Measure for Measure (2009)

Poster by Poster Designer

by William Shakespeare

Directed by Dave Hollander

Performances: Tue 3rd – Sat 7th November 2009, Bell Theatre

Introduction

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 appears particularly relevant, and the emotions of the characters remain as true to life today as ever.

Auditions

• Sunday 12th July: 6-8pm, Rehearsal Room
• Monday 13th July: 8-10pm, Prompt Corner
• Tuesday 14th July: 8-10pm, Bell Theatre

Cast

• Vincentio (M, 40+) – the Duke of Vienna
• Angelo (M, 30-45) – his younger deputy, who prizes moral rectitude
• Escalus (M, 50+) – an experienced deputy loyal to the duke
• Claudio (M, 20-35) – a young man who has made his wife-to-be pregnant
• Juliet (F, 20-30) – Claudio’s pregnant girlfriend
• Isabella (F, 20-30) – Claudio’s sister, who is training to become a nun
• Lucio (M, 20-35) – Claudio’s friend, definitely one of the lads
• Mistress Overdone (F, 30+) – a madam at a local “establishment”
• Pompey (M, 30+) – Mistress Overdone’s pimp, who also works as a barman
• Froth (M, any age) – One of Mistress Overdone’s more foolish clients
• Elbow (M, 35+) – a bumbling policeman
• Barnardine (M, 30+) – a dissolute prisoner
• Mariana (F, 20-40) – Angelo’s fiancée, whom he has rejected because she cannot afford her dowry

• Various smaller parts (friars, nuns, a Justice, the provost, an executioner)

Crew

• Stage Manager - SM Name
• Lighting Design - Designer Name
• Lighting Operator - Operator Name

Reviews

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Reminiscences and Anecdotes

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See Also

Measure for Measure (1997)

References

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