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Morality and hypocrisy, justice and mercy collide in Shakespeare's comedy-drama Measure for Measure, presented by Theatre South Carolina April 14-23. The production is directed by Karla Koskinen, theatre, who staged last spring's A Midsummer Night's Dream.
"Measure for Measure gives us a look at what happens when governments try to legislate morality and the politicians don't do a good job of it," Koskinen said. "This play will provoke a good deal of thought."
In Measure for Measure, the Duke of Vienna, seeing that his city has fallen into lawlessness, proclaims that he is leaving and that Angelo, his trusted and seemingly virtuous advisor, will rule in his stead. At Angelo's decree, all the strictest laws are to be enforced again, and Claudio is sentenced to death for getting his fiancee with child. Claudio's sister, Isabella, goes to Angelo to argue for her brother's life. Angelo is stunned by her beauty and makes an offer: if Isabella will sleep with him, he will spare Claudio's life. Can true goodness triumph amid dire ethical dilemmas?
The Duke is played by guest artist Steve Pudenz, a veteran of Broadway, national tours, and regional theaters. The other male leads are Angelo, played by MFA candidate Tom Angland, and Claudio, played by MFA candidate Demetrios Troy. Isabella is played by MFA candidate Marybeth Gorman. The comic female lead of Mistress Overdone is played by Margo Regan, a former adjunct lecturer at USC who has appeared in several Theatre South Carolina productions, including this season's Buried Child.
Koskinen promises a dynamic, fast-paced, modern production. The physical production will be eclectic, she said, and the look will be contemporary, even punk, mixed with elements of historic period costumes.
Set design is by MFA candidate Vincent A. Masterpaul. Costume design is by guest artist Marilyn A. Wall, a co-founder of the Hippodrome State Theatre in Gainesville, Fla. Lighting design is by guest artist Steve Carmichael, whose professional lighting credits include The American Theatre Company and Chicago Civic Ballet. Voice and diction coaching is provided by Susan Wilder, whose work includes King Lear on Broadway with Christopher Plummer.
Performances of Measure for Measure begin at 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday in Drayton Hall. Matinees are offered at 3 p.m. April 22 and 23. There are no performances April 16 and 17. A special school-day matinee is offered to middle- and high-school students at 10 a.m. April 19. Admission to the school-day matinee is by reservation only.
For more information, contact Tim Donahue at Donahue@sc.edu or 7-9353.
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When the Duke, played by guest artist Steve Pudenz, disguises himself as a humble friar, he's shocked by what he sees in the city. Some of the "party girls" he meets are played by, from left, students Kacie Henderson and Jennifer Fine.
