The Philosophy of Shakespeare's The Tempest

Led by Director Paul C Kininmonth and actor Ebony Haliday (Such Stuff Productions)

Can a "savage" teach us about empathy? Join us for an immersive exploration of Shakespeare’s The Tempest through the eyes of its most misunderstood character.

Drawing on his experience as both director and actor, Paul C Kininmonth leads a journey from conquest to compassion. We’ll dive into:

• The Transformation: How Caliban evolves from wildness to wisdom.

• The Catalysts: The pivotal roles of Prospero, Miranda, and Ariel in his search for "grace."

• Active Discovery: We will read and workshop six key scenes in small groups and present our findings in a supportive space.

No experience? No problem! Whether you’re a Shakespeare pro or a total beginner, come explore how Caliban’s journey offers a lesson for us all.

Join Manly Theatre Group and Such Stuff Productions for this special workshop on The Tempest and the philosophical lessons within on Saturday 21st February 2-5pm.

$10 for Manly Theatre Group members (sign up as a member via the website www.manlytheatregroup.com/membership).

Paul C Kininmonth is the Director of Such Stuff Productions, a Sydney-based theatre company dedicated to reimagining classic works for contemporary audiences. He is known for his immersive approach to Shakespeare, often setting productions in modern contexts.

Under his leadership, Such Stuff Productions has become recognized for its "Living Shakespeare" philosophy, creating professional, collaborative environments where actors and audiences alike are invited to hold up a mirror to collective folly and seek a deeper understanding of shared existence.

At the Manly Festival of Short Plays 2025, Paul directed "Losing the Plot" an original ten-minute play by Carlin Hurdis. The production was a standout of the festival, praised for its "originality" and "fast-paced" delivery. The story featured a biting, satirical look at an "eco-cemetery" manager and a semi-retired hitman seeking a green burial for a corpse.

Paul has a long-standing creative history with The Tempest, having directed multiple stagings (including a 2025 production featuring a new staging) and having performed the role of Caliban. In late 2025, he directed a highly-regarded production of King Lear, noted for its talented cast and professional execution.