By ALANA MITCHELSON
MEASURE For Measure will be performed in Emerald to coincide with the 400th anniversary of the English playwright’s death.
Sharon Maine’s interpretation of the black comedy pays tribute to Shakespeare’s contribution to comedy, drama, tragedy and the English language.
Written in the early 1600s, the play Measure for Measure centres around the fate of Claudio who is arrested and sentenced to death by Lord Angelo for impregnating his lover out of wedlock. Angelo is the temporary leader of Vienna and takes it upon himself to rid the city of brothels and unlawful sexual activity.
Ms Maine said Shakespeare’s words continue to resonate with each generation.
“This dark comedy or problem comedy captured my imagination, primarily because it ends with a question mark,” she said.
“Shakespeare, who was so brilliant at spinning multiple tales at once and bringing many threads together in the final act with a compelling resolution, leaves one thread hanging in this play.
“I’m not sure that I’ve found an answer and, in fact, I think each of us who experience this play will have their own unique conclusion. And thereby hangs a tale.
“In Measure for Measure, Shakespeare creates a harmony of many human issues, including law, mercy, love, justice, humanity, and reputation.
“It holds a mirror up to us and says this is what you look like at your best and at your worst and in all your imperfect glory.”
Ms Maine said that at the conclusion of the play, the audience would be left to ponder the questions: who is virtuous, who is villainous and who is holy in this story?
In collaboration with Gemco, Page to Page aims to bring classic plays such as Measure for Measure to young audiences by performing them in a contemporary way while entertaining, educating and challenging the youth of today.
Measure for Measure is at 8pm on 13 and 14 May at The Gem Community Arts Centre. For more information, visit gemcoplayers.org or phone 0411 723 530.
