A Bermudian will perform in a musical adaptation of The Tempest this month.

Emily Ross was cast as the spirit Ariel after auditioning for the show from Bermudian-based Devil’s Isle Shakespeare Company in May.

She rehearsed with the rest of the American cast in Washington this summer.

Dr Ross is no stranger to the local stage or Shakespeare — she portrayed Peter Quince in A Midsummer Night’s Dream in the Bermuda High School for Girls amphitheatre.

She performed the role of a songstress in Waterspout Theatre’s As You Like It at Fort Hamilton and was in the Bermuda Civic Ballet’s production of Romeo & Juliet, also at the fort.

She said rehearsing for The Tempest, which features about half of William Shakespeare’s original dialogue and 12 musical numbers, was “challenging in the best possible way, refreshing, even restorative, like a creative retreat”.

She added: “It’s a reminder of the transformative power of theatre, both for the artist and audience.”

Dr Ross said that, despite Ariel’s magic being essential to Prospero’s command of the island and its inhabitants, she stays bound to him until her release in the production.

The Tempest also has Bermudians Milo Roberts understudying for the roles of Alonsa, Gonzalo and Stephano, and Quincée Kaya Dill as artistic associate for the second year.

Devil’s Isle’s mission to provide free performances to schools and everyone in Bermuda under 18 inspired Ms Dill to get involved, and she sat in on workshops and auditions for The Tempest.

Ms Dill said: “I loved seeing local talent showing up for themselves and experiencing what Devils’ Isle had to offer ... I’d encourage anyone in Bermuda to give the show a watch as it’s an original take on the play with catchy songs.”

Séamus Miller, founder of Devil’s Isle, wanted to have as many Bermudians involved with the production as possible, but said fewer had auditioned than expected.

He said: “My hope is that, with Emily and Milo in the cast, the word will spread among local performers and more people will audition for next year’s production.

“The original Tempest cast [in 2024] was completely American and the show was built entirely in the US.”

Mr Miller, who hopes to eventually have a half-Bermudian, half-American cast in The Tempest, explained: “I think it’s critical, especially in this political moment, for artists of different backgrounds and nationalities to collaborate in a positive, productive and public manner.”

The original Tempest, written between 1610 and 1611, is believed to be inspired by William Strachey’s account of the Sea Venture shipwreck off Bermuda in 1609.

Dr Ross said: “I suppose the best part for me has been the opportunity to engage with a work that is so connected to my home.

“The more Bermudians get involved, the more grounded the show will be in our story, our history, and it will be richer for it.

“I’m so excited to see what the future holds for Devil’s Isle productions in Bermuda.”

Tickets for the show start at $35 for adults and are free for everyone under 18 with proof of age.

They can be purchased at devils-isle.org, cambridgebeaches.com for performances on September 23 and 30 and at botanist.cafe for shows on September 25 and 26.

• Contact Séamus Miller at seamus@devils-isle.org for more information about free educational performances on September 16, 17 and 18

UPDATE: this story has been amended to reflect the correct ticket prices for adults, which start at $35