Ariel Vs. Caliban: Balinese 'Tempest' Differences

The Tempest, Shakespeare's final solo play, is a rich tapestry of themes: magic, revenge, forgiveness, and colonialism. Within this complex narrative, the characters of Ariel and Caliban stand out as particularly compelling. Their contrasting natures, as servants to the exiled Duke Prospero, offer a fascinating lens through which to examine power dynamics, freedom, and the very essence of being. The Balinese production of The Tempest provides a unique and visually stunning interpretation of these characters, highlighting the inherent differences between Ariel and Caliban. This analysis delves into how the Balinese production specifically portrays these differences, focusing on aspects of their physical representation, their communication styles, and the symbolic roles they embody within the play.

Physical Representation: Airy Sprite vs. Earthbound Creature

One of the most striking ways the Balinese production differentiates Ariel and Caliban is through their physical representation. This is crucial because, in Balinese culture, dance and physical appearance are deeply intertwined with spirituality and character archetypes. Ariel, often depicted as an ethereal spirit, is frequently portrayed by a young female dancer in a Balinese production. This choice underscores Ariel's association with lightness, air, and the supernatural. Her movements are typically graceful, fluid, and often involve intricate gestures that mimic the flight of birds or the movement of wind. Her costume is typically light and flowing, adorned with delicate fabrics and perhaps symbolic embellishments, emphasizing her insubstantial nature. The Balinese production could also incorporate the use of masks or makeup to further enhance Ariel's otherworldly appearance. This could range from subtle enhancements to the face to more elaborate masks that represent her connection to the spirit world. All of these factors contribute to the audience's perception of Ariel as a being of beauty and grace, a creature of the air.

In stark contrast, Caliban’s portrayal is often grounded and earthy. The actor playing Caliban is likely to be an older male, reflecting his more substantial and, in this context, human qualities. His movements are likely to be heavier, more deliberate, and perhaps even clumsy, symbolizing his connection to the physical world and his subjugation. The Balinese production might use a darker, more rugged costume for Caliban, perhaps incorporating elements of natural materials like earth-toned fabrics or even elements of foliage to further connect him to the land. The makeup might emphasize his “monstrous” appearance, using darker tones and perhaps even prosthetics to create a more animalistic or grotesque visage. The portrayal of Caliban, therefore, is rooted in the physical, portraying his subjugation and his association with the earth and its raw power. The contrasting physical presentations of Ariel and Caliban immediately establish a fundamental difference between their natures, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of their characters and their roles in the play. This contrast immediately reinforces their contrasting nature and role within the play's themes, namely freedom and subjugation.

Communication Styles: Indirect Sarcasm vs. Overt Anger

Beyond their physical appearances, the Balinese production also highlights the differences in Ariel and Caliban's communication styles. Ariel's interactions are often marked by indirectness, subtle manipulations, and a certain degree of sarcasm. As a spirit bound to Prospero's service, Ariel understands the power of language and uses it to achieve Prospero's goals while simultaneously hinting at her desire for freedom. In a Balinese interpretation, this indirectness might be expressed through stylized dialogue delivery, nuanced gestures, or even the use of music and dance to convey Ariel's underlying meanings. For example, when Ariel delivers a seemingly innocuous message, the Balinese production might use a particular musical cue or a specific dance movement to subtly suggest the true nature of Ariel’s feelings and intentions. This approach allows Ariel to convey her complex emotions and her sense of superiority over the other characters. This artistic interpretation can showcase Ariel's intelligence and ability to manipulate and the degree of her sarcastic nature as she fulfills Prospero’s commands.

Caliban, on the other hand, is characterized by his overt anger, resentment, and direct expression. His communication is often blunt, filled with curses, and directly reflects his experience of being enslaved and his yearning for freedom. In a Balinese production, Caliban's anger might be conveyed through passionate and vehement dialogue delivery, intense facial expressions, and powerful movements that reflect his frustration and rage. The Balinese production might also incorporate elements of Balinese gamelan music to underscore Caliban's emotional outbursts, using percussive instruments and dramatic shifts in tempo to mirror his fluctuating moods. This directness, in contrast to Ariel’s subtlety, reflects Caliban's more primitive nature and his inability to mask his emotions. This can showcase the Balinese production's ability to express Caliban's frustration and the raw power of his emotions, highlighting the contrast between his nature and Ariel’s. This distinction in their communicative style, therefore, highlights another dimension of their contrasting characters, showcasing their inherent differences in the face of similar circumstances and the effects of colonialism.

Symbolic Roles: Freedom vs. Subjugation

Ultimately, the Balinese production of The Tempest uses the contrasting portrayals of Ariel and Caliban to explore the central themes of freedom, subjugation, and the complexities of power. Ariel, as a spirit yearning for release, represents the desire for liberation. Her actions are driven by her longing for freedom, even as she fulfills Prospero's commands. The Balinese production can emphasize this aspect by portraying Ariel as a character who is constantly seeking to transcend her limitations, using her intelligence and cunning to move closer to her goal of independence. The visual and performative elements are employed to underscore her aspirations. The artistic production can also make the audience realize Ariel’s aspirations, making her more complex. The production can also explore the themes of emancipation and the value of freedom itself. In this context, Ariel represents the aspiration for freedom and the desire to break free from the shackles of servitude.

Caliban, in contrast, embodies the experience of subjugation and the consequences of colonialism. He is the native inhabitant of the island, enslaved by Prospero and denied his rightful place. His anger and resentment stem from his oppression and his longing for his lost freedom. The Balinese production may emphasize this aspect by portraying Caliban as a character who is constantly battling against his enslavement, fighting for his dignity and his right to be free. The production can also showcase Caliban's suffering and anger. Caliban can stand as a symbol for the colonized, showing the harsh realities of those who have been subjugated. His actions are driven by his desperation to reclaim his freedom and his resentment of Prospero’s control. The Balinese production highlights the tragic irony of Caliban’s situation. This duality highlights the core themes of the play.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Balinese production of The Tempest provides a unique and insightful interpretation of Ariel and Caliban, highlighting the inherent differences between the two characters. The contrast in their physical representation, their communication styles, and their symbolic roles underscores the central themes of the play, namely freedom, subjugation, and the complexities of power. The Balinese production uses these differences to enrich the meaning and impact of the play, offering a fresh perspective on Shakespeare's timeless masterpiece. The portrayal of Ariel and Caliban serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of The Tempest and its exploration of the human condition.

For further insights into the world of Shakespeare and his works, I recommend exploring the official Shakespeare's Birthplace Trust website. Their website is a great resource for scholarly articles, educational materials, and more.