The Tempest is one of Shakespeare’s most famous plays from late in his career. Prospero, the rightful Duke of Milan, is usurped and banished to an enchanted island by his ambitious brother Antonio and Alonso, King of Naples. To get revenge, Prospero, uses his magic to create an incredible storm that brings Antonio and his co-conspirator to the island after their ship breaks apart. However, Trinculo (a jester) and Stephano, Alonso’s drunken butler also land on the island and team up with Caliban, an unusual man-beast slave of Prospero’s. The three of them, in an inebriated state, decide that they should rule the island; their attempt creates merry mayhem. Shakespeare also adds Miranda (Prospero’s daughter) falling in love with Ferdinand (King Alonso’s son) to create a wonderful tale of treachery, magic, romance, and comedy. The Tempest is certain to delight audiences of all ages at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan in 2008.

Rebellion, raising her ugly head, prevents King Henry IV from traveling to the Holy Land for the Crusades. He laments that he cannot have peace in his country, or a crown prince that has the same drive and determination as his enemy’s son, Henry Hotspur. Young Prince Hal has fallen in with Sir John Falstaff and his cronies and does not behave as the Prince of Wales should. However, when civil war rages, the Prince shows his true mettle, saving his fathers life in battle, then defeating the rebel Hotspur in a final duel to save the crown of England. This is the first time the Henry IV will appear on the main stage at Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan and is certain to be an exhilarating production with fabulous broadsword battles and terrific acting.