Promo Video from Classic Theatre San Antonio: Cast Members Discuss Shakespeare's MEASURE FOR MEASURE (May 11 - 28, 2023)

(video via Classic Theatre)

 

Shakespeare's Measure for Measure is a timeless tale of morality, justice, and mercy. Set in Vienna, the play follows Duke Vincentio as he hands over his power to his deputy, Angelo. Angelo, known for his strict adherence to the law, decides to crack down on Vienna's debauchery by enforcing an old law that condemns premarital sex. The punishment? Death. But when Angelo condemns a young man named Claudio to death for impregnating his fiancé, Claudio's sister Isabella, a nun-to-be, pleads with Angelo for mercy. As their confrontation unfolds, the play delves into questions of power, morality, and the complexity of human nature.

Measure for Measure is a thought-provoking play that explores themes of bodily autonomy, justice, morality, and power, and promises to be a captivating theatrical experience for audiences of all ages. Directed by Liz Fisher, new to San Antonio audiences.

The Classic Theatre of San Antonio's production  features a talented cast and crew, including audience favorites Randee Nelson as Isabella and Mark McCarver as Duke Vincentio, along with several performers making their Classic Theatre debuts.

Mark McCarver discusses the relevance of the play. “It’s still such a strong cautionary tale against autocracy, and in a time where we are seeing broader moves being made towards censorship, loss of autonomy, and the blur between church and state, we need more art that asks why leaders make the choices they do.”

Randee Nelson adds, “I was surprised when first reading Measure for Measure just how relevant the story it is. By playing Isabella, I get to tell a story of a woman whose body is seen as a tool for men to assert their power and to use for their own gain. Four hundred years later, it certainly isn’t hard for women to connect with Isabella’s struggle. It’s important to keep telling these stories until, hopefully, one day they won’t be so relatable.”

Producing Artistic Director Jimmy Moore believes "Shakespeare's works are timeless and always relevant, and Measure for Measure is no exception. Our production promises to be a modern, thought-provoking, and entertaining evening of theater that will leave audiences talking long after the final curtain call."

 

The cast of Measure for Measure:

Mark McCarver as The Duke

Randee Nelson as Isabella

Michael Roberts as Lord Angelo

Katrin Blucker Ludwig as Provost

Blake Hamman as Lucio

John Boyd as Pompey

Chelsea Bumgarner as Escalus

Matthew Dominguez as Elbow and Barnardine

Michelle Bumgarner as Mistress Overdone and Francisca

Guy Martin as Claudio

Darby Williams as Mariana

Troy Daly as Friar Peter and Abhorson

Lucero Perez as Juliet

 

Measure for Measure is directed by Liz Fisher.

 

The performance space will feature an audiovisual art installation inspired by the production by local artist Mark Anthony Martinez.

 

 

 

 

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Measure for Measure
by William Shakespeare
Classic Theatre of San Antonio

May 11 - 18, 2023*

COMMUNITY NIGHTS

CHAMPAGNE OPENING
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Join us for Opening Night! Following the show, we’ll gather ’round for a champagne toast!

PRIDE NIGHT
Friday, May 12, 2023

FREE PERFORMANCES FOR STUDENTS SPONSORED BY H-E-B
Wednesday, May 17 & 24, 2023
To register for one of our free student performances, please call (210) 589-8450.

ASL NIGHT – Interpreters Provided
Sunday, May 21, 2023
ASL interpreters will be located near the stage for patrons who are deaf or hard of hearing, seated in an area of the theater that gives the best sight lines to follow the interpretation and the action on stage. To access reserved seating in view of the interpreters for a signed performance, call our Box Office at (210) 589-8450.