Derek Jarman’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s final play is an evocative depiction of colonialism, revenge, retribution and reconciliation. Prospero (Heathcote Williams), the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda (Toyah Willcox) were abandoned on a remote island by the Duke’s evil brother Antonio (Richard Warwick). Twelve years later, Prospero has learnt the ‘liberal arts’; he creates a tempest to shipwreck Antonio’s ship on the mysterious island in an attempt to marry his travelling companion Prince Ferdinand of Naples (David Meyer) to his daughter, in order to restore peace between Milan and Naples. Jarman brings a punk sensibility to this production, with wild visuals and rich designs that easily conceal the film’s meagre budget.
Director: Derek Jarman
Release: 1979
Running time: 92 mins
Featuring: Elizabeth Welch, Heathcote Williams, Toyah Wellcox
Discussion with Prasad Pereira following film screening