The Kingdom of Naples versus Prospero: A Shakespeare Mock Trial & Talkback

Our premise is that after returning to Naples from Prospero’s Island, King Alonso dies suddenly. His son Ferdinand succeeds to the throne but soon falls under the malicious influence of Prospero’s brother, the unrepentant Antonio. He convinces Ferdinand they were deliberately stranded on the island by Prospero. Charges are brought against Prospero for piracy and false imprisonment. And the wedding of Miranda and Ferdinand is off. Characters from the play will be called as witnesses. At the end, the audience will serve as jury and decides the defendant’s fate.