Camp Shakespeare Kids Dive Into “The Tempest”

MIRANDA: If by your art, my dearest father, you have Put the wild waters in this roar, allay them.

The sky, it seems, would pour down stinking pitch, But that the sea, mounting to th’welkin’s cheek, Dashes the fire out. O, I have suffered With those that I saw suffer! A brave vessel, Who had, no doubt, some noble creature in her, Dashed all to pieces. O, the cry did knock Against my very heart! Poor souls, they perished.

Had I been any god of power, I would Have sunk the sea within the earth or ere It should the good ship so have swallowed, and The fraughting souls within her.

Thus begins the shipwreck and mystery of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest — a world inhabited by a magician, a monster, a grief-stricken king, a wise old councilor, a beautiful princess, and two treacherous brothers. A play rich in language, rapid in movement, and riveting in its elements of magic and wonder. And in the telling of this, we have one of Shakespeare’s finest stories of suffering and tyranny giving way to compassion and forgiveness.

The new group of Camp Shakespeareans began tackling the play upon their arrival in Fayette County on Sunday, June 30. This is the 24th summer for Camp Shakespeare, a program for exploring Shakespeare through performance begun by University of Texas professor Jim (Doc) Ayres in 1964 and that found its way to Winedale in 1970. Ayres now enjoys the role of “Director of Mission,” working with students on the language, having passed the directorship to Robin Grace Soto.

“The wonder of this magical tale and the transformative nature of this play will draw the audience into an exciting experience,” Soto said. “It has a strong, magnetic, appeal for all ages.”

Reservations for the performances are recommended but not required. For additional information about performance dates, times, and locations and to make your reservation please email robingracesoto@ utexas.edu or call (830) 460-1221.

Event Details:

The Tempest by William Shakespeare; Presented by Camp Shakespeare at Winedale Friday, July 12, 3 p.m. at The Crystal Theatre in Gonzales Saturday, July 13, 3 p.m. at La Grange ISD Performing Arts Center in La Grange Sunday, July 14, 2 p.m. at the Winedale Theatre Barn in Winedale

 Ticket Information:

Tickets are $10. Children 12 and under are free. For ticket reservations, please contact Robin Grace Soto ( robingracesoto@ utexas.edu). Tickets can be paid for at the door using cash, check, or card.