MEASURE FOR MEASURE

AUGUST 6 - 9, THEATRE ARTISTS STUDIO

by William Shakespeare

directed by Keath Hall

Measure For Measure is one of Shakespeare’s “problem plays.” A problem play is not easily classified as a comedy, tragedy or history, having a mix of tone and moral ambiguity. Set in corrupt Vienna, Measure for Measure unfolds when the Duke leaves a strict deputy, Angelo, to enforce restrictive laws while the Duke disguises himself to observe the events as they unfold. A nobleman, Claudio, is sentenced to execution for engaging in premarital sex with his fiance. Claudio’s virtuous sister Isabella, who is studying to become a nun, must then bargain with Angelo. Angelo demands her virginity for her brother's life, but the disguised Duke orchestrates a complex plan involving mistaken identity and trickery to expose Angelo's hypocrisy, ultimately testing mercy, justice, and balance in the community. Along the way we are introduced to a slew of funny and irascible characters sure to elicit sidesplitting fun.