Opera in 3 acts Text: Meredith Oakes after Shakespeare-The opera The Tempest is inspired by Shakespeareâ??s play rather than literally being based on every aspect of it. There are key images from the play as well as new material. From among the playâ??s many themes and possible interpretations the opera focusses on the difficulty and the necessity of mercy. The libretto uses contemporary vocabulary. Its lines are short rhythmic and rhymed or semi-rhymed echoing Shakespeareâ??s strophic songs more than his blank verse. This choice reflects the playâ??s magical ritual childlike elements and acknowledges the traditional power of incantation in song. The operatic Prospero is the passionately vengeful man seen in the play more than the wise disconnected actor also seen there. Despite his near-omnipotence he finds things out as he goes along and experiences contradictory emotions to the end. Please note: Full Score and Parts are rental material. Please contact hire@fabermusic.com