ETSU’s Department of Theater and Dance is set to enchant audiences with its innovative production of The Tempest, reimagined through a captivating Celtic lens. This bold new take on a classic play weaves together Gaelic language, haunting melodies and rich storytelling to breathe fresh energy into the timeless tale.
At the helm of this imaginative production is Bobby Funk, professor in the Department of Theatre at ETSU, who drew inspiration from both the visionary film adaptation by Julie Taymor and his own deep dive into Celtic mythology.
“A few years ago, I saw Julie Taymor’s version where Prospero becomes Prospera, and it really stuck with me,” said Funk. “I’ve always been fascinated by fantasy and sci-fi, and once I started researching the Celtic piskeys, mythical sea spirits, the entire vision came to life.”
In this retelling, this Tempest finds its magic not on the coasts of Italy, but on the enchanted Isle of Scilly off Cornwall, where the rich traditions of Celtic storytelling, music and mysticism can fully be explored. In collaboration with Dr. Jane MacMorran, an expert in Celtic music from the Appalachian Studies program, the production incorporates authentic Gaelic songs, some sung entirely in the original tongue by the mystical piskey characters.
“This play is filled with magic already,” said Funk. “But blending in folklore from Celtic cultures along the coast of France, England, and Africa opened up a new way to tell this story: visually, musically and emotionally.”
While visually stunning, this adaptation offers more than just spectacle — it delivers emotional depth and a fresh perspective on a timeless tale. Once the curtain rises and the lights come on, audiences are drawn into a fully immersive world rarely experienced in traditional Shakespearean theater.
“We wanted to create a Shakespeare that people could really get,” said Funk. “So we trimmed some language, adjusted the setting, and added music and movement to help tell the story in a way that’s accessible and fun.”
With an ensemble of magical spirits, a spell-casting lead, and an audience-interactive song straight from Gaelic schoolrooms in Ireland, this Tempest promises more than just a night of theater but also an exciting exploration into culture, language and lore. Through its captivating mix of Celtic mythology, music, and dynamic performances, this production redefines the boundaries of traditional Shakespeare, making it both accessible and engaging for audiences of all ages.
“If someone comes in thinking Shakespeare is boring or hard to understand and leaves thinking, ‘That was actually fun,’ then we’ve done our job,” said Funk. “There’s something timeless in this story, and with the right magic, anyone can connect with it.”
This reimagined Tempest would not be possible without the support of the Appalachian Studies department, local businesses like Mulligan’s Irish Pub, and the dedicated team of faculty, staff and students behind the scenes. For more information and ticket prices, please visit https://www.etsu.edu/cas/theatre/upcoming-production.php
