Inspired by The Tempest, Dukakis will portray Prospera in the adaptation that she has co-authored with Margo Whitcomb and Gregory Hoffman. Orlando Shakespeare Theater veterans Timothy Williams and Lynn Cohen ("Sex in the City") will take part in the staged readings, in Florida, Jan. 30, 2009 at 7:30 PM and Jan. 31, 2009 at 5:30 PM.

Another Side of the Island, according to press Festival notes, "re-imagines Shakespeare's The Tempest in a surprising, often hilarious, and deeply affecting fantasy. When a woman of power is at the center of this story, set in motion by vengeance, the events look very different. Set on an island of the imagination where anything is possible and gender bending is the norm, Prospera conjures a magical tempest that brings her former enemies to shore. At last, she restores her rightful claim to the throne of Milan, insures her daughter's future and learns timeless lessons of love, the thirst for power and aging. With music ranging from gospel to funk and a highly theatrical style, this re-imagined classic is both uproarious and profound."

Dukakis has appeared onstage in The Milk Train Doesn't Stop Here Anymore, A Mother, Mother Courage, The Rose Tattoo, The Cherry Orchard, Three Sisters, The Seagull, Long Day's Journey Into Night, Iphegenia in Aulis, Othello, Miss Julie, A Streetcar Named Desire and The Night of the Iguana. She garnered her Oscar for her turn in the film "Moonstruck" and has also been seen in "Steel Magnolias," "Mr. Holland's Opus" and the "Look Who's Talking" series.

Dukakis will also offer a master class for the Orlando Shakespeare Theater on Jan. 28, 2009 from 6-9 PM in the Mandell Studio Theater.

The readings of Another Side of the Island will take place in the Margeson Theater at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center in Loch Haven Park, FL. VIP seating is $25 and general admission tickets are $10. For tickets and more information visit orlandoshakes.org or phone (407) 447-1700.