91ºÚÁÏ

Closing out last Saturday’s Alumni & Parent Day at 91ºÚÁÏ, California, students and families piled into the Fritz B. Burns Auditorium for a performance of William Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Co-directed by Nicholas Zepeda (’28) and Therese Hattrup (’29), the production was entirely student-run, with beautiful hand-painted sets by Madeleine Brittain (’28) and Jade Campo (’28), and a powerhouse cast of student actors. 

This classic Shakespearean play follows the tale of Prospero (played by Nicholas Zepeda), a magician and exiled Duke of Milan who lives on a remote island with his daughter, Miranda (played by Helen Zamora ’30). Upon learning that those who exiled him and took over his kingdom are sailing near his home, Prospero conjures up a powerful storm and shipwrecks his enemies. The play unfolds as he puts the many parties, scattered across the island, through different trials, terrifying those who wronged him and testing the love of his daughter’s suitor, Ferdinand (played by Isaac Mohun ’29).

The story concludes when Prospero bestows mercy and forgiveness on his betrayers and gives Miranda’s hand in marriage to Ferdinand, in true Shakespearean comedy fashion. The actors had their audience rolling with laughter throughout; in particular, the comedic duo Stephano and Trinculo (played by Joey Ellis ’29 and Colin Haggard ’29) charmed the audience with their oafish blunders. 

At the play’s conclusion, the audience rose to its feet, cheers of praise and thunderous applause resounding through the auditorium as the victorious actors took their bows. 

More photos from The Tempest

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