The Tempest

Written in 1610, The Tempest is generally agreed to be Shakespeare's last stage piece (though he may have helped in the writing of The Two Noble Kinsman a decade later).

The central character of the work is Prospero, an outcast magician who acts as Shakespeare's effigy, commenting on the actions of the players, and the art of creative expression. In his words, we hear Shakespeare reflecting upon his art as his career draws to a close.