Longwood University Theatre Department is kicking off its 2019-20 season with Shakespeare’s brilliant play “The Tempest,” Shakespeare’s comedy about a major act of betrayal, ill treatment, magic arts and a plot of revenge is a classic tale.

Twelve years ago, Prospero was Duke of Milan. Being of a bookish disposition, he withdrew more and more into his studies, leaving the management of his state to his brother Antonio. Eventually, with the help of Alonso, King of Naples, and the King’s brother Sebastian — inveterate enemies of Prospero — Antonio usurped the dukedom for himself. Prospero and his baby daughter Miranda were put to sea in a rotten boat and eventually landed on a distant island once ruled by the witch Sycorax but now inhabited only by her son, Caliban, and Ariel, a spirit.

Since then Prospero has ruled the island and its two inhabitants by the use of magic arts derived from his studies. Prospero divines that fortune has brought his enemies close to the island and he sees an opportunity to work his revenge. He uses his powers to raise a storm which shipwrecks them.

The shipwrecked travelers are separated. At Prospero’s bidding, the invisible Ariel directs their wanderings. He leads Ferdinand, the King’s son, to Prospero’s cell, where he and Miranda fall instantly in love. Prospero sets heavy tasks to test Ferdinand. The King of Naples searches for his son, although fearing him to be drowned. Sebastian, the king’s brother, plots to kill him and seize the crown. The drunken butler, Stephano, and the jester, Trinculo, encounter Caliban and are persuaded by him to kill Prospero so that they can rule the island. However, Ariel manages to make mischief between them and they are soon bickering amongst themselves. Satisfied that Ferdinand has met all his challenges, Prospero presents the young couple with a betrothal masque celebrating chastity and the blessings of marriage. He is distracted from this, however, when he remembers Caliban’s plot.

If you don’t want to know how it ends, skip the next paragraph.

As Prospero’s plan draws to its climax, he vows that upon its completion he will abandon his magic arts. Ariel brings Alonso and his followers to the cell, and Prospero, in his own persona as Duke of Milan, confronts his enemies and forgives them. In the betrothal of Ferdinand and Miranda, the rift between Naples and Milan is healed. Finally, Prospero grants Ariel his freedom and prepares to leave the island for Milan and his restored Dukedom.

Director Bruce Speas has chosen to set this performance in the late Victorian era which is enhanced by Leslie Cook-Day’s costumes, Scott C. Chapman’s set and lighting design, and for added fun some choreography by Lacy Klinger. Andy Campbell and his team of students built an amazing set from about 80 percent of recycled/upcycled materials and stock scenery donated by the Adirondack Theatre Festival in Glenn Falls, New York. Of course, it wouldn’t happen if not for the talented students of the Longwood Theatre Department who, once again, breathe life into the characters they portray, and those who handle all the backstage tasks which bring every performance to life.

Performances are Oct. 2-5 at 7 p.m., with a matinee Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at longwoodtickets.com, or at the box office in the Communication Studies and Theatre Arts Center on Franklin Street, Tuesday-Friday from 2-6 p.m., and one hour prior to showtime. For more information check the website or call the box office at (434) 395-2474.