Release Me from My Bands With the Help of Your Good Hands
-Shakespeare’s The Tempest
The Tempest is a story of shipwreck, magic, revenge, reconciliation, and forgiveness. Twelve years before the start of our play, Prospero was Duke of Milan. Being more interested in his studies than his role, he left the management of his state to his brother Antonio. Eventually, with the help of Alonso, King of Naples, and the King's brother Sebastian, Antonio usurped the dukedom for himself and exiled Propsero and his then infant daughter, casting them afloat to eventually run ashore on a nearly deserted island.
Our tale begins on a ship caught in a violent, magical storm with Alonso, Sebastian, and Antonio on board. Stripped of power, position, and wealth, for 12 long years Prospero has plotted in exile on an enchanted island. When these enemies sail too close, Prospero conjures the storm to shipwreck the passengers. The mysterious island holds secrets, curious creatures, and fantastical spirits. While dispensing justice and watching over his daughter’s emerging romance, Prospero’s old wounds begin to heal, and reconciliation and forgiveness seem within reach for all.
This week’s contributor, R. Scott Purdy, commented on his decision to perform Prospero’s Epilogue from The Tempest by saying, “I like the breaking of the fourth wall, and leaving the ultimate judgment of worthiness to the audience.” You can learn more about Purdy’s acting career at his website.
R. Scott Purdy as Prospero in The Tempest:
THE MONOLOGUE: THE TEMPEST, ACT V SCENE 1, PROSPERO BY R. SCOTT PURDY
“Now my charms are all o'erthrown,
And what strength I have's mine own,
Which is most faint: now, 'tis true,
I must be here confined by you,
Or sent to Naples. Let me not,
Since I have my dukedom got
And pardon'd the deceiver, dwell
In this bare island by your spell;
But release me from my bands
With the help of your good hands:
Gentle breath of yours my sails
Must fill, or else my project fails,
Which was to please. Now I want
Spirits to enforce, art to enchant,
And my ending is despair,
Unless I be relieved by prayer,
Which pierces so that it assaults
Mercy itself and frees all faults.
As you from crimes would pardon'd be,
Let your indulgence set me free.”
MORE ABOUT THE MONOLOGUE PROJECT
Our goal of Shakespeare from the Ground’s Monologue Project is to collect a library of Shakespearean monologues to share with our community for virtual entertainment while we are still socially distanced. You don’t need to be a professional actor to participate. If you’re inspired and ready to record, great! If you need help selecting your Shakespearean Monologue or getting it recorded, reach out and we’ll help you get the ball rolling. Are you ready to take to the boards once again…virtually?