| 14 August 2011
There is a surfeit of Shakespeare in translation at this year’s International Festival, with Chinese productions of King Lear and The Revenge of Prince Zi Dan, an adapted version of Hamlet. However, one of the most visually arresting, and surely the most fun, is Korean company Mokwha Repertory’s The Tempest.
Critically lauded in 2006 for his London production of Romeo and Juliet, visionary director Tae-Suk Oh has turned his attention to Shakespearean comedy with this stunning production, and displays a deft hand for wringing humour from its characters and setting. The audience laughs often and delightedly, both at the clowning on stage and the updated dialogue, which is marked by an occasional and hilarious obsession with food. Thankfully for this production the King’s Theatre has taken the step of screening the supertitles behind the action, which allows the audience to enjoy both the words and the acting at the same time.
However, while the acting shines and the live traditional Korean music is wonderful, it’s the modernist staging that truly stands out in Oh’s production. The initial shipwreck is exciting and dynamic, featuring drifting smoke and fluttering white banners. From then on we are treated to a visual feast of masked sprites, talking ducks and two-headed monsters galloping around the stage. It really has to be seen to be believed.
Trevor Nunn may be bringing a starry production of the play to the London stage, while Dame Helen Mirren and Russell Brand will no doubt camp it up in the forthcoming big screen version, but neither is likely to share the vision, beauty and humour that this Korean production has harnessed. Do not miss out – see it now.
The Tempest, King's Theatre, 13-16 August, 7.30pm
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