You`ve never seen a ”Tempest” blow up like this one. In Fred Curchack`s ”Stuff As Dreams Are Made On,” which opens Wednesday at the Goodman Theatre Studio, one Texas performance artist takes on all the roles in Shakespeare`s final comedy.
Using the magic of theater to spark the magic of Shakespeare`s sorcerer Prospero, Curchack and his illusions invoke the spirits and spells of this island where virginal Miranda falls in love with gallant Ferdinand and where Prospero`s enemies are ultimately forgiven their trespasses.
It`s a very specific enchantment, a sort of parable of the actor`s power at make-believe. From props so simple that most actors would ignore them, Curchack weaves a very concrete witchcraft, one as basic as the shadow magic of:
– Two flashlights. One points at a hideous homemade mask through which Curchack depicts the monster Caliban; the other suddenly searches out another mask across the room. Or Curchack uses a flashlight to make shadows on a white scrim; breathtakingly, they depict his body flying overhead-or enlarge his hands to enormous proportions.
– Two lighters. Curchack flicks them on and off on either side of his head to create a stunning strobe effect.
– A candle. Used to illuminate masks that change dramatically as the light explores their contours.
– A battered top hat (for Prospero), a stool, a lamp and an old doll that closes its eyes when laid on its back (to suggest spoiled Miranda). Plus Curchack`s voice, which is capable of ventriloquism, sex changes and its own gamut of ghostly sounds.
Of course the talisman to activate these spells is, as always, the audience`s sense of wonder. It hasn`t failed Curchack yet.
”Stuff As Dreams Are Made On” runs through March 20 at 200 S. Columbus Dr.; 443-3800.
