Muhlenberg Theatre Association Stages Shakespeare's "Measure For Measure"
The Muhlenberg Theatre Association presents Shakespeare's dark comedy "Measure for Measure" under the direction of Beth Schachter, February 20-29 on the Muhlenberg College campus.Wednesday, February 11, 2004 00:34 PM
The Muhlenberg Theatre Association presents Shakespeare's dark comedy "Measure for Measure" under the direction of Beth Schachter, February 20-29 on the Muhlenberg College campus. "Measure for Measure" will be presented in the Dorothy Hess Baker Theatre, Trexler Pavilion for Theatre and Dance. Performances are Friday through Sunday and Tuesday through Sunday- evenings at 8 p.m. and Sunday afternoons at 2 p.m. Reserved tickets may be purchased in advance by calling 484-664-3333.
"Measure for Measure" is a provocative play that reveals a seemingly temperate ruler attempting to measure justice and human frailty with some degree of compassion. The Duke of Vienna laments, however, that his city is spoiled and its people too indulgent; and to protect his own popular status, he sets in motion a series of deceits that expose the danger of either virtue or vice in the extreme. What he will learn is that no one is immune to temptation, and justice is a precarious balance requiring an element of mercy.
Under Schachter's direction, Shakespeare's scandalous tale is set in a decaying urban America amidst the electronic intrusion of media and politics. Hypocrisy, debauchery and despair are uncovered in the Duke's journey to exact law and order out of human chaos. The play unravels its own conventions even while telling us the story of the ruler who goes into disguise. The Duke goes backstage, as it were, in his own kingdom in order to observe and manipulate the players. "'Measure for Measure' engages us with the very modern-feeling issues of celebrity - the public persona of a leader," says Schachter. "And, because the play swims in the world of politicians and power, it necessarily also encompasses the corruptions that ride, parasite like, on the back of the political. In form, this play straddles the divide between tragedy and comedy, and along the way, enacts a series of dubious positions concerning sexuality, religion, and the role of the State in private matters."
Assistant professor of theatre at Muhlenberg, Schachter has directed " New Voices 2002" and the world premiere of Mac Wellman's "Anything's Dream" at Muhlenberg and in New York City. She has directed throughout the United States, including productions at New York Theatre Workshop, Public Theatre, New Victory Theatre, and the McCarter Theatre. The graffiti-splashed urban set is designed by design faculty member Curtis Dretsch, with lighting by guest artist Andrew Hill. Costumes are designed by Michael McDonald.
Featured MTA performers in the company of "Measure for Measure" include Lori Vrogindewey '04 (Isabella) and Matt Dibiasio '06 (Angelo) who last appeared in the fall production of "Dancing at Lughnasa"; Phil Haas '05 (Duke), Jordan Ahnquist '05 (Pompey), and Chris Whyde '04, who were featured in last season's Muhlenberg Summer Music Theatre Production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat"; and Jared Franzman '06 (Claudio) and Tim Gross '05 (Lucio).
