Shakespeare In The Park Will Return With 'The Tempest'

GENEVA, IL — Geneva's popular Shakespeare in the Park event is returning for its 16th year at the end of July. Thespians will be performing "The Tempest" on July 30.

The tragicomedy, believed to have been written by Shakespeare between 1610–1611, tells a tale of an act of betrayal, ill-treatment, magic arts and revenge. Theater-goers will travel to a magical island where they will see a shipwreck, fairies, a power struggle and romance.

Set on an island near Italy, the play follows Prospero, former Duke of Milan, and his daughter, Miranda, who live with Ariel, a sprite, and Caliban, Prospero's servant. Also a powerful magician, Prospero creates a fierce storm — or tempest — that opens the play and washes a royal party onto the island. The story includes a plot to murder the King of Naples, a drunken scheme to kill Prospero and a romance between Miranda and the King's son.

The upcoming production, which organizers said is suitable for all ages, will be performed by Elgin-based Goodly Creatures, a traveling theater company that works to breathe "new life into classic works of literature."

"The play will be full of fun surprises," Goodly Creatures Founder and Artistic Director Katrina Syrris said in a statement. "Just as magic immerses the characters, our audience will find themselves immersed as well. They won't just be watching events unfold on Prospero's island, they will be on the island with us."

The event is free to attend, and curtain time is 6 p.m. Seating begins at 4 p.m. at Island Park, located at the corner of State Street and Route 25. Audiences are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnics. City of Geneva's Cultural Arts Commission, which organizes the series, said sandwiches, water, soft drinks and ice cream will be available for purchase.