Tempest by Northern Broadsides, Britain

19 - 24 June 2007, Capital Theatre, Beijing 

A ship flounders in a mighty storm stirred up by the magician, Prospero. His mortal enemies are washed ashore onto an enchanted island peopled by spirits and half monsters. Intent on exacting revenge Prospero invokes a fantastical sequence of events, the climax of which is beyond his wildest imaginings. Shakespeare's final, and arguably finest, play is rich in the very stuff of human drama - young love, brooding revenge, broad humour and touching forgiveness.

In 1992, following years of classical work in the theatre (including a decade each with the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre), Barrie Rutter formed Northern Broadsides. Fifteen years on, the ensemble has blossomed into multi-award-winning international touring company based in the historic Dean Clough Mill in Halifax, West Yorkshire of England. As well as touring extensively in the UK, the company has delighted audiences across the world, touring to India, Brazil, the USA, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Poland, Germany, Austria and Denmark. 

The Company’s repertoire consists mainly of Shakespeare and classical texts, dedicating to interpreting the classics in a manner which makes what is often regarded as 'difficult' work extremely accessible. Their lively 'no frills' approach, with simple storytelling and minimal sets, has not only won the company many plaudits and awards, but enabled both established and new audiences to enjoy Shakespeare regardless of language or theatrical convention.  Northern Broadsides' work is characterised by its vitality and humour; the passion of the performers, whose acting style is far less 'mannered' than conventional theatrical productions; a refreshing ensemble style which adds wonderful coherence to the performances and precise direction which results in work of remarkable clarity.