Geek n Out Review
PROSPERA – Otherworld Theatre
Reviwer: Rob Southgate | Geek n Out
Stacey Lind, Photo by Tiffany Keane Schaefer
There’s a particular thrill when a theatre company doesn’t just adapt a classic, but fearlessly re-engineers it. With PROSPERA, Otherworld Theatre once again proves why they are Chicago’s premier destination for science fiction and fantasy performance, delivering a bold, genre-forward reimagining of Shakespeare’s The Tempest that feels both intellectually playful and emotionally grounded.
Blake Marion Hood, Stacey Lind, Photo by Tiffany Keane Schaefer
Set on the ion-charged moon of Halcyra-3, PROSPERA trades storm-tossed seas for cosmic radiation and replaces arcane magic with staff-wielding technology and AI-driven systems. Written and directed by Tiffany Keane Schaefer, the production leans hard into cinematic sci-fi without losing the heart of the original story. This is Shakespeare through a speculative lens—less dusty literature, more thoughtful space opera.
At the center of the production is Stacey Lind as Prospera, reimagined here as a brilliant exiled scientist rather than a sorceress. Lind commands the stage with a performance that balances authority, rage, grief, and restraint. This Prospera is not just seeking revenge; she’s wrestling with the cost of survival and the ethics of control in a world where technology can amplify both cruelty and mercy. Lind’s performance anchors the show, giving emotional clarity to an otherwise expansive sci-fi narrative.
Schaefer’s direction is confident and visually ambitious. Known for genre-defying hits like Twihard! A Twilight Musical Parody, she brings that same sense of scale and precision here, crafting moments that feel lifted straight from a prestige sci-fi series while still respecting the intimacy of live theatre. The pacing rarely lags, and the staging keeps the audience engaged even when the story dives into heavier philosophical territory.
The supporting cast—including Izzi King, Blake Hood, Jacob Watson, P-Jay Adams, Hayden Lane-Davis, Janice Rumshlag, Hilary Sanzel, and Sydney Ginter—fills out Halcyra-3 with a mix of menace, humor, and humanity. Each performance feels intentional, contributing to a world where betrayal, loyalty, and survival are constantly in flux. There’s a strong ensemble energy here, and it shows.
Technically, PROSPERA is a triumph. The production team—Tiffany Keane Schaefer, Hayley Wilkinson, Sam Campos, and Mike McShane—creates a sci-fi environment that feels immersive without overwhelming the story. Lighting, sound, and design work together to suggest a harsh, unstable world shaped by both human ambition and alien forces. It’s smart, efficient, and impressively atmospheric.
What truly sets PROSPERA apart is its thematic relevance. The play asks timely questions about AI integration, digital vengeance, and whether technological power inevitably leads to dehumanization. In a genre often obsessed with spectacle, Otherworld Theatre doesn’t forget to ask why these stories matter now—and that’s where the show really shines.
Hilary Sanzel, Janice Rumschlag, photo by Erin Bonham
PROSPERA is a thoughtful, engaging, and visually striking production that honors Shakespeare’s themes while boldly charting its own course. Whether you’re a fan of classic literature, speculative fiction, or just great Chicago theatre, this is a show worth experiencing.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
PROSPERA runs January 9 through February 8, 2026 at Theater Wit, 1229 W Belmont Ave, Chicago. Tickets are available through Theater Wit. If you’ve ever wanted to see Shakespeare collide with hard sci-fi—and actually stick the landing—Otherworld Theatre has you covered.
About Otherworld Theatre
Otherworld Theatre Company, a non-profit arts organization, was founded in June 2012 with a mission to bring a theatrical experience to the science fiction and fantasy genres. Our work celebrates the depth of human imagination by engaging our patrons with high-quality storytelling. Otherworld Theatre also curates events to create dialogue between patrons and artists, furthering our connection to the Chicago community.
Visit the Otherworld virtually at OtherworldTheatre.organd on Twitter (@OtherworldThtre), Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.