‘Prospera’ Is A Rich Sci-Fi Twist On ‘The Tempest’

A modern adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Prospera is a science fiction retelling that features inventive costumes and deeper concepts.

When I was in college, I performed in a production of Return To The Forbidden Planet. It was a quirky, over-the-top science fiction retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest. Since then, I have kept an eye open for another production that might be inspired by The Tempest, because it is such rich material. So, when I heard about this new play from Otherworld Theatre Company, I was definitely intrigued.

Prospera is about science genius Admiral Prospera, a woman who has been exiled by her people to a dying planet. She lives there with her daughter, Miri, AI entity Ariel, and local inhabitant Kai-Lune. Looking for revenge, Prospera discovers an opportunity to pull a spaceship of people who betrayed her to the planet, including Captain Alon and Prospera’s brother, Andarin. With Ariel creatively separating the shipmates around the planet, Prospera manipulates the situation so that Captain Alon’s son, Dax, and Miri meet and take a liking to each other. From here, all of the pieces begin to move into place just the way Prospera is hoping for.

Tiffany Keane Schaefer’s script includes some really interesting concepts that modernize The Tempest into something a little more powerful for our modern times. Miri is a strong young woman, curious and powerful, always aware that her mother (who loves her) is manipulating every situation to a T. She wants to be her own woman, but is stuck in a methodical system by an overbearing parent and constant observation by Ariel.

Kai-Lune, who Prospera warmly refers to as “turtle,” is a being that is one with the universe. They understand things grander than what humans are aware of, and their history is much longer, so they have seen more. They see the faith, while Prospera sees the physics. They also speak with body movements in conjunction with English words, and the character grounds the production in something beautiful and ethereal.

Ariel, who is a spirit in The Tempest, is an AI and physical robot of sorts. This is never fully explained, and it doesn’t have to be. Ariel is bound by Prospera and is hoping to earn her freedom as soon as Prospera will let her go. She was also designed with the face of Prospera’s long-dead wife, which adds a heartbreaking dynamic to each interaction.

I was especially taken with the costumes in this production. They are fascinating, with layers upon layers. Kai-Lune’s character is dressed like a hippie, with a fringe vest and many pieces of black-light-enhanced paint and decoration. They have blue lights in their hair and intricate jeweling on their back and face.

Ariel wears see-through shower curtain-like pieces with a spacelike bodysuit underneath and a neon yellow headpiece, wristbands, and belt. The spaceship members are clad in uniforms of sorts, but each is different, and some have markings on their faces or adornments on their clothing. It is impossible to convey the creativity through show photos, so please take note of everyone’s costumes if you have the opportunity to see the play. It is clear that great imagination and care went into every one of them.

The set is also really interesting, with a home base made up of old ship parts and a grey-blue rock wall with red foliage. Above that is a circular screen with various projections of planets, wormholes, or clouds, and across the way, between the audience seating, is a staircase on which Ariel observes.

With a strong ensemble of actors, a modernized premise, and incredibly imaginative costumes, this is a really interesting twist on The Tempest. Shakespeare wouldn’t have a clue what he was watching, necessarily, but you absolutely will, and you’re going to enjoy it.

Prospera: A Sci-Fi Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest runs for approximately 2 hours 30 minutes including one 15-minute intermission

Otherworld Theatre Company: Prospera: A Sci-Fi Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest Chicago Review – Prospera: A Sci-Fi Retelling of Shakespeare’s The Tempest is playing at Theatre Wit through 2/8/2026. Tickets can be purchased on their website. Theatre Wit is located at 1229 W Belmont in Chicago.