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🇦🇹 Austria /Culture & Society

Robert Wilson Triumphs Posthumously with 'The Tempest' Puppet and Spectacle Show

From Der Standard · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • The Vienna Festival presented Robert Wilson's posthumous production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at the Burgtheater.
  • The staging features Vasilena Vincenzo as Ariel, meticulously following Prospero's instructions.
  • The play explores themes of illusion and the ephemeral nature of human existence, echoing Prospero's final words.

The Vienna Festival is honoring the late American visual artist Robert Wilson with a posthumous production of Shakespeare's "The Tempest" at the Burgtheater. The staging, originating from Sofia, brings Wilson's signature artificial aesthetic to life.

Vasilena Vincenzo portrays Ariel, the spirit who diligently executes Prospero's commands. In Wilson's interpretation, Ariel takes all the time in the world to fulfill these instructions, highlighting the deliberate and theatrical nature of the production.

Prospero, the ruler of a desolate, storm-battered fantasy island, delivers the play's concluding thoughts on disillusionment. He reflects on human existence, stating in Shakespeare's words that people are made of "the same stuff that dreams are made of." This philosophical reflection underscores the play's exploration of illusion and reality.

The production serves as a testament to Wilson's unique artistic vision, even after his passing. The visual grandeur and thematic depth of "The Tempest" resonate with his established style, offering audiences a chance to experience his art within the context of a classic Shakespearean tragedy.

We humans are made of the same stuff that dreams are made of.

— ProsperoReflecting on the ephemeral nature of human existence in Shakespeare's 'The Tempest'.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Der Standard in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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