Storm season
Shakespeare’s The Tempest set to open on the MTC Mainstage
Grant Burr

“It’s always comforting to know that the smartest guy in the room is the playwright,” John Bourgeois says.

Bourgeois plays Prospero in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, MTC’s first show of the season. This is the second time he’s brought his wizardry to the role, having played the character previously at the Globe Theatre in Regina. In a way, the Prairie has become a temptress of sorts for Bourgeois.

As he flew into Winnipeg, the actor found himself reflecting on the similarities between this city and The Tempest’s island setting.

“It’s a city amidst a flat prairie… a city, a citadel… an urban island,” he says of the ’Peg.

In midst of that urban island, Bourgeois has found himself in a cast of players he says are both talented and committed to their work.

That’s saying something, because Bourgeois is veteran actor with a lengthy resume of stage, film and television credits, ranging from treading the boards of Stratford to sharing the screen with John Stamos — have mercy.

Tackling Shakespeare’s work is always a challenge, and Bourgeois says performing it requires an actor to be at the top of his or her game.

“It’s being in the zone,” he says.

Adding to the challenge is the fact it’s been several years since Bourgeois first played the role of the deposed duke stranded on an island with his daughter. He believes he’s now a different Prospero, aided in his portrayal by his own experiences.

“In my own case, I have three daughters,” Bourgeois says, noting that his girls are now much closer in age to Miranda, Prospero’s daughter.

“You’ve done your job and then at some point you have to let them go,” he says, reflecting on the similarities between him and his character.

Daria Puttaert plays Bourgeois’ onstage daughter. For her, performing Shakespeare requires a different focus and a different frame of mind.

“The funny thing about Shakespeare is that you have to relearn lessons every time. You just have to remember to be open enough to just be there for the nuances of his work,” she says.

For Puttaert, a grad of the U of W and the National Theatre School, rehearsing with such a strong group of local actors has brought a great sense of excitement and energy to the rehearsal hall.

“I just love Shakespeare. It’s been great. I’m so excited to play this part,” she says. “(Miranda) is almost superhuman. She hasn’t known any pain or torment. It’s been amazing to play someone so full of joy.”

Miranda’s seemingly endless joy is challenged in the play, but Puttaert hopes audience members come to a powerful discovery.

“The whole production hinges around that idea of forgiveness,” she says.

Bourgeois says The Tempest showcases Shakespeare’s ability to portray discoveries and disappointments while allowing audiences to develop their understanding of experiences — both good and bad.

“To be human is to live with good and with evil. Only grace and patience can make dark things acceptable,” he says.

And so The Bard teaches 21st-century theatre-goers another important lesson — one that surely helped Bourgeois ward off the evil strains of banjos in Regina.