This film screened 8th June 2016.

Derek Jarman’s interpretation of Shakespeare’s final play is an evocative depiction of colonialism, revenge, retribution and reconciliation. Prospero (Heathcote Williams), the former Duke of Milan, and his daughter Miranda (Toyah Willcox) were abandoned on a remote island by Antonio (Richard Warwick), the Duke’s brother.

Versed in the ways of sorcery, Prospero creates a tempest to shipwreck Antonio on the island in an attempt to marry his travelling companion Prince Ferdinand of Naples (David Meyer) to his daughter, in order to restore peace between Milan and Naples.

Jarman brings a punk sensibility to the production, with wild visuals and rich designs which conceal the film’s modest budget. (Notes by David O’Mahony.)