Shakespeare Meets Drag: A Bold Reimagining of 'The Tempest' Along Route 66
What happens when you take one of Shakespeare’s most magical plays and set it against the faded glory of Route 66? You get something entirely unexpected—and, in my opinion, utterly brilliant. The Tulsa Shakespeare Company’s latest production of The Tempest isn’t just a play; it’s a cultural collision that demands attention. Personally, I think this kind of creative risk-taking is exactly what theater needs in 2024.
A Story of Revenge, Redemption, and Reinvention
At its core, The Tempest is a tale of betrayal and redemption, but this adaptation twists the narrative in ways that feel both fresh and deeply relevant. Prospero, reimagined as a woman, seeks revenge against those who exiled her, all while navigating themes of family—both the one you’re born into and the one you choose. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the production uses the aesthetic of drag performance to explore these themes. Drag, after all, is about transformation, reinvention, and challenging norms—themes that align perfectly with Shakespeare’s original text.
From my perspective, this isn’t just a clever gimmick; it’s a deliberate choice to amplify the play’s exploration of identity and power. Director Rachel Steed, who also serves as the company’s vice president, notes that drag allows the production to ‘examine what family means’ while paying homage to the casting choices of Shakespeare’s time. What many people don’t realize is that cross-dressing and gender fluidity were common in Elizabethan theater. This adaptation feels like a modern echo of that tradition, bridging centuries with a wink and a glitter-covered glove.
Route 66: A Symbol of American Decline and Resilience
Setting the play along a desolate stretch of Route 66 adds another layer of meaning. Once the backbone of American travel, Route 66 now symbolizes forgotten towns and faded dreams. If you take a step back and think about it, this setting mirrors Prospero’s own journey of exile and reinvention. The highway becomes a metaphor for isolation, resilience, and the search for redemption—themes that resonate far beyond the stage.
One thing that immediately stands out is how this production uses its setting to comment on broader societal trends. Route 66 isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The faded roadside towns, once bustling with life, now serve as a reminder of America’s shifting economic and cultural landscapes. This raises a deeper question: What happens when places—or people—are left behind?
Drag as a Tool for Storytelling
The incorporation of drag performance isn’t just a stylistic choice; it’s a narrative one. Drag performers are masters of illusion, using makeup, costumes, and performance to create new identities. In this production, drag becomes a way to explore Prospero’s own transformation from a betrayed duke to a powerful sorcerer. A detail that I find especially interesting is how drag’s emphasis on spectacle and exaggeration amplifies the play’s magical elements. Shakespeare’s text is already rich with illusion and wonder, and drag adds a layer of modern flamboyance that feels both playful and profound.
What this really suggests is that theater can—and should—evolve with the times. Drag isn’t just a trend; it’s a powerful form of expression that challenges audiences to rethink their assumptions about gender, identity, and storytelling. By blending Shakespeare with drag, the Tulsa Shakespeare Company isn’t just staging a play; they’re making a statement about the enduring relevance of both traditions.
Accessibility and Community
Another aspect of this production that deserves praise is its commitment to accessibility. The ‘pay what you can’ opening night is a small but significant step toward making theater more inclusive. What many people don’t realize is that the cost of tickets is often a barrier to entry for many audiences. By offering tickets for as little as $5, the company is ensuring that their bold reimagining of The Tempest can be experienced by a wider audience.
This move also reflects a broader trend in community-driven theater. In an era where arts funding is often precarious, companies like Tulsa Shakespeare are finding creative ways to engage with their communities. From my perspective, this isn’t just about selling tickets; it’s about building a relationship with the audience and making art that feels relevant and accessible.
Final Thoughts: A Production That Challenges and Inspires
As someone who’s seen countless adaptations of Shakespeare, I can say with confidence that this one stands out. It’s not just the glitter or the drag performances—though those are certainly memorable. What makes this production truly special is its willingness to take risks, to ask hard questions, and to reimagine a classic in a way that feels both timely and timeless.
If you take a step back and think about it, this production is a microcosm of what theater can be: bold, inclusive, and deeply reflective of the world we live in. Personally, I think it’s a must-see—not just for Shakespeare enthusiasts, but for anyone who appreciates storytelling that challenges and inspires.
So, if you’re in Tulsa this May, do yourself a favor and catch this glitter-filled, thought-provoking take on The Tempest. It’s not just a play; it’s an experience that will leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.
