How long have you been with the Shakespeare Festival? What do you enjoy most about performing in this setting or working with this material?
This is my second summer in the park and third production with the Shakespeare Festival. In 2021, the Heart of America Shakespeare Festival partnered with my graduate program at UMKC and put up an indoor production of The Tempest, and I played Ariel in that production as well. I love performing Shakespeare in this type of large, outdoor setting because it feels very communal. People bring their whole families, they arrive early and bring picnics, the energy is high and festive which really makes it feel like an event. Shakespeare’s heightened language lends itself to highly physical acting to help communicate the story, which is the type of work I relish. The text feels like a puzzle at first, but once you crack the code the rich language feels like a gift that encourages vulnerability, high stakes, and vigor—which makes for great storytelling!
The relationship between Ariel and Prospero feels complicated, to say the least. How did you approach this character, and how do you see their bond evolving throughout the show?
I agree, it is quite complicated! When I started working on the role, it was clear that freedom was the overarching want for Ariel. On paper, the basis of their relationship is one of servitude to Prospero. But as I read through the play, I couldn’t help but feel there was a sort of friendship or father/child relationship beneath the surface. Ariel spends the play doing Prospero’s bidding, but they also seem to enjoy it. Ariel’s first speech describes the shipwreck they helped facilitate and they go into tremendous detail, almost as if they’re in awe of what they just accomplished. Ariel relishes in the hijinks and yearns for Prospero’s praise. Yes, to gain freedom but also because the grand plan they carry out together bonds them. It culminates in Ariel asking if Prospero loves them. In the end (spoiler alert), while Ariel gets what they’ve always wanted, I think it’s slightly bittersweet as it also means saying goodbye to Prospero. It’s really fun going on that journey every night.
Talk to me about the Ariel costume. How long does it take to prepare for your role before you go on stage?
I do a lot physically and vocally in this show, so before I get to the park I do a vocal and physical warm-up and drink plenty of water. I get to the dressing rooms about an hour early. Painting my face blue and silver takes about half an hour. I put on all the setting powder I can hoping that the makeup will withstand the inevitable copious amounts of sweat during the show, but more often than not, I have to reapply some any time I have a break off-stage. The costume itself, while voluminous, is very light and easy to move in! I sometimes forget that I have on the feathered headdress backstage and accidentally give someone a mouthful of feathers.Â
Where are some of your favorite places to go in Kansas City?
I love Kansas City—full of such great art, food, and people! While I live in Chicago most of the year, I am so excited whenever I get the chance to come back for a theater contract and spend a few weeks around town. Some of my favorite restaurants are Extra Virgin, Clay & Fire, KobiQ, ABC Cafe, Joe’s KC, and all of the nachos everywhere. Chicago just cannot do nachos like Kansas City can (white queso is hard to come by in Chicago) and they are one of my favorite snacks. I also love taking walks in Loose Park, Kauffman Gardens, and around the Nelson-Atkins grounds. And of course, seeing all the local theater!
Check out Rolfes and the rest of the cast of The Tempest at Southmoreland Park, Tuesday-Sunday until July 2.
This interview was lightly edited for length.