Tom Rowan knows dance, knows Shakespeare, and knows the culture wars dominating college life today. Plays about dance are rare, and this one will require casting from actors who are also capable dancers. Plays about today's academic environment are perhaps less rare, but Rowan creates a compelling drama in which racism and cultural appropriation dominate this story of an uncompromising college professor determined to choreograph a version of Shakespeare's "Tempest." Although the outcome leads to the destruction of the professor's career, this timely play should lead audiences to question all sides of this contentious debate.

Rowan tackles some tough topics: cancel culture, homophobia, white privilege, racism, cultural appropriation, sexual misconduct, by deftly weaving each into a gripping story centering an instructor hellbent on staging a ballet based on The Tempest. Is it the end of art if we can no longer access our own or others’ life experiences, pains, oppression, without being accused of exploitation? It’s a difficult play, forcing us to reflect on our willingness/unwillingness to compromise when it means we may lose a part of ourselves, when it means our art might be diminished. Stellar writing/character development. Stage this!