Prospero’s Books and Shakespeare’s The Tempest The Body, Dance, and Visual Interpretation of The Tempest By Erin Irving and William Tucker Edited by: Dr. Picart and Donna Gallagher
Understanding The Tempest The Tempest, one of Shakespeare’s later plays, is considered by many to be his farewell to the stage. Many view Prospero as Shakespeare. Prospero/Shakespeare = world creators.
About the Director Peter Greenaway was born in 1942 in Newport, Wales. Studied Painting at the Walthamstow College of Art in England. For 11 years, starting in 1965, was a film editor for the Central Office of Information in England. Began making short, experimental films in Prospero’s Books considered his most experimental feature.
Key Themes in Prospero’s Books Nudity Greenaway’s visual approach Prospero speaks for everyone Caliban expressing himself through movement Sarcastic humor
Nudity Garden of Eden Greenaway’s comment on conventional nudity Shock value
Greenaway’s Visual Approach Camera movement Color Nudity Casting Body Types Caliban Costumes
Prospero Speaks for Everyone Prospero creates his reality through writing. Master Puppeteer and Director Prospero World-Creator Shakespeare as Word-Creator
Why does Prospero give up his power?
What Do You Think? How can savagery and civilization be defined, respectively? Is Caliban’s dancing an expression of savagery? Who is more savage? Caliban or Prospero?
Bibliography Greenaway, Peter, et al. Prospero’s Books. Miramax Films, htm o.htm