Marcus Larson/News-Register##Prospero (Robert Murphy Jackson) talks with his daughter Miranda (Christina Godinez). Professor Ty Marshall created the environmentally compromised-looking set.
Marcus Larson/News-Register##Prospero (Robert Murphy Jackson) talks with his daughter Miranda (Christina Godinez). Professor Ty Marshall created the environmentally compromised-looking set.
Marcus Larson/News-Register##Caliban (Antoine Johnson) and Stephano (Clem Hossaert) plot in secret to overthrow Prospero. They believe he has squandered all their precious resources.
Marcus Larson/News-Register##Caliban (Antoine Johnson) and Stephano (Clem Hossaert) plot in secret to overthrow Prospero. They believe he has squandered all their precious resources.
By News-Register staff • 

Linfield puts 'trashy' twist on 'Tempest'

In keeping with the college’s theme for the year, “Air, Water, Earth and Fire: The ancient elements on a changing planet,” the Shakespeare classic will address issues of sustainability, said director Janet Gupton, associate professor of theater arts.

The action will take place on a man-made island of trash where Prospero uses his magic to harness the ancient elements for his own power. Ultimately, though, he realizes that doing so can create irreparable harm to him and others on the island.

The local inhabitants, Caliban and Ariel, have learned to survive on the debris of humankind’s massive waste. Prospero and daughter Miranda, who themselves have been exiled from their own homeland, have usurped their resources.

“This exciting and daunting idea of putting sustainability to work on a micro-level through our theater program will hopefully resonate with students, faculty and staff as we search for ways to rethink our usage of materials and natural resources,” Gupton said.

Scenic and lighting design is by Professor Ty Marshall, sound design by Rob Vaughn, and costume design by visiting guest designer Alethia Moore-Del Monaco.

In keeping with the environmental theme, Gupton said, the set and costume designs will incorporate the use of recycled and found materials in an effort to practice sustainability.

“Sadly, finding tons of junk has not been a problem,” she said. “We as a society generate a lot of it on a daily basis.

“Even though it is sad to think of all the pollution and trash that exists in the world, it is also encouraging and inspiring that creative minds can turn a plastic bottle into a beautiful piece of jewelry or convert a bunch of empty produce boxes into an art sculpture. It gives me hope that we can make changes to correct our past mistakes.”

Lead cast members include junior Robert Murphy Jackson from Hood River, who will play Prospero; sophomore Christina Godinez from Redwood City, Calif., who will play Miranda; junior Madilyn Bechtel from Kirkland, Wash., freshman Glenn Rust from Cottage Grove, who will both play Ariel; and freshman Antoine Johnson from Hoquiam, Wash., who will play Caliban.

Other cast members include senior Travis McKenna from Elko, Nev.; juniors Joella Cordell from Caldwell, Idaho, Alyssa Lawrence from Dorchester, Mass., and Bailey Sipila from Seattle, Wash.; sophomores Zach Knight from San Francisco, Calif., Raisa Mlynski from Hillsboro, Marcos Galvez from Hood River, Sierra-Karen Denend from Moxee, Wash., and Cassandra Martinez from Woodburn; freshman Heather McNutt-Kaestner from Philomath, Alex Satterlee from Hillsboro, and Dennis Waske from Eugene; and Clément Hossaert, language teaching assistant, of Armemtieres, France.

Tickets are $9 for full price; $7 for seniors 62 and older, Linfield faculty and staff; and $5 for students. Seating is reserved.

Tickets are available online at www.linfield.edu/arts and at the Marshall Theatre Box Office. For more information call 503-883-2292.

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