Final answer:
The play "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare begins with a shipwreck, which sets the stage for the rest of the play. Therefore, the correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the play "The Tempest" by William Shakespeare, the event that begins the play is a shipwreck. The ship, which was carrying the characters, is caught in a storm and sinks, causing the characters to end up on a deserted island. This event disrupts their ordinary lives and sets the stage for the rest of the play.