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Michael Cox reviews 'a terrific production' of a difficult play.
There is a reason Measure for Measure is considered a difficult play within Shakespeare’s cannon: it has a final moment within the text that rings unjustified and unfair to a major character for a modern audience. This is a shame, particularly as the play has some of Shakespeare’s richest characters and a plot that feels timely in today’s society of political suspicion.
Vienna. A Duke has convinced everyone that he is off on a pilgrimage and leaves a deputy, Angelo, in charge of running the city. However, the Duke’s plan is actually to disguise himself as a friar and to witness what happens to the city when he is not around. He gets a quick shock when Angelo decides to enforce morality laws that are officially on the books but have long been ignored, a decision that sees a young man sentenced to death for getting his girlfriend pregnant out of wedlock.
This production, presented by Cheek by Jowl and Pushkin Theatre, creates a modern ambiance. Five red cubes and a table make the set and most characters are in modern dress. The most striking decision, however, is in making this an ensemble piece: every actor stays on stage the entire time, acting like a Greek chorus when their character is not in play.
But for all the big spectacle, the production works best in its small moments: seeing the Duke’s horrified reactions, or Angelo’s smirks as he grows in power, or soon-to-be nun Isabella’s pained expressions as she wrestles with her consciousness, all make for electric theatre.
Director Declan Donnellan has created a terrific production, choosing to focus on the drama that all but jettisons the comedic aspects of the plot. And while it doesn't justify the play’s final moment, enough business is given to make it at least palpable.
Measure for Measure is part of this year’s Edinburgh International Festival. It performs at the Royal Lyceum until August 20.
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