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Synopsis

Scene 1
A ship bearing the King of Naples and his company is blown off course by a violent storm. Despite the efforts of the crew, the ship appears to wreck.

Scene 2
Prospero, the deposed Duke of Milan, now a powerful sorcerer living on an enchanted island, reveals to his daughter Miranda, that he caused the storm to bring his enemies, Antonio, Alonso, and Sebastian under his power. Charming her to sleep, he then summons Ariel, his spirit servant. When Miranda awakes they call forth Caliban, the beast servant. Ariel then leads Ferdinand to Miranda and, upon seeing one another, they fall instantly in love.

Scene 3
On another part of the island, Gonzalo consoles King Alonso who fears that his son Ferdinand is drowned. Possessed by a strange drowsiness, Gonzalo and Alonso fall asleep. Antonio urges Sebastian to kill his brother and become King. Ariel interrupts to foil the plot and the group continues its search for Ferdinand.

Scene 4
While collecting wood, Caliban hides under his cloak and is discovered by Trinculo, who also climbs under the cloak when the storm returns. Along comes drunken Stephano who at first believes he has found a monster with four legs. Stephano and Trinculo are reunited and at Caliban's urging plot to kill Prospero and take over the island.

Scene 5
Miranda comes to console Ferdinand who is moving logs at her father's command. They pledge their love and intention to marry.

Scene 6
Caliban, Stephano, and Trinculo, all three intoxicated, continue their plot to kill Prospero and are overheard by Ariel who returns to tell her master. (This scene followed by Intermission)

Scene 7
Still wandering, the King and his company are greeted by spirits who present a banquet, then snatch it away. Ariel appears and condemns Antonio, Alonso, and Sebastian for their sin against Prospero. The three are left in a charmed state to ponder their remorse, followed by Gonzalo who weeps for them.

Scene 8
Prospero accepts Ferdinand as Miranda's betrothed and creates a Masque of goddesses to bless their marriage. Remembering Caliban's plot, Prospero dismisses the spirits and instructs Ariel to entrap the conspirators, then chase them through the briars.

Scene 9
Ariel reports to Prospero that Alonso, Sebastion and Antonio are repentant and urges him to forgive them. Prospero decides to do so, then renounces his magic. He reunites all the characters, breaks the spells on them and reveals that the ship is ready for a safe return to Italy. Before asking the audience to release him, he frees Ariel.

For More on the Tempest visit:
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