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Measure for Measure by William Shakespeare
Directed by Dave Hollander
Performances: Monday 2nd to Saturday 7th November 2009, 8pm, Bell Theatre
Gala performance: Wednesday 4th November
Concerned at the licentious behaviour of Vienna’s citizens, the Duke leaves the city and installs his moralistic deputy, Angelo, as temporary leader. He returns in disguise to observe his protégé’s progress. Brothels are shut down, their owners punished and a new law decrees that sex outside marriage will be punishable by death. Claudio, a young man whose fiancée, Juliet, is pregnant, is called before the authorities, who stand by the law and promise his swift execution as an example to the public. When his virtuous sister Isabella hears of his plight, she leaves her nunnery and pleads with Angelo for Claudio’s life, but there seems little hope of his redemption, until it becomes clear that the new leader is attracted to her virtue. He makes her an offer: Claudio’s life will be spared if Isabella agrees to sleep with Angelo...
Measure for Measure has long been referred to as one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays”, since it is neither comedy nor tragedy, but uses elements of both genres to focus on its themes of morality and hypocrisy. Intensely dramatic scenes contrast with the uproarious brothel comedy of Mistress Overdone, Pompey and the badly behaved residents of the city. The subject matter of a seemingly righteous public figure undermined by his own peccadilloes seems particularly relevant, and the emotions of the characters remain as true to life today as ever.
Cast
Vincentio, the Duke – Michael Wilson
Angelo, the younger Deputy - Clive Manning
Escalus, the elder Deputy - Alan Brown
Claudio, a young gentleman - David Workman
Isabella, sister to Claudio - Karina Lickorish Quinn
Lucio, a friend of Claudio - Tom Hancock
Juliet, beloved of Claudio - Michelle Yim
Mistress Overdone, madam - Samantha Golton
Elbow, a constable - Richard Watkins
Pompey, a barman, pimp and servant to Mistress Overdone - James Hough
Provost - Barry Heselden
Abhorson, the executioner - Martin Balanow
Mariana, betrothed to Angelo / Francisca, a nun - Laurie Mulryne
Friar Peter / Messenger / Master Froth - David Ewings
For more details, please contact Dave Hollander, Director
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