St. Louis, MO

The Tempest (Shakespeare in the Park)

After a violent storm, travelers wash ashore on a mysterious island where nothing is quite as it seems.

The Tempest (Shakespeare in the Park) Immersive Event - Main Image

After a violent storm, travelers wash ashore on a mysterious island where nothing is quite as it seems. Ruled by Prospero – a mother and sorcerer haunted by betrayal – the island becomes a place where old wounds resurface. As tensions rise between Prospero, her daughter, and the brother who stole her future, magic, romance, and mischief bloom. The Tempest is a spellbinding story of forgiveness, love, and finding your way home. From the moment audiences arrive, this year’s production invites you into an immersive theatrical experience filled with music, spectacle and surprises around every corner. The Tempest will feature a satellite stage and an interactive pre-show celebration leading up to Claribel’s wedding — the royal marriage that sets the events of The Tempest into motion. One lucky audience member each night may even be chosen to take part as the guest of honor herself. Whether you’re a longtime Shakespeare fan or joining us for the very first time, The Tempest promises an unforgettable summer night in Forest Park. As always, Shakespeare in the Park remains free and open to everyone. General admission lawn seating will be available throughout the run, no reservation required. For those looking for guaranteed seating close to the action, reserved seats are available now and are filling up quickly.

Audience Role

The Tempest will feature a satellite stage and an interactive pre-show celebration leading up to Claribel’s wedding — the royal marriage that sets the events of The Tempest into motion. One lucky audience member each night may even be chosen to take part as the guest of honor herself.

Ages: All ages

Content Advisories

No sexual content
Themes around murder and death
Themes around revenge
Themes around slavery

Interaction Advisories

No physical contact with performers

Mobility Advisories

Event is wheelchair accessible
No mobility advisories
Wheelchair accessible

Tags

Immersive pre-show

About St. Louis Shakespeare Festival

Inspired by R. Crosby Kemper, III, the idea of a free Shakespeare festival began in 1997, and with broad civic support, the St. Louis Shakespeare Festival received 501(c)3 status in December 1999. In 2001, after three years of planning and preparation, first Managing Director Lana Pepper, along with Chairman of the Board Marvin Moskowitz and a visionary Board of community leaders, produced the first annual free Shakespeare festival in Forest Park, a production of “Romeo and Juliet.” Since the initial two-week run that attracted 33,000 audience members, the Festival has grown into a year-round institution producing over 250 public performances annually for nearly 100,000 patrons and students. Shakespeare in the Park remains an unofficial start of summer for many St. Louisans. Today the Festival is recognized as an arts and culture leader of the region and has received numerous awards including “Best Theatre Company,” “Most Innovative Arts Organization,” and Exemplary Community Achievement from the Missouri Humanities Council. In January 2015, the Festival received the Arts and Education Council’s Excellence in the Arts Award and recently in 2019 Focus St. Louis’s What’s Right with the Region award for fostering creativity for social change.