Theater troupe prepares to perform Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”

MARQUETTE — You might remember Shakespeare’s plays from your high school days, and one Marquette group is working hard to bring one to life.

The Upper Peninsula Shakespeare Festival is putting on their inaugural production of The Tempest. It’s a play about a duke trapped on an island who uses wits and a little magic to reclaim his rightful place. While Shakespeare’s plays may seem to be a bit dusty, the troupe is putting a modern spin on this one.

“The relationships, the scenarios, albeit a bit Renaissance era, are still applicable to what’s going on today. There are several wonderful relationships that you see on stage: father, daughter, lovers, friends, unrequited love. We want to make it as accessible as possible. As modern, as timeless as possible,” said Director Jamie Weeder.

You can catch the play Saturday at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2;00 p.m. at the Presque Isle Band Shell.

To find out more about the Upper Peninsula Shakespeare Festival, follow this link.