One aspect of interpretation that was in stark contrast to that of Helen's interpretation of Prospero was that Prospero was very ... a bully, jerk, in a rage, don't cross him... In some ways this provided a very stark contrast for the great change that happens in him through out the play and in an other, one almost just goes wowow--not a nice guy!
One major example of this stark difference is when Ariel reminds Prospero of his promise to free him. In the play Prospero recounts the horrible experiance of Sycorax. Here the play, Prospero forces Ariel to relive the horrible experience, in essence beating Ariel back into submission. Here we see a very strong, manipulative Prospero. He is set on revenge and has it in his heart.
This same scene with Ariel is completely different in the Helen production. Watch. She is still very firm and persuasive but the inflicting of pain is not at all present. This clip also leaves out some of the encounter. But in the Helen production we see a much more noble and persuasive Prospero than that of the Pioneer company. We see a truer change to compassion and virtue and a more pure forgiveness in the Helen production. There is more of a theme of love in Prospero as well as forgiveness.
