Shakespeare’s ‘Measure for Measure’ graces VC stage

Shakespeare's later work "Measure for Measure" has only gained relevance with its age. The play explores sexual harassment and the abuses of power. Its topics would have troubled those who saw the first production in 1604, but these themes continue to resonate in ways equally, if not more, unsettling.

"We landed on this particular play, I think, because it's a better play today than it was when first written," Adjunct Assistant Professor of Drama Darrell James explained. Though commonly categorized as a comedy, critics label "Measure for Measure" as one of Shakespeare's "problem plays"—meaning, it deals with contentious social issues of its contemporaries.

This semester, the Drama Department will put on "Measure for Measure." Directed by Assistant Professor of Drama and Director of Theater Shona Tucker and James, "Measure for Measure" will be performed Feb. 28 to March 1 at 8 p.m. in the Martel Theater.

Literary critics have not always treated "Measure for Measure" kindly. "It's often been considered an experiment or a confused play, though I'm sure it has its champions," said Professor of English Robert DeMaria. Despite the play's detractors, "Measure for Measure" has enjoyed (and continues to enjoy) a fruitful afterlife, not least because of its champions, as DeMaria suggested.

Professor of English Donald Foster observed, "Recent stage direction and literary criticism have found much in Shakespeare's ‘Measure for Measure' that resonates with our own familiar cultural debates—sexual freedom, the purpose of marriage, collusion of church and state, and what [Associate] Professor [of English] Tyrone Simpson has astutely called the ‘carceral regime' of our so-called ‘system of justice.'"

The play itself tells the story of Vincentio, Duke of Vienna, who decides to take a sabbatical and appoints his deputy, Angelo, to rule as his proxy while the Duke is gone. But the Duke, it seems, has grown lax in the enforcement of laws regarding wanton or unchaste behavior, and Angelo is given his powers for two specific reasons.

First, the Duke doesn't want to seem like a bad man; second, someone has to accept the unpleasant and unpopular task of being more strict. Angelo is a zealous man, and the Duke feels he is perfect for the task. Meanwhile, however, the Duke secretly remains in town disguised as a friar in order to keep an eye on his subjects' behavior.

As Foster went on to explain, "‘Measure for Measure' is a play in which the humor turns upon veneral disease, sado-masochism, bad marriages, adultery, whoredom. It ends with the prospect of four marriages—all of which are arranged to contain transgressive sexuality; two of those are punishments handed down by the state, in lieu of imprisonment and death."

As Foster's remarks indicate, the play addresses sexual relationships, the power dynamics at play in those relationships and the consequences of sexual satisfaction in a society run by religious zealots. "The two [characters] that are punished have the most fulfilled sexual relationship," noted Tucker.

The play has many central characters other than the Duke and Angelo. As James pointed out, "If we do it right, the goal is to make the audience wonder who's story this really is." As James and Tucker also observed, each major character in the play is deeply flawed; part of the challenge, then, is to make each character understandable, perhaps even sympathetic. "We have to fall in love with a little bit of everyone," Tucker said.

Timeless as Shakespeare's plays may be, they are rife with subtle references that might be lost to contemporary viewers. Collaborating with James and Tucker, Emily MacLeod '12 has worked on this production as an assistant director and dramaturge. In keeping with the latter role, MacLeod has adapted and contextualized Shakespeare's play. As she pointed out, a dramaturg must take into account four equally important considerations.

First, she must look at the historical context of "Measure for Measure." When was it written? What particular events and concerns would have prompted Shakespeare to write this play? Secondly, MacLeod considers the location of the play (Vienna), and its relevance to the plotline and themes. Next, she must consider the audience members: their assumptions, amd expectations, the world events foremost on their minds. And finally, the dramaturg helps decide how to contextualize the play, in light of the three previous considerations.

Foster concluded, "Under the brilliant direction of Darrell James and Shona Tucker, and with such a talented cast, I don't know what to expect of Vassar's ‘Measure for Measure,' except that it promises to be among the best shows of the year."