Today Ralph Fiennes taking on the role of Prospero was interviewed on BBC news together with Elizabeth Hopper who plays his daughter Miranda.  Elizabeth described how she first auditioned for a non-speaking role of a Courtier in Trevor Nunn's current play, Rosencrantz and Guilderstern Are Dead and then further auditioned for The Tempest for the role of Miranda that is a major breakthrough in her career.  Talking of her dream story she says "I am very lucky and feel very humble".

Ralph Fiennes said that he feels the lucky one and blessed to be playing her stage father as she is so fantastic and natural in the role.  Asked what it meant for him as an actor to be playing the role of Prospero, Fiennes described it as "one of the great parts in Shakespeare".  He and Trevor Nunn had discussed how the character is often perceived as being older with a "white beard" but they felt that Shakespeare would have actually had someone in the late 40's to 50's in mind when he wrote the play about Propero and his 15 year old daughter, Miranda.

Describing the story which he said is known for it's magical elements, the play takes place in real time showing what happens when the brother and court who exiled Prospero and his daughter to an island over 12 years ago are then shipwrecked onto the very same island.  Fiennes said the central theme of the play is reconcililation and forgiveness. 

Book Tempest tickets online now.

[posted by Louise, 19/08/2011]

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