“Now I will believe that there are unicorns...”

Director’s Note
It was a Friday, I'm sure of it, on my way back home from my mamacita's house. I was the passenger, my partner was driving, we were on the 401 E, heavy traffic because 'hello rush hour'. Very admittedly, I was struggling to see the magic of The Tempest. Yes, yes, this show is not only about the magic - there are so many themes to draw and focus in on - but it was the magic that I just couldn't see.

The Tempest sans magic at best would be like 'The Lord of the Flies'. I don't know about any of you- seeing that horror flick once, not even of my own volition, was enough for me.

I honestly can't tell you how the conversation went down between me and my partner, but I do remember commandeering the radio and playing New Orleans Street Jazz over Spotify.

There it was- the magic. It wasn't seen, it was heard; a language unto its own, reflective of feelings and emotions. It's complex. It's improvised. It's expressive. Jazz is a voice, and that voice lives within the island. Jazz is the mother tongue of both Ariel and Caliban, natives of the island.

It is only mimicked by Prospero.

Once I felt the pull of this incredible magic, which is jazz, it felt only fitting for our story to take place in New Orleans, the birthplace of jazz having originated amongst Black communities.

There are indeed strong connections between The Tempest and New Orleans, on environmental climate alone, but I feel like that can be pieced together by you. So instead, please listen. Feel. The following are the Jazz Musicians who inspired this show:

Irma Thomas, James Andrews, Kermit Ruffins, Lizzie Miles, Louis Armstrong, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Professor Longhair, Rebirth Brass Brand, The Wild Magnolias.

Magical, isn't it?

Tamara Freeman
Director