HAG-SEED

by Margaret Atwood
 
A compelling story of a down-on-his-luck theater director making the most of a bad situation by accepting the challenge of directing Shakespeare’s THE TEMPEST in a local prison using an all-male cast of inmates.
 
This is Margaret Atwood at her very best.  She has crafted a beautiful story about politics and power plays in the world of summer theater festivals.  She brings Felix, her lovable main character, to life as he comes to terms with his ouster as Artistic Director of the Makeshiweg Theater Festival and plans his revenge. 
 
As the story unfolds, we realize that Atwood is cleverly weaving two versions of the Tempest concurrently:  one as the director produces his play at the prison and the other as Felix lives into his new life exiled from the theater world, bereft of his beloved daughter, Miranda. 

I can’t think of a more highly charged literary climax than Atwood’s portrayal of Felix’s performance of THE TEMPEST at the prison and his moment of revenge. (Liz)