A Brave New World: The Tempest (Director’s Note)

Ever since I can remember, I’ve felt a deep kinship with David Bowie- as a tiny girl I’d wake up early every morning to choreograph elaborate theatrical numbers to the Labyrinth soundtrack, which I knew by heart. Starman Bo was simultaneously the most human and alien of rock artists, capable of generating a glitter apocalypse in every bold move. Since his death my freshman year of college, I’ve wanted to pay homage to my intergalactic muse in a public way before leaving UCLA. What started as a “crazy late-night Kayla idea” became more and more sensible as I drew connections between Shakespeare, Prospero, Bowie, and the world of the play.

The Tempest is to Shakespeare what the album Blackstar is to Bowie- an artist’s parting gift to society. Like Prospero, Bowie spent his final years “rapt in secret studies,” preparing to let go of the many worlds he created through his personas. It’s a retrospective contemplation on the confusion of life and art, of fantasy and reality, with fluidity as a major theme, captured by the title itself and the androgynous influence of Bowie. The noncorporeal Ariel, played by both a man and woman, represents Prospero’s fractured psyche as well as his creative muse, reminiscent of 70’s glam rock fueled golden years, while Caliban represents his darker side that wastes away through the insidious effects of fame. The Tempest is a story about “turning to face the strange,” as Bowie might phrase it, whether that means acknowledging parts of ourselves we may not want to see, making amends with people and ideas we may not agree with, or embracing the uncertainty of a daunting future ahead.

Working on Shakespeare’s most fantastical and original ensemble piece has truly been a collaborative labor of love. I’m lucky to be surrounded by an immensely talented, open-hearted cast and crew who trust my process, play along with my inquisitive shenanigans, and make my zany lil heart feel right at home- you each add an essential ingredient to this spell we’ve cast together! Special thanks to choreographer Katie Powers, my secret ghost composer, and guest star Lorelei for taking our magic to new heights and making my Shakespearean drag queen fever dreams come true. Words are simply inadequate for my assistant director/pragmatic compass/emotional anchor/witchy wonderbabe Madeleine Hayes, who practically reads my mind, riffing off my creative impulses like no one else.

My wish is for us to see the world through Miranda’s eyes: a “brave new world” where we can find magic and God in everyone, where love is a pure soul connection that transcends the physical, and where our shared humanity breaks down every barrier, allowing us to boundlessly love and forgive one another.