2018 | 07 Summer Shakes: Measure for Measure

Summer Shakespeare
Measure for Measure

Directed by Carolyne Salt

July 6 – 29, 2018

Thursdays-Saturdays at 8pm, Sundays at 2pm
Sneak preview: Wednesday, July 5, at 8:00 PM

“Some rise by sin, and some by virtue fall.” The comedic Measure for Measure explores the dichotomy between corruption and purity, mercy and justice, and hypocrisy and theocracy. Add healthy doses of sex (and sexual harassment), a Christian right  wing (that proves to be anything but) and a hopeful country on the brink of war and you have timely, thought-provoking theatre that will also make you laugh at the absurdity of it all!

Venice’s lackadaisical Duke Vincentio leaves strict, pious, Angelo in charge of his city as he pretends to leave on a mission, but instead disguises himself as a lowly friar to walk unseen among his people. Angelo quickly enforces the letter of the law, without regard to its spirit– closing all the brothels and condemning the honorable Claudio to death for impregnating his fiance out of wedlock. Claudio’s sister, Isabella, intervenes on his behalf, only to find herself given a terrible ultimatum– give up her chastity to Angelo or see her brother die. Meanwhile, the Duke manipulates everyone to catapult the story to its hilarious conclusion, while teaching a few lessons about mercy in the process. Will young Claudio survive to see the birth of his child? Will Isabella remain chaste or succumb to the hypocrisy of the pious but flawed Angelo? Will Angelo’s former (and wronged) fiance find a husband? And what of Mistress Overdone, her “tapster” Pompey, drunken Barnadine and all the other colorful denizens of Venice? Filled with comedy and moments of true pathos, Measure for Measure promises to measure up to your expectations, and then some!

In this, our third season of Summer Shakes, the ART continues to make Shakespeare accessible to all, in every sense.

Measure for Measure arrives to the Acrosstown’s stage on Friday, July 6, and runs through July 29; Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 pm, Sundays at 2:00 pm, at the Acrosstown Repertory Theater (619 South Main Street, Gainesville, FL, 32601, in the historic Baird Center across from Heartwood Soundstage and next door to Akira Wood).

Stick around for a complementary postmission (after-show) beverage, and meet our director, cast and crew!

There will also be a $5 preview performance on Thursday, July 5, cash-only at the door.

Purchase your tickets using a credit card or PayPal today: Tickets are $15 for the general public with a discount for seniors, students, veterans and active military and may be purchased below. A limited number of tickets are also available at the door thirty minutes before showtime.

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