Park Forest, Schools

Governors State University to Present Shakespeare’s The Tempest to be Staged in Unlikely Setting


University Park, IL—(ENEWSPF)–March 21, 2017 – Theatre and Performance Studies students at Governors State University present Shakespeare’s The Tempest on a stage of epic proportions. Instead of a remote island, patrons will witness a tale of magic, love, and revenge in the renowned Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park on the campus of Governors State University. This unique outdoor museum in the prairie, where art and nature are unveiled in inspiring ways, is the perfect place to explore the complexities of the human condition and the fragile division of happiness and tragedy.

Performances are scheduled on:

Thursday, April 6 at 6 p.m., Saturday, April 8 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday, April 9 at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

After years of being exiled with her daughter, Prospera, the rightful Duchess of Milan, summons a larger-than-life storm to trap her foes and exact revenge with the help of a roguish fairy. Shakespeare uses fantasy and magic to discuss the topics of romantic love, sibling hatred, parental love, the overthrowing of government, nature versus nurture, and innocence.

Visiting Director Erica Vannon says, “Many years ago, in England, I was fortunate enough to see an incredible production of Hamlet take place in a beautiful greenhouse in the Yorkshire Sculpture Park. The environment was as much of a character in the play as Hamlet and Ophelia were. When I laid eyes on the Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park here at Governors State University, I knew I had to direct The Tempest. What better way to experience the magic of the island than to stumble through the park WITH the shipwrecked characters themselves? I am so excited to be working with the students and community members here at GSU to bring The Tempest to the audience. I hope they love what we created as much as we loved making it!”
The Setting

The Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park at Governors State University presents significant large-scale public art, inspiring visitors to experience Art and Nature in new and unexpected ways. Showcasing thirty-two master works of contemporary sculpture, juxtaposed against the backdrop of the natural Illinois prairie, the park is open year-round to visitors, dawn until dusk, free of charge.

This production takes place at and between four sculptures:
“What’s Not,” by Chakaia Booker; “Icarus,” by Charles Ginnevar; “Yes! for Lady Day,” by Marc DiSuvero; and “House Divided,” by Bruce Nauman.

For more information on these and other sculptures in the collection, visit http://www.govst.edu/sculpture.

Tickets and Other Information

Tickets: $15, Students $10

Online: www,CenterTickets.net
By Phone: 708-235-2222

In Person at the Box Office: 1 University Parkway, University Park, IL

Box Office Hours: Monday through Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (open to 6 p.m. on Thursdays) and 2 hours prior to all performances

When You Go

Audience members will assemble in E-Lounge prior to the show and be guided to the deserted island (sculpture park). Those with tickets in hand should park in East Lot 3. Patrons who are picking up tickets or purchasing tickets should go to the Center for Performing Arts box office. Comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing is recommended. In the event of bad weather, the show will be performed indoors in E-Lounge. A limited number of seats will be available for those who require it. To request seats, please contact the box office at 708-235-2222.

About Theatre and Performance Studies at GSU

This play is produced by GSU’s Theatre and Performance Studies (T.A.P.S) Program. GSU’s T.A.P.S. bachelor’s degree is the only degree combining the two disciplines at a public state university in Illinois. For information on the T.A.P.S. program, contact Dr. Patrick Santoro at [email protected].

This performance is supported by funding from First Midwest Bank and Illinois Arts Council, a state agency.

Source: www.govst.edu


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