Return to the Forbidden Planet The Blackfriars shared Shakespeare's lost rock-opera with us tonight: Return to the Forbidden Planet. You're probably wondering what that's all about. Well, there's really know easy way to describe it. This adaptation of the Tempest takes place on a starship seemingly built from the leftover parts of every Hard Rock Cafe in the universe. The introduction begins with The Intergalatic Starship Albatross and ends in an awkward three-person translation of Gorgen threats toward cell phone users. It only gets better from there.
This production, like the last one, was done with seating on the left and right stage, turning center stage into a thrust stage. There were almost as few props as yesterday's Richard. Musical Instruments were also control panels, weapons, and anything else they needed be at the time. The 24 songs are cleverly integrated with the lines of Shakespeare's text. Many, many jabs at Sci-fi and the bard are also thrown in. When the audience discovers that the creatures attacking the ship are manifestations of Prospero's own mind, they are warned to "beware the ids that march." Iambics are part of the ship diagnostic. Etc. The whole trip is hilarious, made moreso by the serious roles I previously saw these actors in. It was a great night, and I can't wait to see this troupe back next year.
Which broaches on a more bitter subject. Student attendance is fair at best for these things. It's really not making the money to keep itself afloat. So I'm banging the drum across campus trying to see where I can rattle a little support from. I'm sure you'll hear much more on that as it progresses.  ¶   3 comments