In tandem with the sweet arrival of spring, the Twin Cities arts scene finally feels like it’s beginning to blossom from the pandemic blues of the past two years. And the Guthrie Theater is back and better than ever with its newest production of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Here, former Artistic Director Joe Dowling discusses what it’s been like to return to the Guthrie stage, how this production reflects the times we’re living in and what he hopes for the future of theater.
Photography by Joan Marcus
How does it feel returning to the Guthrie?
It feels lovely to be back in the big blue building, despite all the restrictions imposed by COVID-19. Wearing masks during rehearsals was a necessary nuisance, but the warmth of the welcome from the staff and working with so many dear friends in the cast made it all worthwhile.
What has the process been like bringing this epic classic to life?
It’s always exciting to tackle one of the great Shakespearean masterpieces, particularly on the epic Wurtele Thrust Stage at the Guthrie. The space lends itself beautifully to the sweep of the story and the magic of the imaginative world that is created in The Tempest. It is widely regarded as Shakespeare’s last solo written play and was a kind of farewell to the theater from one of its greatest exponents. By placing the production in a theatrical setting, we emphasize the dramatic and the lyrical in the work.
Photography by Tom Wallace
How does The Tempest reflect the times we’re living in?
Shakespeare was, in [playwright] Ben Jonson’s words, “not of an age, but for all time!” Each of his plays has a contemporary resonance, no matter when it’s produced. Perhaps the most important lesson we can take away from the play at this time is Prospera’s line, “The rarer action is in virtue than in vengeance.” It is rare that enemies can forgive, but a very rare jewel when people can find common ground in their shared humanity. So much of our political world could take a message from that thought.
What’s one thing you hope audiences take away from this production?
I hope that, for a moment, audiences can forget pandemics, inflation, political differences, war and destruction, and bask in the joy of a great playwright’s humor, music, spectacle and wisdom. We are all richer for sharing our time with great art.
Photography by Dan Norman
What are your hopes for the future of the theater?
The theater will survive as an art form because it is a necessary gathering place for us to tell the stories of our time and to reflect on the great narratives of the past. We share our lives with audiences in profound and small ways through the work of great playwrights. We also know that each performance is unique and what we see in the theater is special to us alone.
The Tempest at the Guthrie Theater runs through April 16. Purchase your tickets today.
