“Prospera” reviewed by Frank Meccia

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️  Otherworld Theatre Company has long been known for its imaginative blending of science fiction and fantasy with modern storytelling. In its world premiere of Prospera, the company ambitiously reimagines Shakespeare’s The Tempest—this time set in another galaxy and another time—and the result is both clever and emotionally grounded.
In recent years, many theatre companies have taken on the challenge of reinventing Shakespeare, often with impressive creativity. Prospera stands out by honoring the essence of Shakespeare’s final work while boldly transforming it into a futuristic sci-fi epic.

For those unfamiliar with The Tempest, Shakespeare’s original is a romance centered on Prospero, the exiled Duke of Milan, who uses magic to conjure a storm, shipwreck his enemies, and ultimately seek revenge and restoration. Writer and director Tiffany Keane Schaefer translates this framework seamlessly into a science-fiction narrative, retaining the play’s themes of exile, power, forgiveness, and love—while adding wormholes, artificial intelligence, and interstellar politics.

The title character, Prospera, is played with strength and nuance by Stacey Lind. In this version, Prospera is a brilliant scientist who believes she can harness the power of a black hole to save her planet. Her brother Andarin (Jacob Watson), though loving, is a diplomat at heart. When Prospera is accused of treason, Andarin forces a tribunal to banish her and her child rather than see her executed—a decision that echoes the moral complexity of Shakespeare’s original.

With the help of her wife (Played by Janice Rumschlag) and the loyal chief guard Zalos (P-Jay Adams), Prospera escapes to a distant world with her child. Stranded on a new planet, she survives, adapts, and—with the help of a planetary citizen and her AI companion Ariel—builds a powerful new civilization while completing her work on wormhole technology.
Twenty years later, Prospera lives with her daughter Miri(deftly handled by  Izzi King )and is ready to confront the past. When a ship from her home planet is caught in a cosmic storm and forced to land, old wounds resurface. Captain Althea (Hilary Sanzel) leads a mission to capture Prospera, unaware that Rashida has fallen in love with Dax (Hayden Lane Davies), a senior guard from the visiting force.

Over the course of two hours, the play skillfully unfolds the familiar beats of The Tempest—betrayal, romance, manipulation, and reconciliation—through a sci-fi lens. What truly elevates the production are its technical elements. Hayley Wilkinson’s set design makes excellent use of futuristic textures and visual storytelling, transforming the stage into a believable alien world.

Equally impressive is the lighting and effects design by Mike McShane. His use of light brings AI characters and cosmic elements—such as Ariel and Kai-Lune—to life, adding depth and spectacle without overwhelming the story. The lighting plays a crucial role in grounding the sci-fi elements and guiding the audience through shifting realities.
Otherworld Theatre typically performs in a smaller venue in the Wrigleyville area, which can limit scale. For Prospera, the company moved to Theatre Wit, and the expanded space makes a significant difference. The larger stage allows the design, movement, and storytelling to fully breathe, creating a more immersive journey. One hopes this collaboration continues in future productions.

Prospera runs through February 8, with performances:

Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:00 p.m.

Sundays at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets range from $15–$30.

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 773-975-8150

www.theaterwit.org

Theater Wit is located at  1229 West Belmont

Parking is readily available—either on the street or in a nearby lot across the street for $10, payable at the box office.
If you enjoy science fiction with a theatrical twist and have the imagination to explore new worlds and futures, Otherworld Theatre Company’s Prospera is well worth the journey.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to REview Round-Up and click at “Prospera”.