Understanding my role - Shakespeare`s Caliban

About Caliban`s background

In the last few weeks we were working on Shakespeare's The Tempest the play. My playing role is Caliban. When Rob was asked what role we would like to play I had chosen Miranda or Caliban.
But now I'm happy that I got to play Caliban. It's challenge to me as I always get similar roles.

Caliban drown in 20th century.

Different from other roles, Caliban is a monster who hates Prospero. He's the one who took over the island from Caliban. Since then, monster has been serving Prospero as a slave. He inherited the island by his mother Sycorax. According to Prospero Sycorax and devil hook-up and that`s how Caliban were born. Later on, his mother were exiled of the island so Caliban were left all alone by himself. It might one of the reasons why he`s so brutal.

However, everything has changed when Prospero came to the island. At the beginning the relationship between Caliban and Prospero were very good. As Caliban says in script "And I showed thee al the qualities o`th`isle. The fresh springs, brine pits, barren place and fertile.". It explains that Caliban showed around the island so Prospero could stay alive. In return Prospero treated Caliban with a human care. Even though Prospero and his daughter Miranda taught him language. Literally, he didn`t speak any language before. All things got messed up when Caliban tried to rape Miranda in order to extend his tribe. After that Prospero got very upset and punished him with stomach cramps, and hurl the kinds of insults. In other words, he treated him like rubbish. I suggest other reason why Caliban hates Prospero is he took over the island which belonged to calibans before.

Caliban in a play

On the other hand, Caliban loves his island even though it belongs to someone else. He describes the wonders of his island in most beautiful words he knows. His speech sounds as prose thanks to Miranda for teaching him their language. That`s why he uses big words ( not forgetting that he`s caliban) comparing to Stephano`s and Trinculo`s poor language.

Anyway, Shakespeare made him look like born to slave. His language shows that slaving is a normal thing to him. For example, when he admits Stephano is a new master to him and licks (or just pretends) his foot. Though he, Stephano and Trinculo conspire to kill Prospero, he promises to serve Stephano.

To sum up, Caliban is one of best characters made by Shakespeare. His personality and behaviour wild and savage. That`s what makes this character different from others. In my opinion, this character will help to find a new side of my acting skills. And of course, challenges me a lot wihch is a good thing.