Measure for Measure – July 2012

Written By: William Shakespeare

Directed By: Ann Acton & Theo Ross

Dates: July 24th – 28th

Synopsis:

Measure for Measure is not among the most well known of Shakespeareʼs plays. Yet it has gripping dramatic scenes,wonderful language, comedy and a wide range of excellent roles for actors.

Through the Dukeʼs failure to impose the laws governing morality, Vienna has become decadent and unruly. Unwilling to appear tyrannical by changing his approach,he gives out his intention to travel away. In his place he leaves his Deputy, Angelo, who is well known for his strict abstinence and puritanical virtue. In fact the Duke remains to observe the outcome disguising himself as a Friar and moving among the people. Very soon Angelo has condemned to death a young man, Claudio, whose fiancee is pregnant.

Claudio calls on his sister, Isabella, a novitiate, to plead for him. In the course of two magnificent scenes of confrontation, the “incorruptible” Angelo is moved, not by pity or argument but by passionate desire to seduce Isabella. He promises to pardon Claudio if she will yield to him. Isabella confides in the Duke/Friar. He sets up a plan to use Mariana, a lady once jilted by Angelo, to help deliver justice and mercy in due measure, a plan which proves more complicated in practice.

A bunch of comic characters, from the shameless gossip, Lucio, to Elbow the put upon Constable, to Mistress Overdone and Pompey Bum her tapster and bawd, bring to life the corrupt state of law and manners in Vienna.

This years Shakespeare will again be part of the RSA’s Open Stage Project.