Review of NWCTC’s Measure for Measure (7-7-2012)
Measure for Measure is not for everyone. The whole
plot revolves around what can only be called “adult content.” That being said,
however, Shakespeare uses this framework to explore the delicate balance between
justice and mercy, much as he does in Merchant of Venice (only better,
in my opinion). Shakespeare is obviously thinking back to Matthew 7:1-2,
especially where it says, “by your standard of measure it will be measure to
you.” Some may be disturbed that in the end Shakespeare’s plea for mercy
appears to let everyone off the hook for their lewd behavior, but for me at
least, the take-away was more that living according to the spirit of the law is
often harder than just blindly adhering to the letter. It’s better to extend
mercy and change someone’s life than to cut that life short.
Because of its subject matter, Measure for Measure
must be a very difficult play to stage, and yet director Butch Flowers and his
talented cast and crew did a tasteful and very good job with it. They
successfully navigate around the myriad pitfalls and avoid the temptation to go
overboard with the innuendos and raciness. Even the costuming, which in many
plays is inappropriate with much less motivation, was modest. If you’re going
to have a problem with this play, it will be with Shakespeare’s story, not with
Flowers’ vision of it.
Technically the play was beautiful; sets, lighting music and
costumes were all just right. Performance-wise, it was brilliant. There wasn’t
a single character that didn’t sparkle. Jayson Shanafelt’s intensity and fixity
of purpose made for an excellently awful Angelo. Bonnie Auguston’s Isabella was
a believable novice nun in an awkward and tight spot. And Chris Porter made an
great if somewhat abrupt Duke Vincentio. Joe Healy’s Provost and Nathan
Crosby’s Claudio were both wonderfully sympathetic, as was Clara-Liis Hillier’s
Mariana. The whole production was well-paced, and Jason Maniccia’s comic timing
as Lucio was hysterical. The bits with the executioner and his apprentice had
me in absolute stitches – well done, Matt Pavik and David Burnett!
As I was watching I had a hard time thinking of any way the
production could be improved. But as I thought more about it and eavesdropped
to the responses of the audience, I think perhaps a little more emphasis on the
mercy vs. justice theme would have helped. That, however, is really the only
thing I can think of that would make it even better.
Measure for Measure is a powerful play, but not one
that is necessarily accessible or even appropriate for everyone. It’s lesson,
however, is one that bears repeating:
“For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no
mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment” (James 2:13).
