Shakespeare’s Tempest returns to the University of the Fraser Valley stage this month. The play revolves around Prospero, a brooding Renaissance magus, who is marooned on a remote island with his young daughter Miranda. Banished by his brother from his rightful position as the Duke of Milan, he awaits the right planetary conjunction to work his magnum opus and gain his revenge. Aided by his servant Ariel but stymied by the brutish monster Caliban, Prospero is a man with a mission. “I think the essential story is forgiveness, how this ruler who is banished is able to eventually forgive those who have wronged him,” said UFV’s publicity manager Rick Mawson. “It’s full of romance, spectacle, comedy, music and dance. There’s something for everyone.” UFV first staged The Tempest in March 1995 under the direction of Bruce Kirkley, who returns this year to direct the production. The role of Prospero will be played by Glen Pinchin, who has appeared in several roles for the theatre department, his most recent being Colonel Burnett in School House. Danielle Warmenhoven makes her debut as Prospero’s daughter Miranda. Catrina Lewis, recently seen as Tintabula in A Funny Thing Happened on The Way to The Forum, takes on the role of Ariel while Gabe Kirkley, who played Miles Gloriosus in that production, is Caliban. The cast is rounded out by more than a dozen other performers, some playing multiple roles, including Natasha Beaumont, Dylan Coulter, J.D. Dueckman, Kyra Essau, Aaron Froc, Eli Funk, Melissa Harris, Tim Howe, Ron Jackson, Rebecca Mackenzie, Danielle Milette, Natasha Ray, Thomas Smith and Dayna Thomas.The Tempest opens March 11 in the theatre on the Chilliwack campus and runs March 12, 17-19, and 24-26 at 7:30 p.m., with a half-price preview on March 10 at 7:30 p.m. There are additional matinees scheduled on March 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. and March 9, 14 and 15 at noon. The March 20 matinee is a pay-what-you-can show, with a minimum recommended price of $8. General admission starts at $13. For more information and ticket reservations call 604-795-2814, email theatre@ufv.ca or visit www.ufv.ca/theatre

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