The Ashland University Department of Theatre will perform Shakespeare’s Measure for Measure Nov. 12, 13, 14, 19, 20 and 21, at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. in the Studio Theatre in the Center for the Arts.
Directed by Fabio Polanco, assistant professor of theatre, and set in a 1920s speakeasy, Shakespeare’s 17th-century thriller Measure for Measure underscores the abuse of power as well as the values of mercy, justice, and humility.
After faking a trip to Poland, the Duke of Vienna disguises himself as a friar to spy on his citizens and to test Deputy Lord Angelo’s apparent virtue under the weight of command. When the lovely and virtuous Isabella pleads for her condemned brother Claudio’s life, the hypocritical Angelo violates his personal ideology, using his power to issue a stunning ultimatum to Isabella. With help from an unlikely source, can the heroine successfully deflect the Lord’s exploitation of his royal authority to free her brother and follow her conscience in a Shakespearian game of cat and mouse?
On Nov. 20, Assistant Professor of Religion Peter Slade and English Professor John Stratton will participate in a talkback to discuss the themes relevant to Measure for Measure. Special table seating in speakeasy style will be available.
Single ticket prices are $10 for adults; $9 for senior citizens, children, AU faculty and staff, and non-AU students; $8 for groups of 10 or more; and $2 for AU students with ID. Call 419-289-5125 for tickets or more information or stop by the box office in the Center for the Arts at College Avenue and Grant Street, inside the lobby of the Hugo Young Theatre. Box office hours are Monday-Friday 12-6 p.m. and one hour prior to each performance.
