Prospero’s bitterness in The Tempest effects the majority of the plot and the world around them. The discussions of humanity and what kinds of moral decisions makes someone human is a prominent theme within the play. The connections between the magical creatures and the humans who have lived in their world aids in this discovery. The fantasy elements of the story are unique and inspired me to choose an 80’s dark fantasy aesthetic that would bring the fantasy characters to life and make the humans fashion seem naturalistic. The dark fantasy would connect the conversations of how humanity is defined by their ability to choose mercy, so the fantastical themes will be dominating in the characters that are deemed not “human”. I thought about the world surrounding the play would appear to be dark and grim, as well as appearing abandoned and muddled, it’s appearance being beyond human understanding. 

In this adaptation I will be focusing on creating designs for Prospero, Miranda, Ferdinand, Ariel, Caliban, Ceres, Iris, and Juno. These characters are each either mythical or mortal, and they are perfect to show the contrast between the two species. Prospero will be a complex character as he embodies both types of characters. Ferdinand and Miranda will both appear to be human, then the rest of the cast will take on something that is more unconventional and unique.