Measure for Measure

Synopsis

In a dark and sinful city, where fear prevails, no one is safe - not even those who have given their lives to God. Isabella is a novice nun, committed to her vows of chastity. Claudio her brother enjoys the company of prostitutes and pleasures of the flesh. In a city where vice is rife, Duke Vincentio has lost control and disappears from public life leaving his cousin Angelo to rule in his place. Angelo begins by reinstating old laws long forgotten...laws that condemn those to death for having sex outside of marriage. It is not long before Claudio is caught. When Claudio summons Isabella to his aid however, Angelo himself is tempted to fall and presents Isabella with an impossible choice; perpetual damnation or her brother's life?

Our Review:

Maxwell Cooter - 19 February 2010

Measure for Measure is a complex play addressing many issues that cause resonance for us today. In what way does morality have in impact on the ways we’re governed? Many governments have tried to empower a way of behaviour at odds with human instincts – nearly all have failed.

Michael Attenborough’s fine production looks at this clash of beliefs and provides some interesting psychological insights. At the heart of the production is a fine performance from Rory Kinnear as Angelo. Rather than the usual authoritarian figure, his is a humble bureaucrat, seemingly promoted beyond his ability and trying to cope with the consequences.

Kinnear’s Angelo twitches and fidgets in anticipation of his meeting with Isabella – hastily sticking in contact lenses before one of their encounters. He’s like a schoolboy going on his first date or, perhaps more realistically, retreating to his bedroom with a pile of dirty magazines. It’s a finely sketched picture of neuros...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

rds - 11 April 2010:

Sometimes directors try too hard and in this Measure For Measure, one of Shakespeare's more difficult plays, that certainly seems to be the case. I wasn't convinced by Rory Kinnear's twitchy Angelo, or Anna Maxwell-Martin's other-worldly Isabella. It was as if a selection of emotions had been put into the hat for the cast to take their pick from and what ever came out they played it that way. This production has received rave reviews and it is hard to make a stand, but I think it suffers from too much internalising for its own good. Brave attempt though it was it is of no matter as there will always be a next time with Shakespeare. ...

Read more and add your own review

Related Whatsonstage.com Articles

Past/Present/Future for ... Ben Miles Review Round-up: Kinnear More Than Measures Up More»