DePaul University’s Theatre School Presents Prospero’s Storm
“Your role as an audience member is an integral part of the educational process. Your presence, energy, and response to the work of our students are essential to the training process — the core of our school. I invite you to join us at the theatre, and be part of the process.” – John Culbert, Dean
I’m so proud of all the outstanding work my fellow DePaul alumnus, Dean Culbert, and his staff has been creating at the Theatre School at DePaul University, especially since the opening of their new artistic space on Racine Avenue. As a continuation of Chicago Playworks for Families and Young Audiences, the new season will feature the world premiere of Prospero’s Storm, a play based on William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. It was directed and adapted by Damon Kiely, with lyrics and music by Mark Elliott. Prospero’s Storm runs Jan. 14 – Feb. 20 at the Merle Reskin Theatre.
It’s been a little over two years since DePaul’s Theatre School debuted their new location at the corner of Racine and Fullerton on the Lincoln Park Campus. It was designed by architect César Pelli, and his firm Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, which has been responsible for designing some of the world’s most recognizable buildings.
The building’s design serves as a performance and public space, as well as a private conservatory for all theatre disciplines. It houses two theatre spaces and, among other things, includes lighting laboratories, costume, prop and makeup shops, and movement studios. It’s wonderful to see how things continue to prosper at this beloved institution.
The new season, which begins Jan. 14, premieres Prospero’s Storm and is recommended for ages 8 and up. “Prospero’s Storm is a family-friendly introduction to Shakespeare’s most fantastic and magical story,” says Damon Kiely, Adapter and Director. “By using music, movement, pantomime, puppets, and magic to tell the story of Prospero’s journey from angry dad to loving and merciful father, we’re able to bring the youngest audience members into the story—while still treating them to Shakespeare’s famous beautiful language. It’s a feast for the mind, ear, eye, and heart.”
Prospero’s Storm includes performances by Raven Whitley (Miranda), Gail Tierney (Ariel), Nikhaar Kishnani (Gonzala), Jolie Morgan (Sebastienne), Elsa Guenther (Trincula), Chloe Baldwin (Mother/Spirit), Rebecca Keeshin (Crone/Spirit), Adam Welsh (Prospero), Clint Campbell (Caliban), Dominique Watkins (Ferdinand), JJ McGlone (Alonso), William Delforge (Antonio), and Michael Buono (Stephano).
About the Theatre School at DePaul University
The Theatre School at DePaul University educates, trains, and inspires students of theatre in a conservatory setting that is rigorous, disciplined, and culturally diverse. The school and its students strive for the highest level of professional skill and artistry. A commitment to diversity and equality in education is central to its mission. As an integral part of the training, The Theatre School produces public programs and performances from a wide repertoire of classic, contemporary, and original plays that challenge, entertain, and stimulate the imagination. The school seeks to enhance the intellectual and cultural life of the university community, the city, and the profession.
For more information visit Theatre.Depaul.Edu
