Setting

Click on the images below to find out more about the setting of Hamlet and what we know about where the play is set.
  • The Tempest production images _2009_2009_Photo by Ellie Kurttz _c_ RSC_95963
    The play is set on a remote island and Prospero’s home is near the shore.
  • The Tempest_ 2002_ Ariel_2002_205977
    The island is inhabited by spirits, lead by Ariel, who have magical powers.
  • The Tempest_ 2006_Manuel Harlan_115019
    Prospero has developed his use of magic on the island.
  • The Tempest production photos_ 2016_2016_Photo by Topher McGrillis _c_ RSC_207140
    There are no other humans on the island apart from Prospero, Miranda, Caliban and the shipwrecked nobles and crew.
  • The Tempest_ 1993_ Prospero threatens Caliban_1993_Photo by Reg Wilson _c_ RSC_101244
    The island used to be ruled by Sycorax who was a witch and Caliban’s Mother. Caliban feels he should have inherited the island.
  • The Tempest_ 2006_Manuel Harlan_115550
    Prospero freed Ariel and the spirits of the island now do as he commands.

Every performance of The Tempest will be set in a place that has all of the things above but that can be done in lots of different ways. For example, the play could have very different island settings and atmospheres, such a remote tropical island or an ice-covered landscape, as long as these things are included.

Why do you think it might be helpful for modern audiences to change the world of a play? What worlds can you think of where The Tempest might be set?

Teacher Notes

On this page students can explore some of the key things that we know about the setting of The Tempest by clicking on the pictures.

You can use these pictures, or other images, as a starting point to discuss what they know about the setting of the play and to think about where they would set the play if they were creating their own production. A great way of doing this visually is for students to create a mood board or collage of images that could be used as design inspiration.

The activity in the Teacher Notes on the Productions page develops on this and asks students to think about the island and the opening scenes.