hilarious characters portrayed by Tyrus and Amy. Mom and Dad will especially appreciate that children under 12 get in for free. The only thing that lacked from The Knighthorse Theatre Company‘s rendition of The Tempest was an intermission. With nearly an hour and a half of entertainment, the play could have used a bathroom break. But there is barely enough time to breathe, never mind stop for 15 minutes. The show is packed with action and enthusiasm and audience members will never find themselves looking down at their watches. Stephanie Bergeron can be reached at Stephanie.bergeron@gmail.com
What: Shakespeare by the Shore; The Tempest, by the Knighthorse Theatre Company |