Caliban and Witch: An Exploration of Power Dynamics and Colonialism The characters of Caliban and Witch, featured in William Shakespeare's play "The Tempest" and Sylvia Federici's book "Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation," respectively, offer a deeper understanding of power dynamics and colonialism. Both Caliban and the Witch are embodiments of oppressed identities, serving as symbols of the marginalized and silenced voices. In "The Tempest," Caliban represents the colonized indigenous people, stripped of his land and culture. He is depicted as a wild and monstrous creature, often referred to as a savage by the other characters. This dehumanization of Caliban reflects the devaluation and demonization of indigenous cultures during the era of colonialism. Caliban's relationship with Prospero, the malevolent colonial ruler, exposes the power dynamics at play within a colonial context.
But the star attraction of this voyage through the stars is the willing and able-voiced cast as they bop their way through Matthew Lee Robinson’s accessible tunes.
A bit about a lost lizard at the show s end baffled me until I did some research Liz the lizard is the class pet and an ongoing part of the book series. Janet and Arnold Kelsey Kline and Will Sippel, foreground have an academic rivalry going strong in The Magic School Bus Lost in the Solar System, with Alyssa Naka Silver and Edwin Perez.
Caliban's relationship with Prospero, the malevolent colonial ruler, exposes the power dynamics at play within a colonial context. Prospero exploits Caliban's labor and attempts to control him through physical and psychological means. Caliban's desire for freedom and resistance against his oppressor is evident, illustrating the struggle for agency and autonomy in the face of colonial dominance.
Magic school hus lizard
In “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” Katie Kallaus plays teacher Ms. Frizzle; that’s Liz the lizard on her shoulder. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
By Matthew J. Palm | [email protected] | Orlando Sentinel PUBLISHED: September 7, 2023 at 5:09 p.m. | UPDATED: September 8, 2023 at 1:43 p.m.I suspect more than a few children aren’t as excited to be back on the school bus as the energetic pupils in the new show at Orlando Family Stage, but then again, Central Florida students aren’t getting a magic ride to their classrooms.
Onstage at the venue formerly known as Orlando Repertory Theatre, “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System” is the product of the nonprofit’s partnership with New York-based TheaterWorks USA. That company will take the show on a national tour after its Orlando engagement.
Based on the children’s book series by Joanna Cole, the musical is a peppy little affair with an appealing cast that demonstrates the ability to play the material lightheartedly while understanding what youngsters in the audience will take seriously. Director Nicolette Quintero moves the material briskly — even so, the bickering between two cousins eventually wears out its welcome — and her choreography boasts some fun on-the-bus moves.
In the story, adapted by Marshall Pailet, eccentric teacher Ms. Frizzle takes her students on a field trip straight into the solar system. But there are personal travails, mostly handled with a light touch, to deal with: Wanda doesn’t listen to what her friend Carlos wants to do, Ralphie’s not sure he’s smart enough to complete a science project (and he really wants a sandwich), but most of the plot focuses on the rivalry between Arnold and his cousin Janet.
Janet and Arnold (Kelsey Kline and Will Sippel, foreground) have an academic rivalry going strong in “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” with Alyssa Naka Silver and Edwin Perez. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
Refreshingly, that rivalry is not over sports but over who knows more about science — and knowledge is presented as something worth pursuing, not as the butt of jokes by the other kids. There also are deeper messages about accepting change, sharing and kindness that aren’t explicitly stated but nicely shine through.
A flaw in the production is that a show about a fantastical trip into outer space should look, well, fantastical. And this show doesn’t, likely due to touring restraints. (You can’t haul the whole solar system around the country.)
But still, one wishes more was done to differentiate the planets beyond simple lighting changes and different images on a couple of small window shades. The sun, in particular, needs to shine more brightly.
A bit about a lost lizard at the show’s end baffled me until I did some research: Liz the lizard is the class pet and an ongoing part of the book series. Fans will appreciate the nod. And, proving even a kids’ show can be educational for adults, I learned something: Half the planets in the solar system don’t have solid surfaces on which humans could stand. (Hey, I’m a writer, not a scientist.)
In TheaterWorks USA’s “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System,” at Orlando Family Stage, Wanda and Carlos (Alyssa Naka Silver and Edwin Perez) are on the trail of aliens. (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
But the star attraction of this voyage through the stars is the willing and able-voiced cast as they bop their way through Matthew Lee Robinson’s accessible tunes.
Katie Kallaus remembers to give Ms. Frizzle charm along with her quirks, Edwin Perez and Alyssa Naka Silver make a sunny pair of alien-hunting friends, and Drew Lofredo finds the heart in clumsy Ralphie. As the bickering cousins, Will Sippel and Kelsey Kline manage to make both rootable — and find the emotional payoff once the shouting stops.
They can all ride my bus anytime.
Drew Lofredo plays goodnatured Ralphie, often a step behind his classmates, in “The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System.” (Courtesy Michael Cairns via Orlando Family Stage)
‘The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System’
- Length: 1 hour, no intermission
- Where: Orlando Family Stage, 1001 E. Princeton St. in Orlando
- When: Through Oct. 8
- Cost: $16-$48
- Info:orlandofamilystage.com
Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at [email protected]. Find more arts news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/arts, and go to orlandosentinel.com/theater for theater news and reviews.
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Katie Kallaus remembers to give Ms. Frizzle charm along with her quirks, Edwin Perez and Alyssa Naka Silver make a sunny pair of alien-hunting friends, and Drew Lofredo finds the heart in clumsy Ralphie. As the bickering cousins, Will Sippel and Kelsey Kline manage to make both rootable — and find the emotional payoff once the shouting stops.
Similarly, Sylvia Federici's book "Caliban and the Witch" illuminates the intersection of gender, race, and capitalism within the context of early modern Europe. Federici argues that the witch-hunts during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries were an integral part of the capitalist system and the consolidation of power by the ruling elite. The targeted persecution of women, particularly those who were economically independent, served to suppress and control female sexuality and autonomy. The witch trials acted as a means of societal control, exploiting and diverting the masses' attention from the oppressive structures enforced by the ruling class. Federici's analysis connects the witch-hunts to the violent process of primitive accumulation, which laid the foundation for capitalism and imperial expansion. The narratives of Caliban and the Witch are essential for understanding the continued legacy of colonialism and oppression in contemporary society. Both highlight the historical and ongoing struggles faced by marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of dismantling power imbalances and challenging dominant narratives. Through examining these texts, we gain insights into the complexities of power dynamics, colonialism, and resistance, ultimately encouraging a more inclusive and equitable future..
Reviews for "Caliban and the theme of otherness in Shakespeare's play"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I found "Caliban and Wotch" to be a disappointingly predictable and cliché fantasy novel. The characters were flat and one-dimensional, lacking depth and complexity. The plot felt overused and lacked originality, making it difficult to truly immerse myself in the story. Additionally, I struggled with the writing style, finding it to be overly descriptive without adding any substance to the narrative. Overall, I was left feeling underwhelmed and unengaged with this book.
2. Alex - 1 star
"Caliban and Wotch" was a major letdown for me. I had high expectations for a thrilling fantasy adventure, but instead, I was greeted with a slow-paced and uneventful storyline. The lack of character development made it hard for me to connect with or care about any of the protagonists. Furthermore, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, hindering my ability to become fully invested in the conversations. This book simply didn't live up to the hype and left me feeling unsatisfied.
3. James - 2 stars
I struggled to finish "Caliban and Wotch" due to its tedious and meandering plot. The narrative lacked direction and failed to engage me as a reader. Additionally, the world-building felt shallow and incomplete, leaving many aspects of the story unexplained and confusing. I had hoped for a more immersive and well-developed fantasy world, but unfortunately, this book fell short in delivering that. Overall, I found "Caliban and Wotch" to be a lackluster read with little to offer in terms of entertainment value.
4. Michelle - 2 stars
As a fantasy enthusiast, I was highly disappointed with "Caliban and Wotch." The pacing of the story was sluggish, and the action scenes lacked the intensity I had anticipated. The character relationships felt forced, and their motivations seemed contrived, making it difficult to invest in their journeys. Moreover, the world-building was half-baked, leaving me with more questions than answers. I had hoped for a captivating and immersive experience, but unfortunately, this book failed to deliver on its promises.